New South Wales Architecture Awards Winners 2026

The State’s Best New Architecture Unveiled

New South Wales’s most outstanding new architecture has been revealed in the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2026 NSW Architecture Awards. The awarded projects represent the cutting edge in architectural innovation from the state’s sharpest design minds.

The recipients for 2026 (detailed on the following pages of this media release) act as a roadmap to the new projects that are shaping NSW’s contemporary built environment. The Australian Institute of Architects is the country’s peak body for architecture, and the New South Wales Architecture Awards are the state’s premier design awards program.

Australian Institute of Architects 2026 NSW Architecture Awards Chair of Juries, Bill Tsakalos, explained the commonalities in this year’s award winners.

“This year’s awarded projects confirm that Australian architecture is among the most innovative and thoughtful in the world. They are distinctly Australian in character. Their response to climate, landscape, culture and materials, present compelling ideas that demonstrate both design excellence and a deep understanding of context,” said Tsakalos.

“In an increasingly connected world, Australian architects continue to demonstrate an independence of thought that sets their work apart. There is a confidence and originality in these projects that speaks to a profession comfortable in its own identity. The result is architecture that is deeply rooted in local conditions yet contributes meaningfully to international discourse.”

“A consistent theme across all categories and scales of work this year is the spirit of innovation and creativity. What is particularly impressive is how architects are reimagining familiar materials and systems, applying them in ways that are both inventive and highly effective.”

“The large-scale projects recognised this year are of genuine world standing. They demonstrate an exceptional ability to manage complexity while maintaining a remarkable level of resolution and care at every scale.”

“Conversely, small projects have always been a powerful indicator of the future direction of the profession. Traditionally they are the foundation of new practices, with the opportunity to test ideas, take risks, and demonstrate ingenuity. These winning small projects reveal the core skills of architecture: creativity, resourcefulness, technical rigour and client engagement. The lessons learned at this scale become the foundation of a career, shaping the architects who will go on to deliver some of our most significant projects.”

“This year’s awards reinforce a powerful message: some of the most exciting architecture in New South Wales is being delivered outside Sydney. Regional projects are not simply competing with their metropolitan counterparts—they are setting the benchmark. The awards demonstrate that design excellence is thriving in regional communities, with projects of the highest calibre enriching towns and cities across the state. These works are delivering lasting social, cultural and environmental value while contributing to the broader architectural discourse of New South Wales. Particularly striking is the number of regional projects that have achieved recognition at the highest level. These projects demonstrate that outstanding architecture is not defined by geography. They show how design excellence can be accessible to communities of every scale, enriching regional life while making a significant contribution to the architectural culture of the state.”

“Some of the most significant projects recognised this year will shape how we experience our cities for decades to come. They make our urban environments more connected, more accessible and more memorable, while unlocking new opportunities for growth, investment and civic life. These projects demonstrate the transformative power of architecture, urban design and infrastructure. They don’t just improve how our cities function—they enrich our experience of them.”

For more information and details of all the Award Winners go to New South Wales Architecture Awards