New South Wales
Awards & prizes Hub
2026 NSW ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
2026 NSW ARCHITECTURE AWARDS Events
NSW Winners
2026 Regional Winners
Regional Medallion
- First Steps Count Child and Community Centre | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd | Biripi
President’s Prize for Services to Regional Architecture
- Cobar Shire Council
Division Awards
- The David Boyle Award (Central Division) – Swansea Heads House | Anthrosite | the Bahtabah clan of the Awabakal people
- The James Barnet Award (North Division) – First Steps Count Child and Community Centre | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd | Biripi
- The Florence Mary Taylor Award (South Division) – St Joseph’s Primary School Adelong | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd | Wiradjuri People
Timber Award
- Surf Check | Incidental Architecture | Awabakal Country
People’s Choice Awards
- Central Division – Cowrie Hole | Curious Practice | Awabakal
- North Division – Small House Big Shelter | Ware Architects | Gumbaynggirr people of Gumbaynggirr Country
- South Division – The Silos Accommodation | Cooee Architecture | Wiradjuri
Commercial Architecture
- Named Award – 42 Honeysuckle Drive | Bates Smart | Awabakal and Worimi Country
- Commendation – Bega Council Depot | GHD Design | Yuin Nation
- Commendation – Surf Hotel Yamba | DKCarchitecture | Yaegl and Bundjalong
Educational Architecture
- Named Award – St Bede’s Catholic College | SHAC | Wonnarua
- Award – Cobar Early Learning Centre | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people
- Award – St Joseph’s Primary School Adelong | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd | Wiradjuri People
- Commendation – Lake Cathie Public School | SHAC | Birpai people
- Commendation – Newcastle Grammar School – Park Campus | SHAC | Awabakal & Worimi Peoples
Heritage
- Award – Old Bega Hospital | Design 5 – Architects | Djiringanj people of the Yuin Nation
- Commendation – Longfield | DFJ Architects | Arakwal people of the Bundjalung nation
Interior Architecture
- Named Award – Swansea Heads House | Anthrosite | the Bahtabah clan of the Awabakal people
Public Architecture
- Named Award – First Steps Count Child and Community Centre | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd | Biripi
- Award – Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
- Named Award – Zulaikha Laurence ‘Tree Change House’ | Studio ZAWA | Wodi Wodi
- Award – Fort House | Curious Practice | Awabakal
- Commendation – Carlton St Terrace | OVDA Studio | Awabakal people of the Awabakal Nation
- Commendation – Maryville Heirloom House | Anthrosite | the Pambalong clan of the Awabakal people
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
- Named Award – Swansea Heads House | Anthrosite | the Bahtabah clan of the Awabakal people
- Award – Gerroa House | Scale Architecture | Tharawal
- Award – Greybox | Welsh + Major | Dunghutti
- Award – Surf Check | Incidental Architecture | Awabakal Country
- Commendation – Coastal House | Walknorth Architects | Gumbaynggirr
- Commendation – Copper Ribbon House | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Yuin
- Commendation – Cowrie Hole | Curious Practice | Awabakal
- Commendation – House Kimberley | AO Design Studio | Gundungurra and Dharawal people
- Commendation – Myocum Ridge | DFJ Architects | Arakwal people of the Bundjalung nation
- Commendation – Terra Anima | Ian Sercombe Architect | Worimi
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
- Named Award – Goonellabah Houses | Pearson Architecture | Widjabul Wia-bal People of the Bundjalung Nation
- Commendation – Indigo | Design Workshop Australia | Dharawal People
Small Project Architecture
- Award – Blak Cede Gunyah | Papesch Architecture | Jerrinja, Wandi-Wandian, Wodi Wodi people of the 13 Clans
- Commendation – Gilay Estate | Cameron Anderson Architects | Gomeroi
- Commendation – The Silos Accommodation | Cooee Architecture | Wiradjuri
Sustainable Architecture
- Named Award – Gerroa House | Scale Architecture | Tharawal
- Award – First Steps Count Child and Community Centre | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd | Biripi
- Award – Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan
- Award – Surf Check | Incidental Architecture | Awabakal Country
- Commendation – J-Pod | Maxwell & Page Architects | Awabakel
- Commendation – Kavillo Studios | Cameron Anderson Architects | Wiradjuri
- Commendation – Sheep Chute House | LocalArchitect South Coast | Wodi-Wodi people of the Dharawal Nation
- Commendation – Terra Anima | Ian Sercombe Architect | Worimi
- Commendation – Zulaikha Laurence ‘Tree Change House’ | Studio ZAWA | Wodi Wodi
Urban Design
- Named Award – Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan
ENTRY FEES
| Chapter | Standard entry fee (ex gst) | A+ Membership Fee (10% discount) ex gst |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Regional | $350 | $315 |
| NSW | $700 | $630 |
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Entries for 2026 opened on Monday 17 November 2025.
