top of page
Awards Catergories
The Design & Build Awards spotlight four primary categories: Build, Architecture, Interior Design, and Contractor, Choose the primary category (or categories) most appropriate for your project. Where relevant, projects may be entered into more than one primary category (ie Build - New House under $2M(Millions) and Architecture - Constructed). Each entry requires a separate entry submission and fee.
The one optional categories are free when entering a primary category. To be considered you must supply the relevant details when you prepare your primary category submission/s. Winners of the four primary categories are automatically considered for the overall award for Build of the Year.
Additional categories will be introduced based on the number of applications received each year
Build
New House under $2M
This category celebrates excellence in the design of newly constructed detached or semi-detached individual dwellings with with the cost less than 2 millions, including all internal and external built spaces. Submissions should describe the house in its entirety, encompassing the built form, interiors, outdoor areas, and surrounding context. Projects where less than 10% of an existing dwelling has been retained are eligible.
Build
New House between $2 -5M
This category celebrates excellence in the design of newly constructed detached or semi-detached individual dwellings with the cost between 2- 5 millions, including all internal and external built spaces. Submissions should describe the house in its entirety, encompassing the built form, interiors, outdoor areas, and surrounding context. Projects where less than 10% of an existing dwelling has been retained are eligible.
Build
New House above $5M
This category celebrates excellence in the design of newly constructed detached or semi-detached individual dwellings with the cost above 5 millions, including all internal and external built spaces. Submissions should describe the house in its entirety, encompassing the built form, interiors, outdoor areas, and surrounding context. Projects where less than 10% of an existing dwelling has been retained are eligible.
.jpg)
Build
Apartments or units
This category recognizes outstanding design in newly built or renovated individual dwellings within multi-residential buildings. Eligible entries include single apartments, units, duplexes, and display suites, excluding hotels or short-term accommodations. Submissions should focus on the design of the individual dwelling and any shared spaces or amenities available to residents. Descriptions of the larger multi-residential building should provide relevant context.
Build
House Alteration and Addition
This category honors achievements in the renovation, extension, or significant reworking of an existing detached or semi-detached dwelling with a floor area of less than 200 square metres. The floor area includes all internal and external built spaces, both existing and added. Submissions should describe the house in its entirety, including the built form, interiors, outdoor spaces, and overall context. Projects that retain more than 10% of the original dwelling are eligible.
Build
Garden or landscaping
This category celebrates excellence in the design of external residential spaces attached to individual dwellings. Eligible projects include decks, terraces, patios, courtyards, gardens, roof gardens, backyards, pools, and built structures like pergolas or cubby houses. Submissions should primarily focus on the private outdoor spaces design. Projects are considered complete when the plantings have matured enough to clearly convey the design intent.
Build
Bathroom
This award recognises excellence in the construction and design of a bathroom in a residential building.
Build
Kitchen
This award recognises excellence in the construction and design of a kitchen in a residential building.
Architecture
Commercial - constructed
This category recognizes achievements in the design, planning, and construction of commercial spaces, emphasizing form, space, and ambiance with functional, technical, social, and aesthetic considerations. Submissions should highlight the selection of materials, technology, and the use of light and shadow.
Architecture
Apartments or units - constructed
This category celebrates achievements in the design and construction of multi-residential dwellings, with a focus on the thoughtful planning of form, space, and ambiance. Consideration is given to material selection, technology, and the interplay of light and shadow.
Architecture
New House - constructed
This category recognizes excellence in the design, planning, and construction of new houses, with an emphasis on the creation of form, space, and ambiance. Entries should consider material selection, technology, and the effects of light and shadow on the built environment.
Architecture
Garden or landscaping - constructed
This category acknowledges the successful design and construction of external residential spaces. Eligible projects include decks, terraces, patios, courtyards, gardens, roof gardens, backyards, pools, and other structures like pergolas or cubby houses. The design of private open spaces should be the primary focus, with projects considered complete once plantings have matured sufficiently to express the design intent.
