The 2025 NSW Architecture awards Shortlist will be revealed Monday, 12 May, with some beautiful local buildings and great local Architects among those nominated (we’ve had a sneak peek).
You can view all 2025 entrants via the Institute’s 2025 Architecture Awards Gallery.
Among the local NSW nominations is Surfside House – a symphony of pavilions embracing sky, land, ocean and views in south Avalon Beach that embeds this home in the landscape – that’s among the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Category nominations.
Project Practice Team
- Richard Cole, Design Architect
- Karla Wilford, Project Architect
- Project Consultant and Construction Team
- PMI Engineers, Structural Engineer
- Volker Klemm, Landscape Consultant
- Barrenjoey Consulting Engineers, Hydraulic Consultant
Another, this time in the Urban Design category, is the urban renewal of the Torpedo Factory Precinct.
Project Practice Team
- John Guida RAIA, Design Architect
- Harold Guida LFRAIA AIA, Design Architect
- Andrew Donnelly, Project Architect
- Jojemar Manalo, Graduate of Architecture
- Jon Harriman, Graduate of Architecture
- Sally Taylor, Student of Architecture
The summary states:
The urban renewal of the Torpedo Factory Precinct has provided increased public benefit, visitor access and site interpretation to the former HMAS Platypus submarine base at Neutral Bay, Sydney. The project involved partial demolition of a factory built for the manufacture of torpedoes during World War II. The retained building elements, interwoven with new landscaped spaces and urban design, establishes a public domain characterised by distinctive industrial building materials and forms integrated with new planter beds, seating, shade structures, indigenous artwork and a historical interpretive display drawing on the site’s long and rich history.
Torpedo Factory Precinct Urban Renewal | Guida Moseley Brown Architects | Photographer: Thurston Empson
Nominated in both the Public Architecture and Sustainable Architecture categories is Central Station, Sydney by Woods Bagot with John McAslan + Partners.
The summary states;
Servicing 96 percent of Sydney’s train services, Central Station forms the backbone of the entire rail network. The introduction of the new metro station has added an average of 24,400 passenger boardings on a typical weekday to existing customer numbers. The metro interchange required the design of spatially and structurally efficient operational segments, and sophisticated, multilevel passenger flow strategies. Designed with the future in mind, the station serves additional placemaking and regeneration outcomes. The project includes a dramatic new main entrance sequence for the imposing early 20th century edifice and incorporates a distinctive 50m-span vaulted roof. The bold architecture of the original structure dovetails with equally bold, 21st century interventions giving the station an entirely new functional and experiential vibe, accommodating up to 450,000 passengers a day. The Clock Tower, the original canopied concourse, and the Edwardian architecture remain iconic, while the new contemporary interventions elevate the station’s historic status.
Central Station. Photographer: Trevor Mein
More on the 2025 shortlist, once they are officially announced, but you can see there’s a lot to be excited about in what’s being designed and built in NSW.
Site visits will take place from Monday 12 May 2025 - Friday 16 May 2025. The NSW Winners will be announced Friday, 20 June 2025 at the annual Gala.
However, also of note and announced a few days ago is the Australian Institute of Architects 2025 National Prize winners, a new President, and an upcoming symposium this Spring – the Inaugural Murcutt Symposium.
On Monday May 5th 2025 the Australian Institute of Architects announced Adam Haddow has been appointed as the Institute’s National President and David Wagner announced as National President Elect
National President Adam Haddow
'Adam’s tenure will begin at the conclusion of the 2025 Annual General Meeting. The Institute also wishes to thank Jane Cassidy for her tenure as National President and welcomes her to the position of Immediate Past President.'
“I am both honoured and excited to be stepping into the role of National President of the Australian Institute of Architects. This is a crucial time for our country and industry. Sustainability is the greatest challenge of our lives, housing affordability the greatest of our generation.” Mr Haddow stated
“Firstly, I must congratulate our outgoing National President Jane Cassidy on her phenomenal work. Of particular note I want to point out Jane’s advocacy that led to all State and Territory housing ministers agreeing on mandatory and aligned carbon reporting, her leadership in collaboration with the CEO to structurally realign the business of the Institute to ensure we are equipped for the next 50 years, and her leadership in appointing the first all First Nations curators to represent Australia at this year’s Architectural Venice Biennale.”
