2025 NSW Landscape Architecture Award Winners Announced

Parramatta, Barangaroo & Surry Hills among the sites of state’s newly awarded best landscapes

The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NSW Chapter has announced the winners of the 2025 NSW Landscape Architecture Awards — recognising the most impactful and innovative projects shaping public spaces across the state.  The awards were announced in a ceremony at the State Library of New South Wales on Thursday 26 June — celebrating achievements across design, planning, policy, research and community-led practice.

AILA NSW Jury Chair Fiona Morrison said this year’s awarded projects highlight the essential role of landscape architects in shaping more inclusive, resilient and liveable communities. “This year’s winners exemplify how landscape architecture can transform  public spaces and help shape the way communities work, live and connect,” Morrison said. “Whilst the projects vary  in scale and size, all awarded projects show how our profession is responding to the challenges of climate, culture and community with considered, places-based and purposeful design.”

Jury praises Parramatta projects

Parramatta Square, by JMD design with TCL, Gehl and TZG, was honoured with an Award of Excellence for Civic Landscape. The Jury acknowledged the designers’ outstanding approach: “Parramatta Square stands as a benchmark project that affirms landscape architecture as essential to shaping vibrant, inclusive, resilient and transformational urban centres — positioning the profession as a critical force in the delivery of future public domain projects across New South Wales.”

Further, the Jury applauded the designers for championing Indigenous engagement and for bringing cohesion to the design, including “…linking commercial buildings, significant heritage assets and transport infrastructure into a unified, legible and high-performing civic precinct.”

Parramatta Light Rail (Stage 1) by Transport for NSW, Context and COX, received an Infrastructure Award of Excellence. Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is an iconic landscape architecture project delivering a contiguous, 12km green line of revitalised public domain, transport and green infrastructure in Western Sydney.

According to the Jury, the impact of this project is significant. “From the iconic green track, to the planting of over 5,000 new trees, the project sets a new benchmark for climate-responsive infrastructure.”

Also in the category of Infrastructure, Barangaroo Station Park (designed by Arcadia) was honoured with a Landscape Architecture Award. The Jury commented: “Supporting the delivery of Sydney Metro’s new Barangaroo Station, the landscape connects key precincts — including Nawi Cove, Hickson Road and Barangaroo Headland Park — into a unified, accessible and high-performing urban environment.”

“Drawing on deep consultation with First Nations Knowledge Holders and archaeologists, the design incorporates interpretive elements and native planting to tell layered stories of Gadigal Country and early colonial heritage. A shell-seeded concrete seat, heritage boat inlay and biodiversity-rich planting palette reflect a thoughtful, place-specific response.”

“Simplicity” triumphs at Surry Hills
Congratulations are also due to Sue Barnsley Design, who took out the Award of Excellence for Parks and Open Space — for the design of Wimbo Park Surry Hills. The Jury praised its simplicity and the way it belies the complexity of the site.  They described the project as a “beautifully balanced integration of ecological design, infrastructure and community needs”. Further, the Jury commented: “The care taken to preserve local heritage, including the Wimbo Paddock Mural and the Stonemasons monument, adds depth to the park’s identity.”

AILA NSW Awards

All winners of an AILA NSW Award will now proceed to the National Landscape Architecture Awards, to be announced in October in Hobart/Nipaluna.

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 everyone in New South Wales?

Landscape architecture brings nature into the heart of daily life, shaping parks, precincts, wetlands, and public spaces that invite us to gather, connect, and belong.

Well-designed landscapes strengthen local economies by attracting visitors and creating jobs, but their deeper value lies in cooling our cities, restoring ecosystems, and caring for Country.

The 2025 AILA NSW Awards celebrate the projects and practitioners reimagining how we live with landscape and each other.

Full list of winners