The 2026 Jury for the ACT Architecture Awards has been announced

Jury Chair, Alex Lawlor, Associate Principal & Studio Leader, Architectus

Alexandra brings over 30 years’ experience in architecture, urban design, strategic planning, development planning and portfolio management to her national and cross-sector leadership role at Architectus. 

With a diverse career that has seen her at the centre of some of the most innovative urban projects in Australia, Alex is Architectus’ Studio Leader for Canberra. Working with design teams, clients and communities, Alex encourages deep and broad dialogue about the future and how good design can prepare us for climate uncertainty, ongoing technological evolutions, and community building. Alex combines strong analytical and problem-solving skills with truly creative and lateral thinking to explore how we secure options for multiple possible futures. 

Alex is a committee member of NAWIC ACT, Social Sustainability Committee member of PCA ACT Chapter, and a director of TEN Women, a group of 10 senior women with a mandate to connect and empower women across the property industry. 

Edward Salib, Director, Studio.SC

Edward Salib is a Director at Studio.SC, with extensive experience delivering complex civic, cultural, and urban projects across Australia and internationally. His portfolio spans courthouse precincts, transport infrastructure, public memorials, mixed-use residential developments, and city-shaping masterplans, with a strong focus on architecture that contributes meaningfully to the public realm. 

Edward is recognised for his clarity of thought and collaborative leadership, guiding multidisciplinary teams through complex briefs, stakeholder environments, and approval processes to deliver architecture that is both rigorous and enduring. He holds a strong belief that the most successful projects extend beyond their immediate site, contributing to civic life, collective memory, and long-term identity. 

This approach is exemplified in his leadership of the award-winning New Entrance project at the Australian War Memorial, where he worked closely with government, community, and technical stakeholders to navigate significant cultural, ceremonial, and technical complexity. 

As a design leader, Edward is trusted for his ability to balance vision with delivery, fostering open dialogue, design rigour, and critical thinking across all project stages. He is committed to mentoring emerging designers while ensuring outcomes remain grounded, considered, and responsive to broader civic and community aspirations. 

Nathan Judd FRAIA, Director, JUDD.studio

Nathan Judd is an award-winning architect and Director of JUDD.studio. Since founding the practice in 2007, he has developed a reputation for design excellence and innovation, particularly within multi-residential, mixed-use, and bespoke private housing. His work is at the forefront of Canberra’s urban evolution, introducing pioneering typologies such as micro-unit and “cold shell” apartments. 

A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects, Nathan is deeply engaged in architectural advocacy and the local design community. He is a co-organizer of the Contemporary Australian Architects speaker series, now held annually at the National Film and Sound Archive. In 2020, he was the recipient of the ACT Chapter Architectural Professional Practitioner Award, and his recent book, A Canberra Architect, explores the work of eminent architect Roger Pegrum. 

Bringing a contemporary focus and a dedication to high-quality design, Nathan joins the 2026 jury to evaluate entries across categories including the Canberra Medallion and the Social Impact Prize. He remains committed to promoting the tangible value of architecture within the capital’s built environment. 

Vyasa McPherson, Architect, Façade Designer, Eifer

Vyasa McPherson is a Registered Architect whose career bridges architectural practice and construction across commercial, mixed-use, education and public projects. She has experience delivering projects from conceptual design through to construction, and contract administration, bringing a holistic understanding of how design intent is fully realised. 

Working at Eifer, Vyasa’s role diversifies from traditional practice by specialising in the design and delivery of high-performance façade systems, including significant projects such as the Central Energy Plant and the Bean Building Extension at the Australian War Memorial. Working within a subcontractor’s design team has strengthened her design sensibilities and quality assurance through Design and Construct delivery, through close collaboration with consultants and tradespeople, Vyasa extends architectural thinking through to manufacturing and fabrication. 

Vyasa is a current Co-Chair of EmAGN ACT, where she advocates for emerging practitioners and fosters greater connection across disciplines in the built environment. As an awards jury member, she brings a considered, collaborative lens that values design excellence, technical rigour, innovation, and social impact. 

Georgia Stynes

Georgia Stynes is the Presenter of ABC Canberra Drive program. Growing up in a family of surveyors, architects, and builders Georgia has a keen interest in good design and how it can help us live better lives. First moving to Canberra in 1993 to study journalism she has seen the growth and development of the region over three decades. She has worked for the ABC since 2008 in the Northern territory and Queensland before moving back to Canberra to raise her children. Each week on her program she talks to architects, designers, planners and policy makers about the opportunities and challenges in addressing the housing shortage and climate change