“Being National President is like participating in one long running relay, but without a first or last runner. Our role is to pick up where the last President finished and ensure that we run a good race for the next.”
“Often as an organisation we can be accused of acting too slowly, but importantly we need to recognise the work that’s happened, the work that is in train, and temper everything we want to do – to ensure that the structure of the organisation is able to deliver with pride and excellence.”
“So, my promise is that I will continue to champion Jane’s initiatives to ensure that they are implemented and effective, while at the same time weaving three new objectives into the discussion:
“First, an absolute focus on our profession being in the driving seat to help solve the national housing crisis.”
“Second, that as an organisation we work out how to better listen, engage and mobilise our regional, rural and international members.”
“Finally, a big ambition – a seismic shift in thinking from Architects to Architecture for the Institute and its advocacy agenda. Working together with National Council, the Board and many factions of influence – we will work to uncover a more outward facing organisation that can continue to advocate for the role of architecture in our communities. We need the academics, design managers, project managers, landscape architects, urban designers and interior designers who all trained in Architecture to be part of us – so that together, and with numbers, we can advocate more broadly for what we believe in – that through good design Australia is a better place.”
Adam Haddow
Adam Haddow is a champion of good design and a strong advocate for the value Architecture brings to communities throughout Australia and the world. He is a firm believer that Australia’s future will be better where architecture and design thinking are prioritised, and that good design can deliver both economic benefits and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.
With over 30 years’ experience across diverse scales and typologies, Adam’s contributions to architecture are recognised both nationally and internationally. His work has earned prestigious accolades, including the Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture, the Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design, and the Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture.
Through his involvement in numerous strategic design initiatives, Adam significantly shapes urban policy and planning, consistently bringing a thoughtful, design-led perspective. Recognised as a thought leader in mixed use design, Adam’s work reflects the belief that architecture should provide an armature for community life; that the activities buildings facilitate are just as important as the physicality of the buildings themselves. He remains curious and driven by a passion for creating cities and spaces that serve the community and shaping a profession that supports its contributors.
David Wagner
A respected voice in Australian architecture, David is an experienced architect, a dedicated advocate for the profession, and the newly appointed National President Elect of the Australian Institute of Architects. With over 30 years of practice in Melbourne, Canberra, and London, David is a partner at Atelier Wagner, a studio he co-founded in 1998.
David has been an active contributor to the architectural community for decades. He served as a Councillor of the Victorian Chapter from 2020–2022 and most recently served as the Victorian Chapter President. He also co-chaired the Medium Practice Forum (2018–2022) and has participated in the Institute’s small and medium practice forums since 2007.
A Fellow of the Institute since 2013, he has also held key roles with the Association of Consulting Architects, including Secretary and Chair of the Industrial Relations Committee.
Driven by a belief in architecture’s power to shape a better society, David is especially focused on how innovation and design led policy can enable more sustainable, liveable, and equitable built environments. He brings a broad perspective on practice, advocacy, and education to his leadership role.
2025 National Prize Winners
The Institute announced the recipients of the 2025 National Prizes which recognise individuals who have built their substantial legacies advancing the profession and by embodying values of progressiveness, innovation, and integrity. The ceremony took place at the Australian Architecture Conference at the Sydney Opera House on Friday, May 2nd.
“This year’s National Prize winners exemplify a profound commitment to elevating architectural practice through leadership and proactive engagement with our sociocultural contexts. Their legacies stand as a testament to the advancement of the profession through innovation and integrity,” said Jury Chair, Jane Cassidy FRAIA.
Among the National Prizes awarded at the Conference was the Gold Medal; the Institute’s highest honour recognising distinguished service by architects who have designed or executed buildings of high merit, produced work of great distinction resulting in the advancement of architecture, or endowed the profession of architecture in a distinguished manner.
2025 JURY CITATIONS
Gold Medal Prize – Timothy Hill FRAIA | Director, Partners Hill
The 2025 Gold Medal is awarded to Timothy Hill, director of Partners Hill since 2013, and an architect responsible for numerous exemplars of Australian architecture. His contribution to our profession extends to education, professional lectures and various forms of advocacy that, in combination, make him a most influential architect whose impact is felt nationwide.
