The JD Design Awards 2026 brought together emerging designers, industry professionals, artisans and guests at Panjim Gymkhana on June 8, with students from JD School of Design and JD Institute, Goa presenting projects inspired by traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
The event featured separate showcases for interior design and fashion design, with this year’s presentations focusing on the relationship between artisanal heritage, sustainability and modern design applications.
The Interior Design Showcase explored how traditional Indian crafts can be integrated into contemporary spaces through residential, commercial and hospitality concepts. The projects examined material use, sustainability and artisan-led design approaches.
Among the award recipients in the interior design category were Dimple Rajesh Ashodiya, who received the Best Sustainable Artisan Collaboration award; Pranita Dayanand Deshbhandari for Excellence in Material Craftsmanship; Anam Khan for Best Artisan-Led Design Intervention; Shreya Shashi Gaonkar for Craft-Driven Experiential Design; Vishwajeet Sakhalkar for Heritage Craft Reimagination; and Manasvi Rajendra Chipkar for Best Contemporary Craft Integration.
Industry recognition awards in the interior design segment were presented to architects Tallulah D’Silva and Gerard D’Cunha for their contributions to architecture and design.
The Fashion Design Showcase, titled “Artisan 2.0”, focused on the use of traditional craft techniques in contemporary fashion. Designers presented collections that combined heritage influences with modern styling and material experimentation.
© JD DesignAnnaliz Florence Fernandes won the Artisan 2.0 Grand Prix, while Tanvi Narendra Kavalekar received the Heritage Revival Award. Other winners included 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, Nealesh Dalal, founder of JD School of Design and managing trustee of JD Educational Trust, said: “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.”
The event concluded with presentations from both design disciplines, highlighting the continued influence of traditional craftsmanship on contemporary design practices and creative education.
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