Nine Woods Bagot projects have been shortlisted across 11 categories in the 2026 Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), alongside a nomination for the Designer of the Year award.
Established in 2002, IDEA is Australia’s longest-running and one of its most respected design awards programs. Now in its 24th year, the awards continue to celebrate the breadth and ambition of Australian interior design, with winners to be announced at the annual gala on Friday 4 December at Melbourne Museum, following this week’s shortlist reveal at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney.
The 2026 awards attracted a record number of entries, with approximately 300 projects making the shortlist across the categories.
The selection reflects a similarly broad spectrum of Woods Bagot’s design expertise, from hospitality and residential interiors to workplace, public space, institutional and sustainability projects. Together, the projects offer a snapshot of the different scales, sectors and contexts shaping the studio’s work across Australia.
The Forest, Institutional and Sustainability Categories
The Forest is the University of Tasmania’s flagship Hobart campus, providing an inner city hub for learning, research, collaboration and community. Designed by Woods Bagot, The Forest is a highly connected campus that weaves together existing structures and new interventions with integrated landscape, through-block connections and publicly accessible thoroughfares.
Monica Rooftop, Colour and Hospitality Categories
London House, Public Space
London House, a heritage character building in Perth’s CBD, has been revitalised through an amenity driven lobby refurbishment that balances existing architecture with a hospitality-inspired overlay. The design reimagines entries, lobby parlour and art gallery to create a layered arrival experience that enhances community and strengthens the building’s unique identity.
Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), Public Space
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport delivers a transport interior of rare civic generosity, shaped by the Great Australian Light, a sculptural ceiling and five intuitive spatial bands. Country-led materiality and cultural narrative are embedded throughout. Calm, legible and deeply connected to place, the new airport redefines the passenger experience.
Westralia Square 2 – Level 8 Future Workplace, Workplace Under 1,000sqm
Westralia Square 2 – Level 8 Future Workplace champions circular design to create a future-focused workplace grounded in sustainability, modular design and craftsmanship. Inspired by place and conceived for longevity, the workplace embraces principles of reuse and readaptation, showcasing a flexible environment that celebrates sustainable thinking while delivering an elevated user experience.
Piccolo House, Residential Multi
Designed by Woods Bagot with interiors by Hecker Guthrie, Piccolo House coaxes the remnants of Fitzroy’s past into the present, the considered collection of 49 spacious residences proposes a contemporary insertion into the vibrant and energetic fabric of the surrounding residential neighbourhood. Each apartment is carefully shaped around the rhythm of the area.
St Clare, Residential Multi
St. Clare is a sophisticated retirement precinct that redefines later living through a holistic, ageing-in-place model. Designed for the discerning downsizer market, the project balances 103 high-end residences with resort-style amenities for preventative wellness. The design prioritises fine-grain integration with the locale, referencing the heritage vernacular of the Kew neighbourhood.
InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, Outdoor Design
This project has redefined coastal luxury through architectural renewal. Set on Sydney’s eastern shoreline, the refurbishment of InterContinental Sydney Coogee reimagines the hotel as a contemporary coastal sanctuary. The project responds holistically to its context, drawing from the textures, light and rhythm of the Australian coastline, delivering a refined yet deeply relaxed guest experience.
Woods Bagot – Designer of the Year
Woods Bagot is one of six firms shortlisted for Designer of the Year, a premier special category, celebrating top-tier Australian interior and product design studios. The winner of the 2026 award will be announced at the offical IDEA Gala in December, following the Designer of the Year jury presentation in October.
View the full shortlist on the IDEA Awards website.
Media enquiries Adrien Moffatt Content and Communications Manager (Australia)
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