Timothy’s unique combination of architectural poetics allied to a critical leadership discourse – a discourse that defines the larger territory in which architects can operate, all the while advocating for architecture’s greater purpose and value
National President’s Prize – Government Architects Network of Australia
The Australian government architects through the Government Architects Network of Australia (GANA) have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in the field of architecture and urban design. Their contributions have significantly shaped the built environment of Australia, enhancing the quality of life for all Australians and setting standards for good design, great architecture and sustainable, resilient cities.
The Government Architect Network of Australia includes:
- Scott Balmforth RAIA, TAS Strategic Architect and Urban Design Advisor
- Abbie Galvin LFRAIA, NSW Government Architect
- Jill Garner LFRAIA, VIC Government Architect
- Leah Lang FRAIA, QLD Government Architect
- Kirsteen Mackay RAIA, SA Government Architect
- Emma Williamson FRAIA, WA Government Architect
Their work across advocacy and policy serves as an inspiration to architects and designers globally, and their legacy will continue to shape architecture for years to come.
Timothy’s unique combination of architectural poetics allied to a critical leadership discourse – a discourse that defines the larger territory in which architects can operate, all the while advocating for architecture’s greater purpose and value
Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize – Nicole Kalms RAIA | Director, XYX Lab
Nicole Kalms RAIA has shown exceptional dedication to addressing gender equity in the built environment. Her evidence-based investigative practice listens to and collates lived experience towards visible and participatory action. Her research demonstrates application over a wide spectrum of topics, with unwavering commitment to advocacy. Nicole’s work has already effected government progress and promoted the creation of tangible resources for architecture practices, opening up knowledge to a broad audience.
As a founding director of XYX Lab, Nicole is able to apply her ambitions through the XYX channel, enabling many projects through her diligence, guidance and collaborative techniques.
Timothy’s unique combination of architectural poetics allied to a critical leadership discourse – a discourse that defines the larger territory in which architects can operate, all the while advocating for architecture’s greater purpose and value
Leadership in Sustainability Prize – David Baggs LFRAIA | Director / Cofounder, Global GreenTag International Pty Ltd
David Baggs LFRAIA has made a significant, lasting contribution to the architecture and built environment industry, particularly in the areas of sustainability and supply chain management. As CEO of Global Green Tag, he has helped architects make more informed and sustainable decisions by simplifying complex sustainability data. His work on global innovations like the Product Health Declaration, the Modern Slavery Declaration and the Nature Positive Plus Declaration has improved transparency and set new standards for product ethics.
Through his ongoing work, David continues to support architects and the broader industry in creating a more sustainable and ethical built environment.
Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture – Nicole Mesquita-Mendes | Urban Designer, Urbis
Nicole Mesquita-Mendes is a tireless advocate for the architectural profession and an entirely worthy recipient of the 2025 Student Leadership in Architecture prize. The jury was impressed by the breadth and depth of Nicole’s involvement in a wide range of diverse initiatives, notably her capacity to amplify existing initiatives, seen through her work with the Hearing Architecture podcast. Nicole is an active participant in academic review and research and an early agitator for studies into the health and wellbeing of student architects, resulting in her involvement in the Wellbeing of Architects research initiative. Nicole is an excellent communicator and an incredible asset to the architectural community.
Bluescope Glenn Murcutt Student Prize – Rebecca Mallaby | Architectural Graduate, Carr Architecture
The jury unanimously awards the 2025 BlueScope Glenn Murcutt Student Prize to the Common Space by Rebecca Mallaby. The Common Space is awarded for its innovative response to Australia’s housing crisis, offering a modular co-living model that skilfully balances humanity and economy. It explores diverse housing options with flexible configurations for lone or paired occupants, integrating private and communal spaces to foster social connections while preserving individual privacy. The project is documented in fine linework drawings and evocative renders that demonstrate this satisfying duality.
The Murcutt Prize recognises outstanding architectural student work which demonstrates excellence in response to place, technology and Australian culture.
It reflects Glenn Murcutt’s long-standing commitment to teaching and mentoring the next generation of architects evident in the Murcutt Masterclass, as well as visiting positions at universities in Australia and around the world.
