JD Design Awards 2026 Marks a Successful Showcase of Creativity, Craft, and Design Innovation
9th June, 2026 – Goa witnessed an inspiring celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation at the JD Design Awards 2026, presented by the designers of JD School of Design and JD Institute, Goa, held at Panjim Gymkhana, Panaji, Goa, on 8th June, 2026. Bringing together emerging talent from interior design and fashion design, this year’s edition, themed around artisanal heritage and contemporary design, showcased how traditional crafts can be reimagined for the future.
The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, industry leaders, artisans, and design professionals. The Interior Design Showcase explored the relationship between space, materiality, and Indian craftsmanship through thoughtfully curated projects inspired by traditional crafts and sustainable practices. Designers presented innovative concepts ranging from artisan-led hospitality spaces to heritage-inspired residential and commercial interiors.
The event was made possible through the support of valued partners and collaborators. Interior Design showcase partners included Vantare Design, Medini, Pergola Design and Greenply Samet Pvt. Ltd. Fashion Show partners included The House of Samsara, Nirvana, Big Banyan Wines, Roulette Whisky, Orane International Goa, Niko Photoworld, and TheStyle.World.
The Interior Design Showcase highlighted projects inspired by traditional crafts and sustainable design practices. Award winners included Dimple Rajesh Ashodiya (Best Sustainable Artisan Collaboration), Pranita Dayanand Deshbhandari (Excellence in Material Craftsmanship), Anam Khan (Best Artisan-Led Design Intervention), Shreya Shashi Gaonkar (Craft-Driven Experiential Design), Vishwajeet Sakhalkar (Heritage Craft Reimagination), and Manasvi Rajendra Chipkar (Best Contemporary Craft Integration). Interior industry recognition awards were presented to architect Tallulah D’Silva and architect Gerard D’Cunha.
The Fashion Design Showcase, themed Artisan 2.0, celebrated craft-led contemporary fashion. Major award winners included Annaliz Florence Fernandes (Artisan 2.0 Grand Prix), Tanvi Narendra Kavalekar (Heritage Revival Award), Delancia Fernandes (Excellence in Surface Development Award), Sheena Myra Da Cunha (Sustainable Artisan Practice Award), Irisa Marialize Gomes (Best Material Exploration Award), Diane Cardoz (Best Prêt Interpretation of Craft Award), Syeira Kate Fernandes (Avant-Garde Craft Expression Award), Miloshka Mila Cardozo (Best Styling & Presentation Award), Keziah Vailannka Fernandes (Future of Craft Award), Vishakha Khanna (Jury’s Choice Award), and Shubhra Sarvesh Madkaikar (Loom Legacy Award).
Speaking at the event, Mr Nealesh Dalal, founder of JD School of Design and managing Trustee, JD Educational Trust, added, “Design education must empower young designers to look forward without losing sight of their roots. The projects and collections showcased at JD Design Awards 2026, Goa, demonstrate how craft traditions can inspire new ideas, new experiences, and meaningful solutions for the future.”
JD Design Awards 2026 reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing future-ready designers while celebrating the enduring relevance of traditional craftsmanship in contemporary design. The event concluded with a powerful reminder that innovation is at its strongest when rooted in culture, creativity, and collaboration.
