Landscapes in Bunbury, Albany & Subi East Celebrated at 2025 WA Landscape Architecture Awards

Western Australia’s top landscape architecture projects have been recognised at the 2025 WA Landscape Architecture Awards, with 12 award-winning designs celebrated across categories including civic spaces, infrastructure, play areas, gardens, and health and education landscapes. Chosen from a field of 20 entries, the winning projects highlight WA’s leadership in public space and environmental design.

The night’s top honour, the WA Medal, was awarded to Maidens Reserve, in Bunbury. Maidens Reserve is a coastal nature reserve (featuring lookouts, hiking and walking trails, and picnic and play spaces) situated in Bunbury, south of Perth. The City of Bunbury (Adjacent Land Manager) and the City of Bunbury Co-Design Access Panel (Accessibility Specialists) were among the collaborators who helped realise the project.

Designed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions, the AILA WA Jury Chair Amanda Mannolini said the project captivated the jury.

“Through subtle interventions and careful restoration, the project enhances both access and ecological integrity — allowing the landscape to heal while welcoming more people to experience it,” Amanda said. “Its sensitive design minimises impact while maximising engagement, weaving built form seamlessly into the natural setting. This is a landmark example of regional landscape architecture that offers a bold, memorable, and deeply inclusive experience for all.”

Maidens Reserve was also honoured with an Award of Excellence in the category of Parks and Open Space, in addition to receiving a Regional Achievement Award.

The landscape architecture of Oval at Subi East (a redevelopment masterplan and one of the most significant urban infill projects in WA’s built environment history) was designed by UDLA + OCULUS. The project took home an Award of Excellence in the category of Cultural Heritage. Additionally, the Oval at Subi East was awarded two Landscape Architecture Awards — in the categories of Parks and Open Space, as well as Civic Landscape.

The jury complemented the designers’ reimagining of this landscape. “This complex, high-profile project meets significant technical and community expectations with clarity and sensitivity. Leadership in Indigenous engagement is central to its success, shifting from consultation to co-decision-making with Traditional Owners.”

Middelton Beach Foreshore Stage 1, a renewal project on one of Albany’s most cherished coastal destinations, was honoured with an Award of Excellence in the Civic Landscape category. The project, designed by the City of Albany and See Design, also received a Regional Achievement Award.

The jury applauded the designers’ material selection and their response to the coastline’s erosion: “The design leverages the site’s natural beauty and applies a restrained, elegant material palette to shape a series of multifunctional public spaces that improve beach access and amenity. A concealed sea wall has been seamlessly integrated into the landscape to address long-term coastal erosion, ensuring resilience and continued public use for generations to come.”

AILA WA 2025 Awards

All winners of an AILA WA Award will now proceed to the National Landscape Architecture Awards, to be announced later this year.

AILA is the peak body for landscape architecture in Australia, championing quality design for public open spaces, stronger communities, and greater environmental stewardship.

What Is Landscape Architecture + How Does It Benefit Western Australians?

Landscape architects design natural environments (including parks, precincts, wetlands and gardens) that help bolster economies by increasing visitation, boosting property values and providing employment opportunities.

Well-designed landscapes are accessible, sustainable and care for Country. At its best, landscape architecture can improve people’s wellbeing and help protect and renew plant and animal species.

More information: aila.org.au