Norco, CA, February 12, 2026 - The deadline to register for QCP's first-ever Ecological Design Challenge is fast approaching, and we're encouraging designers to think up the ultimate site furnishings with resilience in mind. Registration closes this Sunday, February 15, and submissions are due about two weeks later on Saturday, February 28. Ahead of these dates, we're sharing details about the industry experts in our judging panel.
Gulla Jónsdóttir is an Icelandic architect and designer known for a bold, sculptural approach to spatial design, defined by fluid curved forms and a strong connection to nature. Since founding her Los Angeles-based studio in 2009, she has led an international team delivering hospitality, residential, and wellness projects worldwide.
Her iconic style is marked by the creation of unique spatial experiences that harmoniously blend with nature and the surrounding environment, seamlessly integrating organic beauty with functional design. Her work unlocks a visual landscape that is both futuristic and a warm reflection of yesterday's vision of tomorrow.
Sebastian Felbeck is the Senior Construction Manager for the City of Santa Monica, responsible for managing and delivering a broad portfolio of capital improvement projects.
His career spans over 20 years in public works and complex institutional construction, including healthcare facilities, educational campuses, and civic infrastructure. Sebastian's work centers on bridging design, engineering, and construction teams to deliver resilient, sustainable public facilities that meet both community needs and long-term operational goals.
Steven Handel studies how to restore ecological function in urban habitats and integrate biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem services into landscape architecture. His work spans coastal, urban, and degraded lands, advancing ecological restoration through research, writing, and public projects.
Steven is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolution at Rutgers University and a former visiting professor at the GSD (2016-2020). He served 13 years as Editor of Ecological Restoration and is a Fellow of the Ecological Society of America and honorary member of ASLA. His honors include the Theodore Sperry Award and ASLA LaGasse Medal.
Rick Crook, QCP's Chief Executive Officer, has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Combining decades of leadership with a sharp eye for design, he's driven QCP's move toward more contemporary, artfully crafted standard and custom products.
Rick began working at QCP alongside his father, founder Fred Crook, in 1991. He quickly developed a passion for concrete and site furnishings, appreciating their ability to shape into virtually any form and their contribution to fostering community and connection.
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Wil Crook, QCP's Executive VP of Operations, has nearly eight years of experience in sales and business administration. He graduated from USC's Marshall School of Business, and earned his MBA from POLIMI Graduate School of Management.
Wil brings a passion for technology and new sustainable materials to QCP. His ongoing research explores ways to improve material efficiency, fabrication strategies, and sustainability to keep QCP at the forefront of the furniture and site amenity industry.
To register or submit your project, visit our Ecological Design Challenge page here for more details.
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