NSW Regional
Architecture Awards
NSW Regional Architecture Awards
Celebrating design excellence
and its contribution to communities Across regional nsw
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The Institute’s Awards Program enables public and peer recognition of the innovative work of our members, and provides the Institute with a valuable mechanism to promote architects and architecture across Australia and internationally.
The NSW Regional Architecture Awards are the state’s first step on the National Awards pathway, providing a stage for the celebration of Architecture in the state’s regional communities. Open to projects located outside of Greater Sydney, the NSW Regional Architecture Awards recognise the specificities of the regions and the outstanding contribution of our members who live and work there.
The 2026 Regional Architecture Awards encompasses the programs previously known as the Newcastle Architecture Awards, and the Country Division Awards. They are an essential and much-celebrated part of the state’s architectural recognition program.
KEY DATES
Presentations to Jury
Presentations to Jury are being held this year in three locations to serve each division: Northern, Central and Southern. Each entrant has the opportunity to directly present their projects to the Jury. In the interest of equal access, all entrants are provided with the opportunity of presenting virtually if you aren’t able to present in-person.
See FAQs for more information.
Each division has a nominated hub from which the presentations will take place. The current schedule and locations are as follows:
• October 20th – Southern Division – Wollongong
• October 22nd – Northern Division – Byron Bay
• October 24th – Central Division – Newcastle
Presentations are open to the public and peers – we will be holding an Entrant Exhibition at each location too!
2026 JURY
Are you interested in serving as a juror in the 2026 NSW Regional Architecture Awards? The NSW Chapter is now accepting expressions of interest until Tuesday 12 August, 2025. Register your interest now!
Jury Class of 2026
Led by 2026 Jury Chair of Chairs – Bill Tsakalos
NATIONAL ENTRY CATEGORIES
New Boarding House, Yanco Agricultural High School, SINSW | ARM Architecture | Photographer: Jeremy Weihrauch
Flotilla x Vecina | Derive Architecture & Design | Photographer: Alex McIntyre
Murrook | Derive Architecture & Design with Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council | Photographer: Brett Boardman
Window, window, window | PANOV—SCOTT | Photographer: Hamish McIntosh
House in the Dry | MRTN Architects | Photographer: Anthony Basheer
Cedar on Collins | Kennedy Associates Architects | Photographer: Brett Boardman
Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Community Building | King and Campbell | Photographer: David Toobey
NSW REGIONAL PRIZES
Womens Trauma Recovery Centre Shellharbour | Edmiston Jones | Photographer: Louise Wellington
Judging Criteria
Judging will be based on the following National core criteria. These are addressed within the project description text provided as part of your entry:
- Conceptual framework: Underlying principles: Values; Core ideas; Philosophy.
- Public and Cultural Benefits: The amenity and concepts contributing to the public domain.
- Relationship of Built Form to Context: Concepts engaged with new and pre-existing conditions.
- Program Resolution: Functional performance assessed against the brief.
- Integration of Allied Disciplines: Contribution of others, including engineers, landscape architects, artists and other specialists to the outcome.
- Cost/Value Outcome: The effectiveness of decisions related to financial issues.
- Sustainability: The benefit to the environment through design.
- Response to Client and User Needs: Additional benefits interpreted from the brief, serving the client or users and the community.
For the NSW Regional Architecture Awards, the Jury will also pay special attention to the regional context and constraints of the entries.
About the NSW Regional Architecture Awards program
PARTNERS
The Regional Awards are an opportunity to connect with regional practice and support a program that promotes and celebrates the incredible work being done in our regions. Our partners are often active in the state’s regions, on the ground to facilitate better built environment outcomes and create solutions tailored to the contexts of remote and rural NSW. Partnership opportunities for the 2026 Regional Awards are now available.
Contact us for a media kit or for information on how to sponsor the awards.
GOLD PARTNER
Regional Event PARTNER
Contact us
NSW Chapter, Australian Institute of Architects
P: +61 (2) 9246 4055
E: nsw@architecture.com.au