To enter the Australian Institute of Architects Architecture Awards Program, an entrant must be a registered architect and Institute member. To be eligible to enter, entrants must meet the following three requirements:
1. Member Status
- be an architect registered in the State or Territory of the project or deemed to be registered in the State or Territory under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Cmwlth), and
- be an Institute Member at the time of entry, and
- be a principal of the practice who owns, or is a formal licensee, of the copyright in the work being entered.
2. Practical Completion
- The project must have reached practical completion by 31 December in the year proceeding the year of judging. (e.g. To be eligible for the 2024 National Architecture Awards, your project must have reached practical completion by 31 December 2023)
Projects must receive a PASS result in at least 2 out of the 6 sections (General, Projection of Land and Ecological Systems, Siting and Urban Design, Energy Efficiency and Consumption, Selection of Building Materials and Process & Social Issues) on the Sustainable Architecture checklist located at the beginning of the online entry form*. This does not guarantee consideration in the Sustainable Architecture category, you must opt in to do so via the online entry
form.*Entrants in the Small Project Architecture and Heritage categories are still required to complete the checklist to the best of their ability but are NOT required to meet the minimum 2 out of 6 result and are exempt from this requirement.
Watch this video to understand the changes made regarding the sustainability checklist.
ENTRY HANDBOOK
AWARDS AND PRIZES POLICY
Policy
Before submitting an entry into the Chapter Architecture Awards, please become familiar with the Awards, Prizes and Honours Policy.
Terms and conditions
Ensure you also read the Terms and Conditions before submitting an entry.
Consent forms
It is the entrant’s responsibility to ensure that the following Copyright Consent Forms are completed and signed. Entrants are required to submit these forms to the Institute as part of the online entry system.
2026 KEY DATES
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Entries Open | 17 November, 2025 |
| Entries Close | 12 February, 2026 |
| Jury Presentations | 23 March – 28 March, 2026 |
| Shortlist Announced | 11 May, 2026 |
| Jury Tour | 11 May - 15 May, 2026 |
| Regional Awards Night | 13 February, 2026 |
| NSW Awards Night | 2 July, 2026 |
NSW ARCHITECTURE PRIZES
Image: Sydney Metro City Stations | Sydney Metro | Photographer: Peter Bennetts
NSW MEDALLION
Image: First Building – Bradfield City Centre | Hassell | Photographer: Mark Syke
PREMIER'S PRIZE
Image: Rosebery Engine Yards | GroupGSA | Photographer: Tyrone Branigan
LORD MAYOR'S PRIZE
BLACKET PRIZE
Image: Cobar Ward Oval Pavilion | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Photographer: Katherine Lu
Image: North Head Viewing Platforms | CHROFI and Bangawarra with National Parks and Wildlife Service | Photographer: Clinton Weaver
EMERGING ARCHITECT PRIZE
STUDENT AWARDS
NSW Regional ARCHITECTURE PRIZES
Womens Trauma Recovery Centre Shellharbour | Edmiston Jones | Photographer: Louise Wellington
REGIONAL MEDALLION
PRESIDENT'S PRIZE FOR REGIONAL ARCHITECTURE
Dylan Wood
TIMBER PRIZE
Canopy House | Walknorth Architects | Photographer: Simon Whitbread
High Tide House | Ware Architects | Photographer: Rory Gardiner
JAMES BARNET AWARD
David Boyle Award
New Castle | ANTHONY ST JOHN PARSONS | Photographer: Benjamin Hosking
Florence Mary Taylor Award
Highlands House | Luke Moloney Architecture | Photographer: Tom Ferguson
2026 JURY
We are thrilled to officially announce the appointed Jury for the 2026 NSW Architecture Awards.
