Evelyn Reynolds

The Victorian chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects has celebrated the recipients of the state’s suite of prizes, honours and fellowships in their 2024 Victorian Honours, held on 25 November at the State Library of Victoria. The annual event celebrates the important contributions of the Institute’s members across the built environment while advancing the policy and advocacy work of the Institute.
This year, the highest honour – the Victorian President’s Prize – was awarded to Tony Isaacson. Chair of the Board of Directors of the Robin Boyd Foundation and convenor of the Portable Buildings World Heritage Nomination Task Force, Isaacson has also had involvement in the management of the Greg Burgess archive and was formerly a construction company director.
The honour recognises Isaacson’s outstanding contribution to the profession over a long period of time and provides a platform for furthering his advocacy and promotion of architecture in the public realm.
Five new prizes and one scholarship were added to the state’s existing suite of prizes, recognising the important contributions of the chapter’s members across a spectrum of disciplines and advocacy areas within the built environment.
The winners are:
President’s Prize
Tony Isaacson
Robert Caulfield Graduate Research Scholarship
Winner
Tahj Rosmarin and Jimi Connor
Commendation
Hannah Zhu
Sinclair-Nelson Drawing Scholarship
Winner
Mada Aldeeb
Commendation
Sam Wilson
Victorian Student Ideas Prize Winner
Winner
Keane Sheng Khoo
Commendations
Andrew Gallo and Shazia Haidari (team)
Billy Swain and Ishika Thakur (team)
Xin Ze Seah (Sean)
Graduate Prize
Winner
Kim Huang
Commendations
Holly Shannon
Santiago Borda
Enabling Architecture Prize
Angela Roennfeldt
Gender Equity and Diversity Prize
Simona Castricum
Regional Practice Prize
Kim Irons
Social and Affordable Housing Prize
Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation
Sustainability Leadership Prize
Finding Infinity

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This year’s recognised fellows include:
2024 Fellowships
Maria Danos
Karen McWilliam
Jane Williams
Stephanie Bullock
Rosa Coy
Monique Woodward
Sarah Bryant
Mark Austin
Shane Williams
Tony Lee
Peter Woolard
Garry Thompson
Michael Moloney
Paul Katz
Robert Bienvenu
Alan Morton
Koos de Keijzer
Michael Leeton
Davin Smith
Richard Bryant
Virginia Ross
2024 Honorary Fellowships
Dr Fleur Watson
Justine Clark
Ross Harding
2024 Life Fellowships
Karen Alcock
Stuart Harrison
Ann Lau
Kim Irons
Sarah Buckeridge
William ‘Bill’ Henning
Peter Quigley
Bruce Trethowan More

Initial concepts for the Hassell-designed Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport line have been released to the public, showcasing designs that incorporate narratives led by Country.
The new 23-kilometre railway line will accommodate six new metro stations, including (in order) St Marys, Orchard Hills, Luddenham, two stations within the airport site – at the airport business park and airport terminal – and Bradfield.
The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport proposal received planning approval from both the federal and NSW governments in 2021. The project has been touted by the state government as a strategy for supporting future growth in Western Parkland City. It aims to enhance connectivity for users of the upcoming Western Sydney (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport – expected to be complete in 2026 – linking it to Sydney’s broader public transport network, as well as new residential and employment hubs.

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In addition to the six stations, the project will also involve the establishment of six new precincts, and a maintenance and operations depot.
A communique released by Hassell mentioned that preliminary designs have been guided by Dharug Country narratives. The practice noted that the design “honours the cultural significance of the land it traverses. Stories of the Wianamatta region inform the overarching design concept, ‘carved earth connected to big sky’ — reflecting a landscape where vast skies meet earth and seasonal creeks carve the land.”

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Hassell principal in charge Glenn Scott emphasised the importance of including Country-led narratives in the design. “Our approach goes beyond technical design excellence; we are creating spaces that reflect and respect the cultural heritage of Dharug Country,” said Scott.
“By balancing international expertise with a profound respect for and engagement with Country, the new network will reflect the spirit of Wianamatta, the Cumberland Plain and the broader Western Sydney region.”
“[…] this project exemplifies how thoughtful, research-driven design can respect the past while facilitating a dynamic future.”