Residents and Architecture Students may be familiar with the Student Summer School at Pittwater. The latest, held 9-15 February 2025, was led by two of Australia’s most celebrated architects; Richard Leplastrier AO and Peter Stutchbury, with renowned Architect and Landscape Architect Craig Burton also involved - and all three gentlemen of Pittwater.
This immersive, residential masterclass is an opportunity for a small number of students of architecture to start the academic year in an environment supported by tutorials in landscape, architecture and indigenous culture.
Numbers are strictly limited to ‘senior’ architecture students with more than three years architectural education. The Murcutt Foundation takes care of all meals, ferry transfers, coach excursion to houses, a visit to the Richard Leplastrier house in Lovett Bay and a visit to Peter Stutchbury offices in Newport.
The Murcutt Foundation shared the following on the 2025 cohort:
26 students join the 2025 Summer School alumni
On Saturday 9 February, 26 students and graduates of architecture met to start the 20th annual Architecture Student Summer School in Pittwater. As Rick Leplastrier tells it, the Summer School grew out of the iconic Murcutt Masterclass - an immersive residential program focused on architects. After a few years, Rick and Peter asked themselves; “are we forgetting our own students?”
In the 20 years since asking that question, more than 500 alumni have benefited from a similar immersive residential program led by two of Australia’s gold winning architects, along with noted landscape architect Craig Burton and more recently, design tutor Karen Lambert and architect Fernanda Cabral.
It’s also good to know there can be firsts - even after two decades. A thumping great Sydney thunderstorm hit while Craig Burton was leading the traditional bush walk on the first day; leaving everyone with a greater sense of immersion than originally planned.
During the course of the week, students are introduced to methods of observation and drawing to better understand site and place. Next, in groups, and supported by evening lectures, students tackle a design brief located somewhere on the site.
This year, it was a meeting place for informal discussions, project work, private meetings including community groups. The room must have a basin, and any response should respect the heritage listing of the site. Within this brief exists a possibility of relocating existing bathing facilities to a wonderful location.
On Friday 14 February, groups presented to a panel of Rick, Peter, Fernanda and Karen.
The final day was back to architecture made real, with the chance for tours of recent works by Peter Stutchbury Architecture, before a final lunch.
This proud tradition of bringing students and recent graduates together continues, and another circle of peers, friends and alumni is added to an international cohort that now numbers more than 70 countries.
Applications for 2026 will open in October 2025. Find out more at: www.murcuttfoundation.org
“With some thought, I believe that one can discover an architecture that responds to its place, culture and ecological demands, incorporating appropriate, responsible, technological solutions. To achieve this position, as designers we must not only consider what architecture is, but also ask what an appropriate and responsible architecture is for our culture, our time and our place.” - Glenn Murcutt AO
About the Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation
For more than 50 years, Australia’s most respected living architect, Glenn Murcutt AO has taken Australian architecture to the world.
Today, the Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation looks to strengthen our international connections through publications and events that serve a global network of architects, students and friends in more than 80 countries around the world, including our own.
To the Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation, architecture is generated from a responsibility to the land and a meaningful connection to place.
They state:
We promote an understanding of cultural heritage, our built cultural landscape and a local approach to place.
We value connection to others who are responsive to their local context and culture.
We know architecture plays a crucial role in well-being, climate crisis solutions and promoting biodiversity.
We seek to inform, educate and empower the next generation of architects who are shaping the world we inhabit.
Inaugural Murcutt Symposium 2025, 11-13 September 2025
Glenn Murcutt AO is Australia's most celebrated living architect. To mark more than five decades of architectural practice, the inaugural Murcutt Symposium offers 3 days of tours, activities and events in Sydney from 11-13 September 2025.
Murcutt will not be alone in headlining the Murcutt Symposium in 2025. Fellow Pritzker Prize winning architect and friend Francis Kéré will join Murcutt on stage over two days in Sydney - delivering a public lecture, and keynote at a one-day symposium.
Join us for a rare chance to come inside some of Murcutt's most awarded buildings on guided tours. Hear the backstory and share in tales of the design evolution from those who have lived in and loved these places.
