An independent, international panel of leading architects and design experts comes together in Budapest to evaluate Europe’s most compelling façades for the Baumit Life Challenge 2026. Building on the tradition of previous editions—where an international jury selected the winners—this board brings broad professional perspectives to ensure a fair, expert‑led selection.
Hungary
Zoltan Peter Molnar is a seasoned Hungarian architect with more than 30 years of experience spanning design, consulting, and expert review. A graduate of the Budapest University of Technology, he built his career on the conviction that architecture thrives at the intersection of engineering precision and creative vision. His work reflects a deep commitment to conscious planning, material understanding, and the continuous refinement of established architectural values. After 15 years in design and 12 years in consulting, he has spent recent years as an expert reviewer, championing thoughtful execution and lasting quality. In recognition of his contributions to the Hungarian construction industry, he received a commendation from the Minister of Innovation and Technology in 2020.
Jana Mastíková is a Czech architect whose career blends strong urban‑planning foundations with international experience. After studying architecture in Brno and completing a professional internship at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, she built her practice across several studios before joining Prague‑based LOXIA in 2014, where she now serves as chief architect and partner. Leading a 60‑member team, she champions architecture that merges bold creativity with functionality and precision. Her portfolio includes major civic and residential projects such as the New Town Hall in Prague 12, the Jammertal leisure complex, the Mydlinky kindergarten, and large‑scale developments like Suomi Hloubětín and Chateau Troja. Her work reflects a commitment to thoughtful urban development and refined architectural detail.
César Frías is an award‑winning Spanish architect and the CEO and Design Director of Morph Estudio, one of Spain’s most innovative multidisciplinary architecture firms. Under his leadership, Morph has grown to more than 160 professionals and has become a national benchmark in BIM technology, sustainability, and large‑scale urban projects. His portfolio includes landmark developments such as the Martiricos Towers in Málaga, Sunset Cliffs in Benidorm, and the acclaimed Bosque de Atocha, winner of the Outstanding Property Award London. Focused on bold, high‑rise and mixed‑use architecture, Frías is a leading voice in shaping contemporary urban design across Spain and beyond.
Andrija Rusan is a prominent Croatian architect, publisher, and curator whose career spans architectural practice, cultural production, and international exhibition work. Born in Zagreb and educated at the Faculty of Architecture there, he has led his own studio, Rusan’s Office, since 1986 while contributing significantly to architectural discourse. He participated in the IBA Berlin exhibition with Zagreb, Ah Zagreb and later co‑authored major curatorial projects such as Continuity of Modernity and the book Contemporary Croatian Architecture – Testing Reality. As publisher and editor of Oris magazine since 1998, he has twice received the Neven Šegvić Award, complementing earlier honors such as the Drago Galić Award and the Dedalo Minosse Prize. Alongside his publishing and curatorial work, Rusan has designed numerous interiors, residences, office buildings, and public facilities, with several projects featured in international architectural atlases and publications. His lectures and exhibitions continue to shape the architectural landscape both in Croatia and abroad.
Samuel Netočný is a Czech architect whose international studies in Brno, Brighton, and Vienna shaped a comprehensive approach to architecture—balancing technical precision, conceptual exploration, and broad social context. Together with colleague Vojtěch Jemelka, he developed a manifesto for localism under the KKKD label, researching vernacular forms and the functional logic of architecture without architects. His work embraces a pragmatic‑romantic perspective, valuing purposeful detailing, sensitive integration into the landscape, and knowledge passed down through generations. Netočný approaches each commission individually, prioritizing humility toward the site and creating architecture that complements its surroundings through clarity, logic, and restraint.
Lorenzo Gasperini is an Italian architect with over four decades of professional experience rooted in his native Trieste. A graduate of the University of Venice, he began his career in the early 1980s before founding Studio Gasperini in 1985, which has since grown into a multidisciplinary group active in architectural design, restoration, and general contracting. His work spans new constructions, historic‑building restorations, luxury interiors, commercial spaces, and large‑scale façade and energy‑efficiency projects across Trieste. Gasperini has also served his community through roles on multiple municipal building commissions and as Mayor of Muggia. Beyond architecture, he is active in cultural and sporting events, contributes to major city happenings like the Barcolana regatta, and pursues personal passions in art and long‑distance cycling. His extensive portfolio reflects a sustained commitment to quality, heritage, and civic engagement.
Bogdan‑Constantin Neagu is a Bucharest‑born architect with more than two decades of distinguished practice in Romanian architecture. A graduate of the “Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urbanism, he founded NBC ARHITECT in 2003, a studio later recognized among Romania’s top 50 architectural practices. Under his leadership, the firm has built a reputation for versatility and excellence, earning nominations across nearly all major annual and biennial architecture categories—from building design and rehabilitation to interior, object design, and urbanism. This broad recognition places NBC ARHITECT among the few Romanian firms with achievements spanning the full architectural spectrum, reflecting Neagu’s commitment to quality, innovation, and thoughtful design.
Polona Filipič Gorenšek is a Slovenian architect, educator, and co‑founder of Studio Stratum, where she has developed award‑winning architectural and urban planning projects recognized nationally and internationally. A graduate of the University of Ljubljana and the Berlage Institute in Rotterdam, she combines professional practice with a strong academic career as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture in Ljubljana. Her work focuses on sustainable urban and rural revitalization, spatial development, and architecture as infrastructure. Beyond teaching, she co‑founded the Center for Architecture Slovenia, curates exhibitions, publishes widely, and leads workshops at home and abroad. Actively engaged in professional bodies and municipal planning councils, she contributes to advancing architectural culture while also pursuing interests in sailing, cultural exploration, and creative collaboration.
Kurtul Erkmen is a distinguished Istanbul‑based architect with a career spanning over four decades across design, entrepreneurship, and architectural education. After studying architecture at the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts, he co‑founded TE Construction early in his career and later established KG Architecture in Bebek, where he continues to lead design work. His international footprint includes founding companies in Romania and Kazakhstan, alongside serving on the boards of cultural and industry institutions. Known for award‑winning competition entries and frequent jury and speaker engagements, Erkmen has also contributed significantly to academia as a lecturer at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. As the founding chairman of Aura Istanbul and a board member of the Istanbul Chamber of Free Architects, he remains a prominent advocate for architectural excellence and cultural advancement.
