2026 Australian Urban Design Awards Winners Revealed

Today the winners of the 2026 Australian Urban Design Awards have been revealed showcasing the very best of urban design projects, leaders and initiatives that are improving the performance of our cities and the quality of life for communities.

The 12 winners from across the country set a new standard for intelligent urban design. They show how we can better shape our cities and produce better outcomes for communities, creating places that lift the human spirit, acknowledge the past, anticipate the future and enable a more sustainable existence.

Since 1996, the Australian Urban Design Awards have showcased the best building projects and initiatives that foster and sustain Australia’s urban communities and the most exceptional thinkers and activists in urban design and city building. Urban design prioritises the quality of the public realm and is essential to the social, economic and cultural health of our cities and towns.

The Australian Urban Design Awards are co-convened by the Planning Institute of Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects – the peak bodies for what constitutes good urban design. The Australian Urban Design Awards unite the expertise of these three prominent institutes to champion the most intelligent innovators in urban design occurring across the country. 

The intent and scope of the Australian Urban Design Awards is wide-ranging and attracts entries for initiatives, built projects, publications and individuals that are making a significant difference to the places, spaces, buildings and infrastructure of our cities and towns.

The 2026 Awards program attracted over 80 entries spanning the four categories newly established in 2025: Built Outcomes, Research & Advocacy, Strategic Design & Policy and Urban Design Champions which recognises exceptional individuals.

“Planning reform, housing supply and major transport projects have shaped our cities, and the Australian Urban Design Awards, in recent years. This year’s winners reflect a gentler approach to urban transformation: projects rooted in Indigenous and community leadership, ecological landscapes, and the creation of places for people to gather,” said Katherine Sundermann, Chair of the Steering Committee for the Australian Urban Design Awards. 

“These projects reinforce a simple idea: urban transformation works best when it involves diverse people, responds to the specifics of place, and improves places over time.”

 “I would like to thank our incredible jurors, including chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Urban Design, leading urban designers, government representatives and journalists, and the outgoing Steering Committee, whose work over the last three years has refreshed the Awards and returned them to their foundational purpose: promoting the value of urban design to professionals, decision-makers and the community alike.”

The Awards were announced on Tuesday 24 March at Parliament House in Canberra. The program convenors thank Principal Partner, Bondor Metecno, and supporting Partner Dulux for making this event possible.