.jpg)
Architecture
Commercial - Concept
This category honors achievements in the design and conceptualization of commercial spaces, considering functional, technical, social, and aesthetic factors. Projects can be concepts, tender submissions, or personal proposals. Submissions should highlight material selection, technology, and the use of light and shadow.
.jpg)
Architecture
Apartments or units - Concept
This category recognizes excellence in the design and conceptualization of multi-residential dwellings. Projects may be concepts, tender submissions, or personal proposals, with emphasis on material selection, technology, and light and shadow.
Architecture
New House - Concept
This category celebrates achievements in the design and conceptualization of new houses. Entries may include concepts, tender submissions, or personal proposals, with a focus on material selection, technology, and the interaction of light and shadow.
Architecture
Bathroom Design
This award recognises excellence in the design of a renovated or new bathroom in a residential building.
Architecture
Kitchen Design
This award recognises excellence in the design of a renovated or new kitchen in a residential building.
Interior Design
Commercial
This category honors innovation and creativity in commercial interiors. Consideration is given to space creation, planning, finishes, furnishings, and the aesthetic and functional use of the space. Submissions should focus on space allocation, traffic flow, lighting, fixtures, flooring, and surface finishes.
Interior Design
Residential
This category recognizes innovation and creativity in residential interiors. Submissions should focus on the thoughtful planning of space, furnishings, finishes, and aesthetic presentation, with consideration for space allocation, traffic flow, lighting, fixtures, flooring, and colors.
Contractor
Flooring
This award celebrates contractors who demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in flooring installation and design. It recognizes expertise across a variety of materials, including hardwood, tile, carpet, vinyl, and more. Judges will evaluate projects based on precision, quality of materials, attention to detail, and the creative solutions employed to meet client needs. This category honors those who set new standards in flooring that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
Contractor
Gyprock & Plastering
This award celebrates contractors who deliver excellence in gyprocking (drywall) and plastering, acknowledging their expertise in creating flawless surfaces and finishes. Projects will be judged on the quality of workmanship, attention to detail, and the ability to meet complex design challenges. Whether it's smooth plaster finishes, intricate cornices, or expert drywall installation, this award highlights contractors who excel in making interior walls not just functional, but also visually stunning.
.jpg)
Contractor
Joinery & Carpentry
This award honors contractors who excel in joinery and carpentry, showcasing superior skills in crafting custom woodwork, cabinetry, and detailed finishes. Judges will be looking for projects that highlight high-level craftsmanship, innovation in design, and seamless integration with the overall architectural vision. Whether it's a bespoke kitchen, elegant cabinetry, or intricate wood paneling, this category recognizes those who elevate interior spaces through expert joinery.
Contractor
Commercial Fitout
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the design and execution of commercial fitouts. It honors contractors, designers, and architects who demonstrate exceptional skill in transforming commercial spaces such as offices, retail stores, hospitality venues, and public spaces. The focus is on innovative design solutions, functionality, sustainability, and the ability to meet client needs while enhancing the overall aesthetics of the space.
Contractor
Curtains & Blinds
This category honors outstanding design projects that effectively integrate blinds and curtains to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of interior spaces. We are looking for projects that demonstrate creativity in balancing light control, privacy, and style through the innovative use of these elements.
.jpg)
Sustainability
Sustainability
The Sustainability Award recognizes projects that demonstrate exceptional commitment to environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and long-term positive impact. This award celebrates innovative approaches to sustainable design, construction, and operations, highlighting projects that prioritize energy efficiency, eco-friendly materials, and minimized environmental footprints. It acknowledges leaders in the industry who set a benchmark for sustainable practices, contributing to a greener, healthier, and more resilient future for both communities and the planet.
Projects considered for this award are evaluated not only on their immediate environmental impact but also on their ability to promote long-term sustainability and social responsibility.
Design. Build. Inspire
bottom of page