Our jurors contribute unique and varied expertise to the system of peer review, ensuring that innovation and quality remain at the heart of our industry. We thank all jurors for their commitment to the profession and all those who have entered for one of our biggest years yet. Celebrating the very best in Australian Architecture, these awards honour the complexities of Australian design within the challenges of today.
View Jury List
Chair of Juries
- Bill Tsakalos, Blacktown City Council
Commercial Architecture
- Daniel Bourke (Jury Chair), fjcstudio
- Amy Dowse, Tzannes
- Basil Richardson, Architectus
Enduring Architecture
- Brian Zulailkha (Jury Chair), Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
- Liam Fitzgerald, Architectus
- Jansen Che, Lippmann Partnership
- Barbara Flynn, Barbara Flynn Pty Ltd
Educational Architecture & Small Project Architecture
- Darlene van der Breggen (Jury Chair), van der Breggen Architecture and Urban Design
- Nick Gonsalves, Neeson Murcutt Neille
- Patrick Love, lahznimmo architects
- Martina Novakova Lam, Government Architect NSW
Heritage
- Kim Crestani (Jury Chair), Order Architects
- Melanie Schonfeld, Tanner Kibble Denton Architects
- Ryan Wazir, John McAslan and Partners
Interior Architecture
- Leone Lorrimer (Jury Chair)
- Tracey Wiles, Woods Bagot
- Tomek Archer, Archer Office
Public Architecture & Urban Design
- Matthew Pullinger (Jury Chair), Matthew Pullinger Architect
- Helen Lochhead, Helen Lochhead Urban Projects
- Matteo Salval, JPW
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)
- Stephen Varady (Jury Chair), Stephen Varady Architecture
- Lyndsey Fitz-Gerald, Potter & Wilson
- Lisa Gervay, Studio Prineas
- Penny Craswell
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
- Jason Fraser (Jury Chair), Woods Bagot
- Chi Melhem, EM BE CE
- Nazia Kachwalla, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
- Julie Power, The Sydney Morning Herald
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
- Kristin Utz (Jury Chair), Utz Sanby
- Kati Westlake, Sydney Metro (Transport for NSW)
- Chris Mullaney, Muci
Sustainable
- Isabelle Toland (Jury Chair), Aileen Sage
- Anna Harris, Tanner Kibble Denton Architects
- Jack Gillmer, SJB
- Lucy Rimmer, Government Architect NSW
Colorbond
- Thomas Rivard (Jury Chair), Lean Productions
- Annie Tennant, Placemaking NSW
- Gabrielle Suhr, SJB
EmAGN Project Award
- Bill Tsakalos (Jury Chair), Blacktown City Council
- Elizabeth Carpenter, fjcstudio
- Allen Huang, EmAGN Co-Chair, Sam Crawford Architects
- Milly Meares, EmAGN Co-Chair, Together Design Studio
2026 Regional JURY
We are excited to introduce your Jurors for the Regional Architecture Awards.
These awards recognise the specificities of the diverse regions in NSW and the outstanding contribution of our members who live and work there. Congratulations to all those selected, each juror contributes unique and varied experience to the collaborative process of peer review that Australia’s most esteemed architecture awards are known for.
In an annual celebration of regional architecture, the awards will bring everyone together for a night to remember. Winners will be announced during the 2026 NSW Regional Architecture Awards Gala, set to be held in Coffs Harbour in February 2026.
