It's that time of year again!

The 2025 Architecture & Design Sustainability Awards shortlist has officially been announced, celebrating excellence in sustainable building design and innovation across Australia. For the full shortlist head to website.

Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio_1500x1000.jpg

Above: EDUCATION & RESEARCH: Woodleigh Regenerative Futures Studio / McIldowie Partners. Sponsored by WoodSolutions

Now in their 19th year, the Architecture & Design Sustainability Awards are Australia’s leading programme dedicated to recognising innovation and excellence in sustainable architecture and design.

Above: SINGLE DWELLING (ALTERATION/ADDITION): Bungendore Cottage / Cooee Architecture. Sponsored by DECO Australia

The awards spotlight architectural practices, individuals, and projects that demonstrate outstanding commitment to environmental performance and social impact across the built environment.

Above: MULTI-RESIDENTIAL: 155 Illawarra Rd Marrickville / Mackenzie Pronk Architects & Make Projects Partnership. Sponsored by Nero Tapware

Against the backdrop of a range of global challenges and accelerating need for positive climate action, this year’s awards show some serious design intent, showcasing projects and people who are reshaping the future of our built environment.

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Above: COMMERCIAL (LARGE): First Building – Bradfield City Centre / Hassell. Sponsored by Network Architectural

“Every year, the calibre of submissions grows stronger, but 2025 has truly set a new benchmark,” says Branko Miletic, editor of Architecture & Design.

“It’s evident that sustainability is no longer an optional add-on — it is the foundation of contemporary Australian design.”

Above: INTERIOR DESIGN Arup Brisbane Workplace / Arup. Sponsored by GH Commercial

“As judges we are tasked with evaluating entries against a set of criteria that include reflections on ecological impact, innovation for sustainability, and leadership for the design and construction community, and out of that, the world. But we also look for entries that inspire, that are beautiful and functional, so that people engage with them and use them well over time," says head judge, Dick Clarke.

Above: SINGLE DWELLING (ALTERATION/ADDITION): Cake House / Alexander Symes Architect. Sponsored by DECO Australia

The live judging day, held for a fourth consecutive year, has once again played a pivotal role in assessing the record number of entries.

Above: INTERNATIONAL DESIGN: Sunner Museum / Atelier Alter Architects. Sponsored by SAS International

In many ways, the live judging day highlighted the incredible depth of entries in this years Awards, and the huge shift there has been in Australia's built environment towards sustainable design principles.

Above: LANDSCAPE & URBAN: Guulabaa – Place of Koala / Gensler. Sponsored by Dincel Structural Walling

This shift has become evident across each and every building typology.

A huge thanks once again goes out to the unwavering support of Autex Acoustics and the dedication of Architecture & Design’s events, editorial, sales, marketing, and IT teams, which ensured the process was executed seamlessly.

Above: ADAPTIVE REUSE: Boot Factory and Mill Hill Centre Precinct / Archer Office. Sponsored by Planet Protector Group

While the judges praised the rising quality – and aesthetic appeal of submissions, they also encouraged future entrants to further strengthen their evidence and refine their narratives, ensuring that their impact is clearly communicated.

The winners will be unveiled at the Sustainability Awards Gala Night on November 19, 2025, in Sydney Town Hall, following the Sustainability Summit that will be held during the day.

Above: HOSPITALITY & TOURISM: The Silos Accommodation / Cooee Architecture. Sponsored by Stormtech

The event will bring together hundreds of industry leaders, innovators, and advocates in a celebration of progress and collaboration, and of course, sustainability and design.

Above: SINGLE DWELLING (NEW): Eco-House Leura / Marra + Yeh Architects. Sponsored by Billi Australia

Tickets are now available for the full-day Sustainability Summit and Awards Gala.

Above: GREEN BUILDING SOLUTION: Recycled Oyster Shell Render / Mineral Fox. Sponsored by Consentino

All the shortlisted entries are presented in alphabetical category order only and not by ranking.

Click here to see the 2025 Sustainability Awards Shortlist.

Main image: PUBLIC BUILDING: Central Station / Woods Bagot . Sponsored by SUPAWOOD

Branko Miletic

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