NSW Architecture Prizes
Our NSW Architecture Prizes page has moved – head to the NSW Chapter page of the Australian Institute of Architects for all NSW-based prizes here. For historical information and to find out more about the past winners, please follow links below on this page.
The NSW Chapter Prizes recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals and practices. Our prizes and honours celebrate a diverse array of architectural work, encompassing culture and literature, excellence in practice, emerging perspectives on design in the public realm, distinctive bodies of work by female architects, projects and practices driven to advance the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people, and recognition of individuals’ contributions to the profession.
2020 NSW Architecture Prizes
Winners Announced
The Brian Patrick Keirnan Prize for Students of Architecture in NSW
‘Brian was a modern renaissance figure with a scholastic appreciation of art and form – all self-taught. He could walk into a space and almost immediately reimagine it’, former Prime Minister Paul Keating.
The Brian Patrick Keirnan Prize is open to students of architecture and is based on the theme of ‘Reimagining, Reinventing and Reinterpreting Public Space’. The prize is for overseas travel and research and / or overseas study to enrich professional development. Brian was a Sydney based designer who passed away in 2018. Submissions are closed.
2021 NSW Enduring Architecture
Open to buildings of at least 25 years of age, the Enduring Architecture Award recognises achievement for the design of buildings of outstanding merit, which remain important as high quality works of architecture when considered in a contemporary context. Nominations are welcome from Institute members, non-members and non-architects, but must provide adequate content for consideration by the jury.
Submissions close Friday 9 April 2021
Previous Winners
The Reconciliation Prize
The Reconciliation Prize seeks to recognise architecture and professional practice in NSW which advances the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people.
Best in Practice Prize
The Best in Practice Prize recognises excellence in practice, with a focus on the development of supportive and inclusive workplaces and contributing to the overall success and elevation of a positive workplace culture in Architecture.
Christopher Procter Prize
This prize is named in memory of the architect and urban designer Christopher Procter. It provides an emerging architect, who has demonstrated a commitment and passion for the design of cities, with the opportunity for research based travel or study to enrich their professional development.
Marion Mahony Griffin Prize
Named for the pioneering woman architect, Marion Mahony Griffin, this prize was established to acknowledge a female in the field of architecture for a distinctive body of work, be it for their contribution to: architectural education; journalism; research; theory; professional practice; or built architectural work.
Adrian Ashton Prize for Architectural Culture & Literature
Adrian Ashton Prize is awarded to an outstanding piece of architectural reporting and criticism. Open to journalists, editors, authors, producers and others reporting on architecture and design in NSW, the prize recognises quality communication, public engagement and high-quality debate.
David Lindner Prize
This prize is named in memory of the architect David Lindner who disappeared whilst travelling in Iran in 1993. Initiated by David Lindner’s family as a means to honour his memory, this prize aims to inspire graduates and emerging architects to engage in important and challenging design issues involving the public realm through a funded body of research.
NSW President’s Prize
This prize is awarded at the discretion of the NSW Chapter President and is given to an individual who has made a substantial contribution to the profession of architecture.
PRIZES SELECTED FROM THE NSW ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
The following Prizes are selected from all eligible entrants to the main NSW Architecture Awards program, and no separate entry or nomination is required.
NSW Architecture Medallion
The highest honour awarded by the NSW Chapter. The NSW Architecture Medallion is selected by the Jury Chairs from the field of Named Award winners across all categories.
2020 – Phoenix Central Park | Durbach Block Jaggers with John Wardle Architects
2019 – Maitland Riverlink | CHROFI with McGregor Coxall
2018 – Joynton Avenue Creative Precinct by Peter Stutchbury Architecture in association with Design 5 – Architects for City of Sydney
City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize for Design Excellence
The City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize is awarded to a project that improves the quality of the public domain through architectural or urban design excellence. The project is to be located within the City of Sydney local government area, and may be for or include public art. The project team should include a member of the Australian Institute of Architects. A shortlist is to be compiled from entrants in the NSW Architecture Awards by the City of Sydney Council’s Director of City Planning, Development and Transport. Eligible entries can be from all categories, except single residential dwelling houses and residential alterations and additions. The Lord Mayor selects the winner from the shortlist.
Blacket Prize
Established 1984 Awarded to a project situated in country New South Wales that promotes design excellence in a regional context. This Prize was named for the 19 century architect Edmund Blacket whose picturesque Gothic Revival style churches can still be found in many country towns.
This regional prize is awarded to a project situated in the area encompassed by the Newcastle & Country Divisions. It is judged by Jury Chairs in consultation with Country and Newcastle Division Committees.
NSW Premier’s Prize This prize is awarded by the NSW Premier from a shortlist of projects selected by the NSW Government Architect which are of benefit to the people of NSW – whether they be educational, cultural, transport or accommodation facilities.
NATIONAL PRIZE
Emerging Architect Prize
The Emerging Architect Prize recognises an emerging architect or architectural collaboration’s contribution to architectural practice, education, design excellence and community involvement that advances the profession’s standing in the public arena.
Nominees can either put themselves forward with a self-nomination, or can be a nomination made by a member of the Australian Institute of Architects. Nominated candidates will be invited to continue with the submission. Should they wish to accept the nomination, the nominee will be asked to submit the entry material listed on this webpage via the online entry system. Winners at a Chapter level proceed to be considered for the National Emerging Architects Prize.