View Regional Jury List
Chair of Chairs
- Bill Tsakalos, Blacktown City Council
North Division
- David Brown, Wentworth Brown (Chair)
- Elise Honeyman, Abask Studio
- Mark Spence, Anthrosite
Central Division
- Jo Bastian, Bastian Architecture (Chair)
- Janine Campbell, Architect
- Luke Moloney, Luke Moloney Architecture
South Division
- Jacqueline Connor, SJB (Chair)
- Eleanor Peres, Sibling Architecture
- Luke Grey, MUUNMA Studio
Chair of Juries
- Bill Tsakalos, Blacktown City Council
Commercial Architecture
- Daniel Bourke (Jury Chair), fjcstudio
- Amy Dowse, Tzannes
- Basil Richardson, Architectus
Enduring Architecture
- Brian Zulailkha (Jury Chair), Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
- Liam Fitzgerald, Architectus
- Jansen Che, Lippmann Partnership
- Barbara Flynn, Barbara Flynn Pty Ltd
Educational Architecture & Small Project Architecture
- Darlene van der Breggen (Jury Chair), van der Breggen Architecture and Urban Design
- Nick Gonsalves, Neeson Murcutt Neille
- Patrick Love, lahznimmo architects
- Martina Novakova Lam, Government Architect NSW
Heritage
- Kim Crestani (Jury Chair), Order Architects
- Melanie Schonfeld, Tanner Kibble Denton Architects
- Ryan Wazir, John McAslan and Partners
Interior Architecture
- Leone Lorrimer (Jury Chair)
- Tracey Wiles, Woods Bagot
- Tomek Archer, Archer Office
Public Architecture & Urban Design
- Matthew Pullinger (Jury Chair), Matthew Pullinger Architect
- Helen Lochhead, Helen Lochhead Urban Projects
- Matteo Salval, JPW
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)
- Stephen Varady (Jury Chair), Stephen Varady Architecture
- Lyndsey Fitz-Gerald, Potter & Wilson
- Lisa Gervay, Studio Prineas
- Penny Craswell
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
- Jason Fraser (Jury Chair), Woods Bagot
- Chi Melhem, EM BE CE
- Nazia Kachwalla, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer
- Julie Power, The Sydney Morning Herald
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
- Kristin Utz (Jury Chair), Utz Sanby
- Kati Westlake, Sydney Metro (Transport for NSW)
- Chris Mullaney, Muci
Sustainable
- Isabelle Toland (Jury Chair), Aileen Sage
- Anna Harris, Tanner Kibble Denton Architects
- Jack Gillmer, SJB
- Lucy Rimmer, Government Architect NSW
Colorbond
- Thomas Rivard (Jury Chair), Lean Productions
- Annie Tennant, Placemaking NSW
- Gabrielle Suhr, SJB
EmAGN Project Award
- Bill Tsakalos (Jury Chair), Blacktown City Council
- Elizabeth Carpenter, fjcstudio
- Allen Huang, EmAGN Co-Chair, Sam Crawford Architects
- Milly Meares, EmAGN Co-Chair, Together Design Studio
Expressions of interest to join the 2026 NSW Architecture Awards Jury are open now!
Online Juror Applications close strictly at 11:59pm Thursday, 23 October 2025.
Architects on all juries must be Institute members (Member Level 1, Fellows, or Life Fellows). Non architects, including lay-jurors or expert advisors, are not required to be Institute members.
2026 Shortlist
New South Wales’ most outstanding new architecture has been revealed in the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2026 NSW Architecture Awards Shortlist.
Comprised of over 120 entrants, the shortlist represents the cutting edge in architectural innovation from the state’s sharpest design minds.
The shortlist for 2026 (detailed on the following pages of this media release) acts as a roadmap to the new building projects that are shaping NSW’s contemporary built environment. Attracting hundreds of entrants from the cities and regions, the NSW shortlist highlights the value of design-led thinking, ensuring good design principles are embedded in planning and delivery across 13 categories, including sustainability within the built environment, encompassing all aspects of residential, community and commercial building design.
