DALLAS – Six members of the home furnishings industry have been selected to judge the 2026 ARTS Awards finalists. They will gather in Dallas for two days this fall to review each finalist’s submission ahead of the 36th ARTS Awards that will take place in January.
The 36th ARTS Awards judges are:
Michela O’Connor Abrams, Board Chair, Sustainable Furnishings Council and Sustainable Furnishings Educational Fund. Abrams exclusively serves as the Green Award judge and reviews only the manufacturing finalists’ submissions. She is the founder of MOCA+, which focuses on integrating design thinking and leadership into business strategy. Former CEO of Dwell Media, she grew the brand from a startup to an international name.
Anastasia Casey, founder, The Interior Collective, IDCO Studio, Kwin Made and Design Camp. Casey’s career centers on elevating designers through strategic branding, storytelling, and digital infrastructure. What began as a niche blog has grown into a multifaceted platform featuring a top-ranked podcast, editorial publication, luxury business retreats, and a leading creative agency.
Lorele Lesoing, founder, president and lead interior designer, Lee Douglas Interiors. Since launching in 1989, Lesoing has grown the company into one of the Midwest’s top design destinations, with three locations including a 30,000 sq. ft. flagship in Omaha. With over 35 years of experience, Lorele blends business acumen with creative vision to deliver timeless design and curated client experiences.
Kenneth Ludwig, interior designer & owner of Kenneth Ludwig Chicago. Ludwig has gained recognition for his distinctive and luxurious interior design style. Kenneth Ludwig Chicago offers a wide range of furniture, lighting, and home furnishings, catering to clients looking for upscale & unique pieces to enhance their living spaces. He is also a past ARTS Awards winner and current ART Board Member.
Susan Jones, group publisher, Home News Now Group. Susan Jones was most recently vice president of business development, Steinreich Communications Group and former publisher of Scranton-Gillette’s Furniture, Lighting & Decor magazine. Prior to her role at Steinreich Communications and Furniture, Lighting & Decor, which was acquired by Home Accents Today in late 2024, Jones held various sales roles at Furniture Today magazine, rising to the position of associate publisher.
Colleen Visage, COO, Alteck LLC. Throughout her career, Visage has focused on building strong customer relationships, driving collaborations, and fostering partnerships to deliver successful global product launches. Known for leading with integrity, mentoring teams, and nurturing creative talent, Colleen cultivates collaborative environments that drive innovation, elevate design excellence, and optimize sourcing and operational efficiency.
The judges will choose winners based on submissions, which may include examples of product development, marketing, merchandising, company differentiation, or professional information, consistent on their selected category. After the judges complete their process, a designated accounting firm will count and secure the scores until the winners are revealed at the ARTS Awards gala.
The 36th ARTS Awards finalists were announced last month and can be viewed here.
The gala will take place in Dallas on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Hilton Anatole Hotel. Reservations for the ARTS Awards open Oct. 2.
