Arati Maleku, Co-Founder and President of Nepal Rising, is committed to fostering diaspora engagement and community resilience in Nepal. She is an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, where her research focuses on migration, social rights, and health equity. Her work examines structural determinants of immigrant well-being and develops community-driven interventions to promote social inclusion. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR)

For over 10 years, Paz Braga lived in Brazil, where she developed various projects across multiple fields.

In 2016, she returned to Lisbon, Portugal, where she currently lives and works on projects in architecture, rehabilitation, interior design, styling, and photography.

Her work reflects her commitment to sustainability and her desire to showcase local and Portuguese products and designers. She is always open to new partnerships, seamlessly combining aesthetics with functionality in her projects.

With a strong focus on the final user, she aims to meet their practical needs, lifestyle, and personal tastes, making each project unique and evident in every detail.

In addition to her work in Portugal and Brazil, she was also involved in post-earthquake reconstruction efforts in Nepal, collaborating on the design and construction of bamboo and brick prototype houses. This initiative not only provided immediate shelter but also introduced sustainable building techniques that empowered the local community to develop future housing independently.

Takehiko Suzuki is the founder of Takehiko Suzuki Architects. A graduate of The University of Tokyo, he previously worked at OMA Hong Kong/Rotterdam, contributing to major projects in China and Singapore. In response to the 2015 Nepal earthquake, he co-founded Architecture for the Masses, developing an innovative bamboo-framed rapid shelter to support affected communities. His work combines humanitarian design, sustainability, and architectural excellence, making him a valuable juror for this competition focused on Nepal. He is also a lecturer at Kokushikan University and has received multiple prestigious architecture awards.

Studio Berardi Miglio is a Zurich-based architecture firm founded in 2019 by Filippo Berardi and Lucia Miglio, both graduates of the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio. Their work blends conceptual clarity with a deep engagement in social and environmental contexts. This approach was evident in their School of Social Development in Nepal, designed for a remote village with limited resources. The project, built around a central open-air theater, reinterprets traditional village structures to create a community hub. Through projects like this, they explore how architecture can generate identity, foster interaction, and respond to real-world constraints.

João Boto, born in Portugal, moved to Oaxaca, Mexico, in 2009. He holds a PhD in Architecture and a Master’s in Sustainable Architecture. As the co-founder of ROOTSTUDIO and the Adobe for Women Association, his work focuses on socially responsible architecture, sustainability, and community-driven projects.

Through ROOTSTUDIO, João has developed numerous projects that blend traditional construction techniques with innovative design, emphasizing ecological responsibility and cultural relevance. His initiatives prioritize the use of local materials and participatory design to empower communities through architecture.

In June, following the devastating earthquake in Nepal, João was invited by Maria da Paz to design and build a prototype house in the region. Working alongside local residents and volunteers, he led the construction of bamboo and brick housing prototypes that provided immediate shelter while introducing resilient, low-cost construction techniques. This project laid the foundation for future self-sustaining developments, equipping the community with the knowledge and tools to build safer homes.

João’s work continues to bridge architecture and social impact, creating solutions that respect local heritage while fostering long-term sustainability.

Riha Sharma is a Nepalese Interior Architect and the Founder of Design Doctor, a leading creative design firm based in Kathmandu. A graduate of Assumption University, Bangkok, she brings over five years of expertise in crafting functional, aesthetically refined spaces that seamlessly blend innovation with practicality.

Riha also contributes to the Council for Technical Education and Vocational Training (CTEVT), where she plays a pivotal role in developing curriculum for furniture design. Her commitment to excellence and forward-thinking approach drive her mission to create environments that inspire, enhance, and elevate everyday experiences.