2026 Jury Chair, Bill Tsakalos, explained the jury’s shortlisting process and focus for this year’s Awards.
“The Australian Institute of Architects New South Wales Architecture Awards are a vital glimpse into the future of our profession. They reveal how shifts in thinking, approach, and values are continually reshaping architecture, acting as a barometer for emerging priorities and recalibrating expectations of what design can achieve. The Awards influence practitioners, constructors, and clients alike, communicating evolving standards, aspirations, and responsibilities while reflecting contemporary concerns around culture, environmental stewardship, and changing ways of living,” said Tsakalos.
“Ambitious in scope, the program spans every scale—from a single-room addition to complex urban design—ensuring innovation is recognised in both modest and landmark projects. This breadth highlights the diversity of practice and a shared commitment to excellence.”
“Beyond recognition, the Awards foster dialogue, inspire innovation, and sustain the profession’s relevance, encouraging architects to challenge conventions and deliver thoughtful, enduring, and meaningful outcomes.”
Each year, the projects in the NSW Architecture Awards shortlist are selected by an esteemed panel of industry experts and leaders. A comprehensive judging process by the jury determines the eventual winners of the Awards, which will be announced on 2 July 2026.
Shortlist
COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture
- Baaka Culture Centre | Kaunitz Yeung Architecture
- Casa Dos | Lippmann Partnership
- Galuwa Recreation Centre | AJC Architects
- Greybox | Welsh + Major
- Gunnedah Hospital Redevelopment | ARCH
- House Gretchen | Lintel Studio for Architecture
- Lune de Sang Sheds 3 & 4 | Choi Studio
- Mark Taylor Oval Pavilion | Archer Office
- Putty Passiv | Anderson Architecture
- Willowdale Sports Pavilion | Sam Crawford Architects with Lymesmith
Commercial Architecture
- 15 Khartoum Rd, MPark | Choi Studio
- 25hours Hotel The Olympia | Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects
- 33 Alfred Street | JPW
- 42 Honeysuckle Drive | Bates Smart
- Baaka Culture Centre | Kaunitz Yeung Architecture
- lyf Bondi Junction | Bates Smart
- New Sydney Fish Market | 3XN in association with BVN and ASPECT Studios
- Parkline Place | Foster + Partners with COX Architecture
- Surry Hills Village | SJB and Studio Prineas
- The Lands by Capella | Hassell in collaboration with Purcell Architecture
Educational Architecture
- Eungai Creek Campus | AJC Architects
- Green Square Public School and Community Spaces | BVN
- Macquarie University – Engineering Innovation Building | Woods Bagot
- Oakhill College Hilltop Precinct (Commons & Innovation Hub) | BVN
- St Bede’s Catholic College | SHAC
- UNSW Health Translation Hub | Architectus
EmAGN Project Award
- Alcheringa | Ironbark Architecture
- Clay House | Muci
- Pier Pavilion | Besley & Spresser
- Sapling | Anderson Architecture
- Tree House | ASA (Alexander Symes Architect)
Heritage
- 33 Alfred Street | JPW
- Entertainment Hall White Bay | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design with Placemaking NSW
- GSDA Dwelling No.1 Recovery | Hector Abrahams Architects
- Old Bega Hospital | Design 5 – Architects
- Sydney Harbour Bridge Northern Access Cycleway | Collins and Turner with Design 5 architects, Aspect Studios, Eckersley O’Callaghan
- The Lands by Capella | Hassell in collaboration with Purcell Architecture
Interior Architecture
- Brise Soleil | Carter Williamson Architects
- CBRE Sydney | Bates Smart
- GPT HQ | BVN
- State Library NSW Public Areas | Andrew Andersons and Cullen Feng
- Surrey 112 | Smart Design Studio
- Swansea Heads House | Anthrosite
- The Corner Shop House | Downie North
- The Lands by Capella | Hassell in collaboration with Purcell Architecture
- Wollemi Capital | Ciliberto Architects
Public Architecture
- Campbelltown Station Commuter Car Park | Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
- Central Station | Woods Bagot in collaboration with John McAslan + Partners
- Crows Nest Metro Station | Woods Bagot
- First Steps Count Child and Community Centre | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd
- Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design
- Mark Taylor Oval Pavilion | Archer Office
- New Sydney Fish Market | 3XN in association with BVN and ASPECT Studios
- Pier Pavilion | Besley & Spresser
- Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport | COX Architecture, Zaha Hadid Architects and Woods Bagot
- Willowdale Sports Pavilion | Sam Crawford Architects with Lymesmith
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)
- Clay House | Muci
- Darlinghurst House | Anthony Gill Architects
- Denj Lane | Carter Williamson Architects
- Fort House | Curious Practice
- House Gretchen | Lintel Studio for Architecture
- House in Rosebery | Architect George
- Kyoto House | Breakspear Architects
- Lilyfield House | Tribe Studio
- Playhouse | Carter Williamson Architects
- Rainbow House | Virginia Kerridge Architect
- Rows End | Retallack Thompson
- Surrey 112 | Smart Design Studio
- The Corner Shop House | Downie North
- Tree House | ASA (Alexander Symes Architect)
- Wilsons Cottage | Casey Brown Architecture
- Zulaikha Laurence ‘Tree Change House’ | Studio ZAWA
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
- Coogee House III | Tribe Studio
- Cowrie Hole | Curious Practice
- EA House | Bokey Grant
- Enclave House | Bohane Campo
- Exeter House | Luke Moloney Architecture
- Garden Courtyard House | Grove Architects
- Gerroa House | Scale Architecture
- Gingkin | Incidental Architecture
- Holocene House | CplusC Architects + Builders
- House of shadows | Atelier Marks Gaal
- Norton Street | Plus Minus Design
- OK House | Stephen Collier Architect
- Queenscliff House | Chenchow Little
- Saddleback Mountain House | Casey Brown Architecture
- Sapling | Anderson Architecture
- Swansea Heads House | Anthrosite
- Swirling Waters | Peter Stutchbury Architecture
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
- Boronia | Turner
- Cowper Street Housing | JPW
- Crossroads | Mackenize Pronk Architects and Make Projects
- Egan Street 2020 | Kieran McInerney Architect
- Goonellabah Houses | Pearson Architecture
- Habilis | Collins and Turner
- Lacebark | Smart Design Studio
- Newmarket South | Bates Smart, SJB + Neeson Murcutt Neille
- Norton Street | Plus Minus Design
- Surry Hills Village | SJB
- The Cambridge | Architectus
- Waterloo Metro Quarter – Social Housing | Bates Smart
Small Project Architecture
- Broken Workshop | Atelier Luke
- Carpe Diem Pavilion | Collins and Turner
- Gladstone Park Amenities | Benn + Penna Architects
- Magenta Outhouse | Atelier Marks Gaal
- Optus O Pavilion | Architectus
- Permanent Camping Orange | Casey Brown Architecture
- Perry Park Pavilion | Scale Architecture
- The Southern Lookout | AJC Architects
Sustainable Architecture
- 33 Alfred Street | JPW
- Campbelltown Station Commuter Car Park | Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects
- Cowper Street Housing | JPW
- Crossroads | Mackenize Pronk Architects and Make Projects
- Eungai Creek Campus | AJC Architects
- Field Rooms | MAPA Art and Architecture
- First Steps Count Child and Community Centre | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd
- Gerroa House | Scale Architecture
- Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design
- Gingkin | Incidental Architecture
- Greybox | Welsh + Major
- Sapling | Anderson Architecture
- Tree House | ASA (Alexander Symes Architect)
- Zulaikha Laurence ‘Tree Change House’ | Studio ZAWA
Urban Design
- Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design
- New Sydney Fish Market | 3XN in association with BVN and ASPECT Studios
- Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 | COX Architecture
- Surry Hills Village | SJB, Studio Prineas and Aspect Studios
- Sydney Harbour Bridge Northern Access Cycleway | Collins and Turner with Aspect Studios, Eckersley O’Callaghan and Design 5
2026 Regional Shortlist
This year’s Regional Shortlist is a showcase of an incredible array of architecture from across Regional NSW.
The selection of projects highlights the breadth and depth of design excellence thriving beyond Greater Sydney, redefining what it means to design for place, people, and the future.
