The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) has released the shortlist of projects for the 2025 NSW Architecture Awards, which will acknowledge the extraordinary breadth of creative architecture and expertise from around New South Wales (NSW).

This year’s choice of projects provides insight into the unique and powerful designs that inspire new houses, commercial and community structures, educational institutions, and beyond. The 137-powerful selection was chosen among the most outstanding collection of potential entries thus far, with 280 submissions across 13 different categories. 

The shortlisted buildings range from innovative community centers and advanced academic institutions to mindfully planned houses and regenerated urban areas, demonstrating architects’ significant contributions to the built environment.

NSW Chapter President Elizabeth Carpenter shared her excitement about this year’s shortlisted entries, highlighting the impressive range of architectural responses and design thinking. She observed that certain initiatives stand out for their modesty, having a major effect with fewer resources, but others were determined to be complex and profoundly influenced the community’s identity.

Reflecting on the list, Carpenter described the projects as a reflection of the profession’s dedication, unwavering commitment to excellence, and creativity. For her, they embody the architectural excellence and also a deep commitment to shaping communities and responding to the ever-changing demands of our built environments.

Jury Chair of Chairs, Annabel Lahz, offered an insightful reflection on the calibre of this year’s entries, remarking on the exceptional quality displayed across all categories. She noted that the shortlisted projects demonstrate a strong commitment to design excellence, innovation, and a clear understanding of their context and purpose. 

Lahz expressed her appreciation for the way many of the shortlisted works engage deeply with contemporary challenges, emphasizing human experience as a central element of design, whether within a home, workplace, educational setting, public park, or urban environment. Her reflection underscores the enduring capacity of architecture to quietly and profoundly enrich daily life, offering spaces that not only function but also nurture, inspire, and connect communities.

Spanning diverse categories such as Public Architecture, Educational Architecture, Residential – Houses (New), Urban Design, & more, the shortlist celebrates both emerging ideas and refined design outcomes. The winners of the 2025 NSW Architecture Awards will be announced during an awards event on Friday, June 20, in Sydney.

2025 NSW Architecture Awards Shortlist

Each shortlisted project reinforces the transformative potential of architecture in addressing the evolving needs of communities across New South Wales.

Commercial Architecture

• 1 Elizabeth  – JPW 
• 25 Martin Place Retail Redevelopment – Woods Bagot and Harry Seidler & Associates
• 388 George Street – fjcstudio
• Foveaux Street Offices – Candalepas Associates
• Hotel Marvell – HGA Studio 
• Rochester Street Office –  Allied_Office, Akin Atelier, Second Edition, and Dangar Barin Smith

Public Architecture

• Allan Border Oval Pavilion – Archer Office
• Artspace – DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design
• Barangaroo Station | Foster + Partners, Architectus and Atelier Luke
• Boot Factory and Mill Hill Centre Precinct – Archer Office with Matt Devine & Co and Aspect Studios
• Central Station, Sydney – Woods Bagot with John McAslan + Partners

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)

• Periscope House – MCK Architects
• Bondi Breeze | PANOV—SCOTT
• House in Narrawallee – Architect George
• New Line House – Studio Prineas
• Periscope House – MCK Architects
• Woollahra Village House – Tobias Partners

Sustainability

• Bankstown City Campus by Walker Corporation for Western Sydney University – Lyons + HDR
• Cloaked House – TRIAS
• Eco-House Leura – Marra + Yeh Architects 
• Hillcrest House – Brent Yttrup Architecture
• Liverpool Civic Place and Yellamundie Library – fjcstudio
• Matraville Youth & Cultural Hall – Sam Crawford Architects

Urban Design

• Allan Border Oval Pavilion – Archer Office
• Boot Factory and Mill Hill Centre Precinct – Archer Office
• Coffs Harbour Jetty Foreshore Community Building – King and Campbell
• Martin Place Metro Precinct – Tzannes, Grimshaw and JPW
• Nine @ Willoughby – Mirvac Design, Chrofi and McGregor Coxall
• Rosebery St. Joseph’s Precinct – Neeson Murcutt Neille
• Sydney Metro City Stations – Sydney Metro

Heritage

• Brewery Yard, Stage 2  – Tzannes
• Former Workmen’s Dwellings Lower Fort Street – Neeson Murcutt Neille
• Nioka House – A Studio Architecture and G+V Architecture
• Parliament of NSW Restoration – Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Purcell Architecture
• Pyrmont Community Centre – Welsh + Major in association with the City of Sydney
• Reddam House North Shore – AJC Architects
• White Bay Power Station – Design 5: Architects with Placemaking NSW

To view the complete list of shortlisted projects across all categories, visit the Australian Institute of Architects’