This is the second year for this relatively new award recognizing inspiring work in the pursuit of equality and equity in architecture. The jury panel was unanimous in awarding the clever and imaginative architectural design outcomes for and with grass roots Indigenous communities and Indigenous makers. The projects contribute to cross-cultural shared learnings that not only meet the aspirations of Indigenous communities, but equally achieve ambitious designs despite the limitations of tight government funding.

Kaunitz Yeung is a small practice with a growing body of projects across vastly different Indigenous communities from red earth deserts to tropical coastal sea islands. Projects spread from Wiradjuri country, (Orange, NSW), to Punmu, Parnngurr, Jigalong and Kunawarritji on Martu country, (Pilbara region -Western desert, WA) and across to Pirlangimpi, (Melville Island in the Tiwi Islands off Darwin, NT). In remote to extremely remote locations, limited budgets can often result in architecture lacking imagination, invention and comprehensive consultation. This is not the case with this practice which has developed a remote building type and dialogue inviting Indigenous artists to create culturally expressive designs. These then become critical elements interwoven into the building’s architectural and cultural identity.

Kaunitz has elsewhere described the substance of the practice’s work is dependent on “….a lot of time in the community not making assumptions, listening to local people and repeating the process, providing forums and both formal and informal opportunities for every voice to be heard.” Of particular note with this recognition and award, inspiring architecture is achievable through in-depth consultation while simultaneously pursuing meaningful outcomes.