NSW Chapter President, Elizabeth Carpenter, commented on the outstanding calibre of this year’s regional entries. “What we are seeing across Regional NSW is a real depth of creativity and technical skill, matched with an extraordinary sensitivity to context, landscapes, and communities.”
“The work being done outside our cities is vital to the story of architecture in Australia. It’s so inspiring to see how architects across the state are leading with purpose and imagination.”
Following insightful presentations held recently in Byron Bay, Newcastle, and Wollongong, South Division Jury Chair, Jacqueline Connor, said “it was a fantastic week hearing from our peers about their work – each project a demonstration of innovation, creativity, and unique responses to context.”
“We saw some wonderful exemplars of what can be achieved in our regions when design is deeply connected to place.”
The Jury have carefully curated this shortlist, which will now proceed to the crucial stage of site visits.
North Division Jury Chair, David Brown, stated that they are “looking forward to visiting the shortlisted projects, which ranged from joyful demonstrations of architect and trade collaborations, serious explorations of sustainable living, and buildings with potential to become the hearts of the local community.”
Juries will be visiting each shortlisted project during site visits in the first week of December to ensure a deeper understanding of the projects’ impact and execution.
Central Division Jury Chair, Jo Bastian is excited to head out in early December to see the shortlisted projects, “the Central Jury was honoured to have projects of all sizes, typologies and locations presented to them over a day of presentations held at the City of Newcastle Council chambers. The quality of work was impressive as was the enthusiasm and care the architects had for these projects, ranging from micro buildings built by a team of neighbours to large education projects developed over almost a decade.”
The diverse categories celebrated in the awards include Commercial Architecture, Educational Architecture, Heritage, Interior Architecture, Public Architecture, Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions), Residential Architecture – Houses (New), Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing, Small Project Architecture, Sustainable Architecture, and Urban Design.
Additional honours being presented this year include Regional Medallion, President Prize for Regional Architecture, Timber Prize, North Division Award, Central Division Award, and South Division Award.
A rigorous judging process was undertaken by three Juries composed of esteemed peers.
Regional Shortlist
Commercial Architecture
- 42 Honeysuckle Drive | Bates Smart | Awabakal and Worimi Country | Central Division
- Bega Council Depot | GHD Design | Yuin Nations | Southern Division
- Kavillo Studios | Cameron Anderson Architects | Wiradjuri | Northern Division
- Surf Hotel Yamba | DKCarchitecture | Yaegl and Bundjalong | Northern Division
Educational Architecture
- Cobar Early Learning Centre | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people | Northern Division
- Lake Cathie Public School | SHAC | Birpai people | Northern Division
- Newcastle Grammar School – Park Campus | SHAC | Awabakal & Worimi Peoples | Central Division
- St Bede’s Catholic College | SHAC | Wonnarua | Central Division
- St Joseph’s Primary School Adelong | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd | Wiradjuri People | Southern Division
Heritage
- Longfield | DFJ Architects | Arakwal people of the Bundjalung nation | Northern Division
- Old Bega Hospital | Design 5 – Architects | Djiringanj people of the Yuin Nation | Southern Division
Interior Architecture
- J-Pod | Maxwell & Page Architects | Awabakel | Central Division
- Swansea Heads House | Anthrosite | the Bahtabah clan of the Awabakal people | Central Division
Public Architecture
- First Steps Count Child and Community Centre | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd | Biripi | Northern Division
- Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan | Northern Division
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)
- Carlton St Terrace | OVDA Studio | Awabakal people of the Awabakal Nation | Central Division
- Fort House | Curious Practice | Awabakal | Central Division
- Longfield | DFJ Architects | Arakwal people of the Bundjalung nation | Northern Division
