Last year’s Editor’s Choice award saw NBRS and Donovan Payne Architects’ Bay Pavilions Arts + Aquatic (pictured top) centre named the inaugural winner of the category.

The criteria is rather simple. It's a matter of impressing our esteemed Editor, Branko Miletic. As entries draw to a close, we thought it best that we speak with Branko on what he’s expecting this year, as well as some wider questions regarding the realm of sustainability.

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Architecture & Design: Last year was the first time you had to make a call entirely by yourself regarding a category winner at our wonderful Sustainability Awards. How was that?

Branko Miletic: It’s cliche, but the fact that I could only choose one was a tough old assignment. For me though, Bay Pavilions was a clear standout. Made from locally sourced timber, it's a truly community-focused project. The facility’s versatility ensures that it can serve a range of purposes for the people of its community, and ultimately for me that’s what is the key.

Architects these days need to design sufficiently and sustainably, and NBRS and Donovan Payne certainly did that.

A&D: Two new categories this year, Small Sustainable Practice and Hospitality & Tourism. What’s the thinking behind those two?

BM: The big projects have always been a cornerstone of our news cycle, and rightly so. Some of our greatest recent developments, the Art Gallery of NSW, Bondi Pavilion and the various Metro projects in Melbourne and Sydney are defining projects, but there needs to be more focus on those who are changing the face of the built environment through big ideas and limited personnel. That’s the thinking for Small Sustainable (Practice).

As for Hospitality & Tourism, the age of sustainable travel is here. It’s time that we celebrated the projects that are as big on designing for a better world as they are on experience.

A&D: What is it that you look for in a winning project?

BM: Sustainability is now a fundamental consideration for architects in all aspects of their work. New developments must be designed with a reduced environmental impact, and this should be mandated for public projects as well as private ones. I’m looking for projects that demonstrate innovative design, research-based practice, and a deep understanding of the context in which they will be built. Ultimately, I want to see projects that serve the community and enhance the built environment.

A&D: So what’s next for you in terms of selecting winners and so forth?

BM: Too early for that, Jarrod. Entries aren’t even closed yet and as a result I have to wait until all cards are on the table. Once that happens, then we’ll talk.

Sika continues its affinity with Editor’s Choice for a second year in 2023. The company supplies specialty systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in a variety of industries, including the building sector and the motor vehicle industry. The company is committed to reducing its consumption both in-house and abroad, and is a member of the UN Global Compact.

The 2023 Sustainability Awards is moving closer and closer. To put yourself in the mix when the whips start cracking, click here.

Architecture & Design Team

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