Witness the first ever award of the Murcutt Pin, a new international award for architecture designed by Murcutt and presented at the flagship public Murcutt Oration in Sydney on Friday, 12 September.
Dive deep into the themes that have driven Murcutt and informed his unique model of practice, and his internationally awarded projects at a one-day symposium.
Join us for 3 days of tours, talks and deep dives into architecture with a meaningful connection to place.
Murcutt building tours
Thursday 11 September: 8am-5pm
This is an exceptionally rare chance to go inside the iconic Nicholas House (Mount Irvine) and Simpson Lee House (Mount Wilson), with Glenn Murcutt AO as your guide.
Lunch provided. Vigorous walking involved. Numbers strictly limited.
Friday 12 September: 1.30pm-5pm
Come inside an early Murcutt house in Cromer, north of Sydney, that has been described as "a hidden masterpiece in the suburbs" - given a new life by architect Matt Chan, in consultation with Glenn Murcutt.
Vigorous walking involved. Numbers strictly limited.
Murcutt Oration
Friday 12 September 2025: 6pm-8pm
Award of the inaugural Murcutt Pin, and Murcutt Oration
The inaugural Murcutt Oration will be delivered by Francis Kéré, laureate of the Pritzker Prize (2022) and Praemium Imperiale (2023) - widely recognised as one of the worlds leading architects.
Murcutt Symposium
Saturday 13 September 2025: 9am-5pm
Join us for a deep dive into the themes behind Murcutt's work (3 hours Formal CPD, 2 hours informal CPD):
In-conversation - Glenn Murcutt AO and Francis Kéré
Hear these two eminent Pritzker Prize winning architects and warm friends engage in conversation on events and experiences that have shaped their personal lives and their practice over decades.
Keynote - Piers Taylor (UK)
Piers Taylor is the founder and principal of the highly awarded Invisible Studio, and Professor of Knowledge Exchange in Architecture at UWE; founding 2 renowned academic programs: ‘Studio in the Woods’ and 'AA Design and Make'. Both engage students in hands-on design and construction. Piers Taylor originally studied in Australia and currently lives in a prototypical self built award winning house in the UK and manages a 100 acre woodland as a research resource for the practice.
Healthy buildings breathe - Lindsay Clare, Ché Wall, Kerry Clare, Rod Simpson
Buildings that breathe and have good natural ventilation are now event more critical in a changing climate. Are our current planning and building regulatory settings match-fit? Three eminent practitioners question the current state of play at the intersection of architecture, environmental science and emerging building regulation.
Design for climate/Design for change - Carol Marra, Marra + Yeh
Carol Marra is an award-winning architect and Churchill Fellow specialising in sustainable and climate-resilient design. For over 25 years, her architecture, advocacy and research have guided the success of city-based and regional projects. Awarded an Alastair Swayn Strategic Research grant, her practice recently released Design for Climate | Design for Change, a toolkit for climate-resilient design. Originally from Argentina but trained in the United States, Carol has worked across cultural landscapes from North America, Australia and the Asia Pacific region, in urban, regional and remote locations.
The Murcutt legacy - celebrated documentary film maker Catherine Hunter shares footage from 30 years following Glenn Murcutt AO.
Catherine Hunter has followed and documented the work of celebrated architect Glenn Murcutt for more than thirty years and collaborated on a number of film projects. Share in Murcutt's warmth, humanity and skill in pursuit of an architectural vision that always seeks to respond to place and provide delight.
Contributors
Glenn Murcutt AO, Australia
Francis Kéré, Germany/Burkina Faso
Piers Taylor, UK
Brit Andresen, Australia
Kerry Clare, Australia
Lindsay Clare, Australia
Ché Wall, Australia
Richard Leplastrier AO, Australia
Peter Stutchbury, Australia
Carol Marra, Australia
Tickets are designed for you to choose one or more events, including ticket packages if you can't decide.
The 2025 Murcutt Symposium is supported by the Robin Boyd Foundation and National Gallery of Victoria; Sydney Design Week (thanks to the Powerhouse); and the Futuna Chapel Trust (NZ).
This event is presented in partnership with the State Library of New South Wales.
Tickets: events.humanitix.com/murcutt-symposium