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The project commenced construction in late 2022. In June 2024, it was announced that a total of 9.8 kilometers of tunnelling had been completed. The designs currently on exhibition for community feedback include the metro stations at St Marys, Orchard Hills, Luddenham and Bradfield; the stabling and maintenance facility; and the corridor landscape masterplan.
To find out more about the project, visit the Sydney Metro website. More

The Australian Institute of Architects has announced the 30 individuals shortlisted for their 2025 Dulux Study Tour.
Now in its 17th year, the annual coveted prize offers five emerging architects and Institute members a 10-day international tour of iconic architectural sites by, and offices beloning to, world-renowned firms. The five winners will also help to shape the itinerary of the tour by contributing ideas for destinations and practices they wish to visit.
Entrants are judged on their contributions to architectural practice, education, design excellence and community involvement. Reflecting on the selection process, jury chair and AIA national president-elect Adam Haddow said, “We were impressed by the calibre and vision of this year’s candidates. Each submission showcased a deep commitment to the craft, a drive to push the boundaries of architectural design, and a focus on giving back to their communities.”
On the shortlist are:
Callum Andrews – Dunn Hillam Architecture and Urban Design
Ariani Anwar – Wardle
Gabriella Avenia King – Hassell
Nikita Bhopti – Sibling Architecture
Nick Carfora – Walter Brooke and Associates
Jimmy Carter – Office Mi-Ji
Lauren Crockett – Sibling Architecture
Hilary Duff – Kennedy Nolan Architects
Lisa Garner – Lian Architects
Jason Goh – Tzannes
Elise Honeyman – Abask Studio and Redblue Architecture and Design
Liehan Janse van Rensburg – Architectus Conrad Gargett
Pippa Jensen – Pippa Architecture
Gumji Kang – Snøhetta
Julia Kaptein – Brunsdon Studio
Owen Kelly – Susan Dugdale and Associates
Sasha Lesiuk – Stewart Architecture
Kristina Levenko – Wardle
Rachel Licht – Licht Architecture
Michi Playford – Light House Architecture and Science
Ilana Razbash – Studio Razbash
Marni Reti – Kaunitz Yeung Architecture
Tahj Rosmarin – Card Practice
Georgina Russell – Andrew Campbell and Georgina Russell
Yvette Salmon – Aileen Sage Architects
Callum Senjov – Architectus Conrad Gargett
Kate Shepherd – Cumulus Studio
Leo Showell – Kerstin Thompson Architects
Nicholas Souksamrane – BVN
John Yu – Rad Studio
The five winners of the 2025 Dulux Study Tour will be announced on 5 February 2025. More

The winners of the 17th annual 2024 Architeam Awards have been named, with the winning and commended projects highlighting a commitment to flexibility, sustainability and inclusive design for multigenerational families.
Equity Office’s Wangun Amphitheatre claimed the prestigious Architeam Medal and took out the Commercial, Community and Public Award. The 8-person strong jury selected the project from a shortlist of 33 projects. They lauded the project for its accessibility and all-weather attirbutes, being the first self-determined cultural venue for the Gunakurnai communities.
The winners are:
Architeam Medal Winner
Wangun Amphitheatre – Equity Office
Sustainability Medal Winner
Life Cycle – Steffen Welsch Architects
Small Project Medal
Mackellar Primary School, Accessible Playground – Architecture Architecture
Residential New Award – up to $1.2 million
Winner
Mount Macedon House – Ben Lance Architects
Commendations
Little More House – MEGA
Life Down a Lane – Tom Robertson Architects
Forest Road House – Wiesebrock Architecture
Residential New Award – above $1.2 million
Commendations
Gable House – Weaver and Co Architects
Tea House – Krisna Cheung Architects
Residential Alterations and Additions – up to $700,000
Winner