- Maryville Heirloom House | Anthrosite | the Pambalong clan of the Awabakal people | Central Division
- Zulaikha Laurence ‘Tree Change House’ | Studio ZAWA | Wodi Wodi | Southern Division
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
- Avoca Beach House | Dianna Thomas architect | Darkinjung | Central Division
- Coastal House | Walknorth Architects | Gumbaynggirr | Northern Division
- Copper Ribbon House | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Yuin | Southern Division
- Cowrie Hole | Curious Practice | Awabakal | Central Division
- Depot@Boomerang Beach | Marra + Yeh Architects | Worimi Country | Northern Division
- Gerroa House | Scale Architecture | Tharawal | Southern Division
- Greybox | Welsh + Major | Dunghutti | Northern Division
- House Kimberley | AO Design Studio | Gundungurra and Dharawal people | Southern Division
- Ironbark House | Klaus Carson Studio | Yuin | Southern Division
- Mango Lane | DFJ Architects | Arakwal people of the Bundjalung nation | Northern Division
- Merewether Gully House | Anthrosite | the Pambalong clan of the Awabakal people | Central Division
- Myocum Ridge | DFJ Architects | Arakwal people of the Bundjalung nation | Northern Division
- Small House Big Shelter | Ware Architects | Gumbaynggirr people of Gumbaynggirr Country | Northern Division
- Surf Check | Incidental Architecture | Awabakal Country | Central Division
- Swansea Heads House | Anthrosite | the Bahtabah clan of the Awabakal people | Central Division
- Terra Anima | Ian Sercombe Architect | Worimi | Northern Division
- The Saddle House | Dylan Wood with Austin McFarland Pty Ltd | Worimi people | Northern Division
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
- Goonellabah Houses | Pearson Architecture | Widjabul Wia-bal People of the Bundjalung Nation | Northern Division
- Indigo | Design Workshop Australia | Dharawal People | Southern Division
- Verda | Morriarchi Architecture | Yaegl People | Northern Division
Small Project Architecture
- Blak Cede Gunyah | Papesch Architecture | Jerrinja, Wandi-Wandian, Wodi Wodi people of the 13 Clans | Southern Division
- Gilay Estate | Cameron Anderson Architects | Gomeroi | Northern Division
- Manning Gallery Amenities | Ode Architecture | Biripi | Northern Division
- Mary Mother of Hope Oratory | SHAC | Wonnarua | Central Division
- The Silos Accommodation | Cooee Architecture | Wiradjuri | Southern Division
Sustainable Architecture
- Bega Council Depot | GHD Design | Yuin Nations | Southern Division
- Coastal House | Walknorth Architects | Gumbaynggirr | Northern Division
- Cobar Early Learning Centre | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan people | Northern Division
- Copper Ribbon House | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Yuin | Southern Division
- Depot@Boomerang Beach | Marra + Yeh Architects | Worimi Country | Northern Division
- First Steps Count Child and Community Centre | Austin McFarland Pty Ltd | Biripi | Northern Division
- Gallery House | Villar Architect | Gundungurra and Dharug peoples of the Ngurra nation | Southern Division
- Gerroa House | Scale Architecture | Tharawal | Southern Division
- Gilay Estate | Cameron Anderson Architects | Gomeroi | Northern Division
- Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan | Northern Division
- J-Pod | Maxwell & Page Architects | Awabakel | Central Division
- Kavillo Studios | Cameron Anderson Architects | Wiradjuri | Northern Division
- Lake Cathie Public School | SHAC | Birpai people | Northern Division
- Mango Lane | DFJ Architects | Arakwal people of the Bundjalung nation | Northern Division
- Sheep Chute House | LocalArchitect South Coast | Wodi-Wodi people of the Dharawal Nation | Southern Division
- Surf Check | Incidental Architecture | Awabakal Country | Central Division
- Terra Anima | Ian Sercombe Architect | Worimi | Northern Division
- The Silos Accommodation | Cooee Architecture | Wiradjuri | Southern Division
- UoN Health Education Research Building | EJE Architecture | The Awabakal people of the Awabakal Nation | Central Division
- Zulaikha Laurence ‘Tree Change House’ | Studio ZAWA | Wodi Wodi | Southern Division
Urban Design
- East End | CKDS Architecture | Awabakal | Central Division
- Gilgandra Library + Community Hub | DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design | Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi & Wailwan | Northern Division
NEWS
CONTACT US
NSW Chapter, Australian Institute of Architects
P: +61 (2) 9246 4055
E: nsw@architecture.com.au