Little Brick Cottage – Perversi-Brooks Architects
Commendations

Park St House – Michael Ong Design Office
Bob’s Bungalow – Blair Smith Architecture
Brunswick West House – Nardel Architects
Residential Alterations and Additions – between $700,000 and $1.2 million
Winner
Hale Street – Philip Stejskal Architecture
Commendations
Marriane House – Victoria Merrett Architecture
Residential Alterations and Additions – over $1.2 million
Commendation
Skygarden – Architecture Architecture
Commercial, Community and Public Award
Winner
Wangun Amphitheatre – Equity Office
Commendations
Mackellar Primary School, Accessible Playground – Architecture Architecture
Milanote Headquarters – Fowler and Ward
People’s Choice Award
Heritage Streetscape Primary School – Jacinda Sadler Architects
Passivhaus Scholarship

Shauna Trengrove of Linden Thorley Architects – The Keep Cup of Opportunity More

The Swayn Gallery of Australian Design and the University of Canberra have jointly announced the winners of its Swayn 2024 Student Competition.
The late Canberra architect Alastair Swayn left his estate to fund Australian design research, including the Swayn Student Competition for design students at the University of Canberra.
The 2024 edition of the competition invited emerging design professionals to consider how – through their chosen field – they might contribute to the sustainability of and innovation in Australia’s urban environment. Guided by a theme of Transformations, participants were tasked with creating new opportunities for “play” and “performance” on the shores of Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin to explore how design interventions can initiate transformation.
The jury comprised Annabelle Pegrum of The Swayn Gallery of Australian Design (jury chair); Ben Walker of Ben Walker Architects; Anna Chauvel of Place Laboratory; Professor Emeritus Bill Green of the University of Canberra; Rebecca Sorenson of the National Capital Authority; and Georgia Stynes of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Josiah Alderic was named the overall winner of the competition for a scheme titled The Natural and Unnatural. The jury commented that it was “particularly impressed by the philosophical underpinning of the proposition,” which resulted in a “successful juxtaposition of the urban built condition of Lake Burley Griffin with a new natural landform and ecology that would grow and transform over time.
“This juxtaposition of the natural and unnatural explores several cross-cutting environmental issues in the built environment, including social access, green infrastructure and natural heritage. […] Quite significantly the design, subtly and skilfully extends the contextual appreciation of Lake Burley Griffin and hints at the natural backstory of the Molonglo River.
“The Natural and Unnatural has a conceptual base that the jury considered ensured its transferability to any edge around Lake Burley Griffin. More importantly it is a beautifully represented, well resolved scheme, demonstrating the power of the ‘proposition’ to inform the design process from idea to resolution.”
In addition to the overall winner, six schemes were awarded across four categories – including The Abstraction, Interior Design, Industrial Design and Architecture – and four received commendations. The overall winner earned a $4,000 prize, while several $1,000 prizes were awarded to schemes that were considered exemplary in one of each category.
The results for the Swayn 2024 Student Competition are as follows:
Overall winner
Josiah Alderic – The Natural and Unnatural
Schemes Awarded
The Abstraction
Mayumi Mikaela Esteves, Chelsea McKinnon – Metamorphosis
Interior Design
Bo Li – The Link
Industrial Design
Hugo Manka – Vertigo Park
Lily Bilston – Territory Games
Architecture
Samual Heinsohn – Stepping Stones Theatre
Emily Larkin – Lumin Loops
Commendations
Sarah Brown, Anna Rodwell, Pandanus West – The Spin
Jye Berry, Melanie Wai – Melodic Suspension of Time
Mikhala Beaumont – Flowing Forms
Danielle Williams – Garden City – Clockwork Play More

The winners of the Australian Institute of Architects 2025 New South Wales Regional Architecture Awards and 2025 Newcastle Architecture Awards have been announced.
The results for both awards programs went live on 15 November, revealing High Tide House by Ware Architects in Brunswick Heads as the winner of the James Barnet Award in the 2025 NSW Regional Architecture Awards and New Castle by Anthony St John Parsons as the winner of the Newcastle Medallion in the 2025 Newcastle Architecture Awards.
Winners and commendations of both programs have been listed below.
The 2025 New South Wales Regional Architecture Awards:
James Barnet Award
High Tide House – Ware Architects
Interior Architecture
Commendation
Yukari House – Tanev Muir Architects
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Awards
High Tide House – Ware Architects
House in the Dry – MRTN Architects
Rosedale House – Scale Architecture
Commendations
Brahminy House – HGA Studio
House Nabiac – Nicholas Flatman Architecture
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Award
House in Narrawallee – Architect George
Commendation
Yukari House – Tanev Muir Architects
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Award
Cedar on Collins – Kennedy Associates Architects
Heritage Architecture
Commendation
Sadlier Residence – Source Architects
Small Project Architecture
Award
Wallabies Watch – StudioMODA
Timber Award
High Tide House – Ware Architects

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The 2025 Newcastle Architecture Award-winners include:
Newcastle Medallion
New Castle – Anthony St John Parsons
Interior Architecture
Award
New Castle – Anthony St John Parsons
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Awards
New Castle – Anthony St John Parsons
Throsby House – Curious Practice
Commendations
Speers Point House – OVDA Studio
Killcare Heights Escarpment House – Matt Thitchener Architect
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Award
Window, window, window – Panov Scott
Commendation
Stockton Link House – Sarah Truscott Architect
Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture
Commendation

Killcare Heights Escarpment House – Matt Thitchener Architect More

City of Perth is accepting expressions of interests from independent design, architecture and planning experts to join its Design Review Panel.
The panel – comprising qualified and experienced built environment professionals – is responsible for reviewing and determining the outcome of significant development applications, as well as providing independent advice on the design quality of proposals. The panel oversees significant development applications in the areas of Central Perth, West Perth, Nedlands and Crawley, Northbridge, East Perth and Claisebrook.
Candidates can now express their interest for joining the City of Perth Design Review Panel between the period of 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2026.
Application review sessions will be held monthly at Perth’s Council House, for which panel members will be remunerated to attend. Up to six panel members will be selected for each session based on their expertise and availability.
Panel members are sought from a range of disciplines including, but not limited to:

Architecture
Heritage architecture
Landscape architecture
Land tenure and strata titling
Planning
Sustainability and environmental design
Transport planning
Urban design

Candidates will be assessed in terms of their professional qualifications, expertise and experience. The successful candidate will be able to critically analyse and provide feedback on complex design quality issues.
To view the expression of interest criteria, visit the City of Perth website. The application portal closes on 2 December 2024. More

The Tarrawarra Museum of Art, located in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley, has unveiled plans for a new cultural hub set to open in March 2025. The project has been designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) in collaboration with landscape architect Oculus, and Wurundjeri horticulturalist and artist Craig Murphy-Wandin.
Named in honour of the museum’s founding patrons, Eva and Marc Besen, who donated over 600 artworks to establish the permanent collection, the new centre will join a collection of architecturally-significant structures on the site, including KTA’s own cellar door, completed in 2016.
Situated adjacent to the existing museum designed by Allan Powell, the new 2,200-square-metre Eva and Marc Besen Centre will house more than 300 of the museum’s works along 64 art storage racks. The centre’s 46-metre secure glass wall will allow the public to view a curation of these stored works year-round.
Kerstin Thompson, director of KTA, described this gesture as an innovative approach to revealing the museum’s treasures. “Back of house is now front of house for everyone to enjoy,” she said.
Thompson noted that the architectural concept for the centre was driven by the museum’s commitment to “fostering artistic exploration, cultural enrichment and intellectual engagement.” The centre’s flexible and adaptable spaces are designed to host a diverse range of activities for all ages, including exhibitions, educational workshops, talks, lectures, performances, classical music concerts and live arts events, accommodating gatherings of up to 200 attendees.
The Eva and Marc Besen Centre will connect to the museum via a new sculpture walk, which will feature sculptures from the museum’s permanent collection by artists Clement Meadmore, Lenton Parr, Robert Klippel and Antony Gormley.
Oculus associate director Claire Martin said that the approach to landscape design “was underpinned by a desire to create a dramatic arrival and entry experience, through a sequence of framed views through, to and beyond the sculptural wall.”
“The design acknowledges and looks to celebrate the site’s rich Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung culture, broader landscapes and the resilience of natural systems,” she said.
The new centre is set to open 8 March 2025 and will be joined by a weekend program of activities. Throughout the month, the Tarrawarra Museum of Art will host behind-the-scenes tours of the new centre. More