The Australian Institute of Architects celebrates projects that speak to the profession stepping up to meet some of the biggest challenges facing our communities – climate resilience, housing equity, cultural recognition, and urban transformation – through work that is both imaginative and deeply grounded.
Across the country, Woods Bagot’s teams have collected 8 awards and 2 commendations for industry-leading projects. The jury of chairs, Annabel Lahz LFRAIA, says, “Architecture today extends beyond buildings, encompassing diverse contexts and addressing complex social, environmental, and cultural challenges. This year’s awarded projects highlight the breadth of the profession and its positive impact on everyday life—from small-scale additions to major infrastructure, these works enrich the spaces we live, learn, work, and move through.”
Winner: METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line
-George Temple Poole Award
-Wallace Greenham Award for Sustainable Architecture
-Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture
-Public Architecture Award
The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line Project, designed by Woods Bagot in collaboration with TRCB, TCL and UDLA, was awarded the prestigious George Temple Poole Award. Comprising 21 kilometres of new railway track and five new stations and precincts at Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook in Perth’s north-east, the project was described by the jury as being “an exemplar of public transport and community facilities.”
Woods Bagot Principal Kukame McPierzie says, “We are so proud of this transformational project and the positive impact that the architecture and design will have on the communities of Ellenbrook, Whiteman Park, Ballajura, Noranda and Morley. A huge congratulations to our whole team, including TRCB, TCL and UDLA, Laing O’Rourke and METRONET.”
Woods Bagot Principal Neil Hill says, “From the wide beautiful Perth landscapes to the humble suburban roof scapes we were inspired to design a new community artery animated by form, colour and light, to lift the spirit and to offer a sustainable choice of travel for everyone now and into the future.”
Winner: Emily Duncan
Emerging Architect Prize
Woods Bagot Associate Emily Duncan says, “It is an honour to be awarded the WA Emerging Architect Prize. As architects we have a unique opportunity to drive impactful design that delivers lasting social and environmental outcomes. The people I’ve collaborated with at Woods Bagot and in industry to date have taught me the importance of this.”
“I am very excited to continue making accessible, inclusive, resilient and enjoyable spaces and architecture. I look forward to continuing to work with project teams to shape the future of Western Australia and at the same time, continue to champion women in construction.”
The jury says, “Emily Duncan is recognised for her outstanding contribution to architecture through design excellence, industry leadership, and community engagement. Her work on the Morley-Ellenbrook Line and active involvement in professional bodies exemplify her commitment to a future-focused, inclusive profession. Emily represents the next generation of architectural leadership and is this year’s Emerging Architect Prize winner.”
Commendation: BHP Perth Office Fitout
Interior Architecture
BHP Perth Office fitout received a commendation in the Interior Architecture category. Transforming 40,000sqm into a people-centric workplace, the design is inspired by BHP’s operation centres across Western Australia, integrating elements from the region’s diverse and contrasting landscapes. In collaboration with Soft Earth and BHP’s Indigenous Engagement team, the project embeds Boodja (country), Boorna (trees), and Wardan (water) into its narrative, seamlessly interwoven into every aspect of the design approach.
“Central to the design is the rich narrative of connection—to Country, site, port, and city —woven throughout the space,” explains Woods Bagot Principal Eva Sue. “To optimise floor space, engaging co-working environments were developed specifically to enhance collaboration. Meeting rooms and open lounges strategically line the perimeter, offering inspiring city views that serve as constant reminders of place and context.”
Winner: StandardX Melbourne
-Commercial Architecture Award
The StandardX is a bold new hotel in the heart of Fitzroy that was designed to be distinctly of its place. “We designed [the StandardX] to be local—to continue the architectural traditions of Fitzroy and sustain the neighbourhood’s artistic and cultural spirit,” said Woods Bagot Director Peter Miglis.
“The StandardX is our response to the changing expectations of travellers, people looking for a deeper connection to place. We embraced Fitzroy’s industrial character and creative spirit, using robust materials like Corten steel to create a building that feels grounded in the neighbourhood. It’s more than a hotel; it’s a local landmark, designed to invite people in and reflect the energy of the streets around it.”
Shortlisted: Melbourne Quarter Tower
Commercial Architecture
Melbourne Quarter Tower (MQT) is a 34-story office building that completes the Melbourne Quarter precinct with a distinctive presence. “Located on the crest of Collins Street West and straddling Wurundjeri Way, Melbourne Quarter Tower (MQT) realises one of the key urban objectives of the masterplan, tying together the built form along Collins Street, connecting the CBD and Docklands,” explains Hazel Porter, Principal, Woods Bagot.
“From crown to ground plane, the tower is designed to contribute to the city at every scale. Maximising the volumetric titles, the tower rises directly over the freeway, returning valuable inner-city space back to the public. At ground level, the lobby offers a generous arrival experience with lofty ceilings, soft-geometry planters, and spaces for both social connection and quiet focus.”
Winner: Sydney Metro City Line
-Lloyd Rees Award for Urban Design
-NSW Architecture Medallion
Woods Bagot Principal and Global Transport Lead John Prentice says, “We’re incredibly proud to be a part of a collective, city-shaping project that will have a positive impact on the way people travel through Sydney for generations to come – setting a global benchmark for the way other cities will travel and live in the future.”
The Sydney Metro line was delivered by dozens of practices. Woods Bagot led the design of Central Station in collaboration with John McAslan + Partners, and designed the Crows Nest Metro Station.
“At Crows Nest and Central Stations, we’ve designed the stations with a sense of identity that responds to their immediate context, while creating a design that is accessible, functional and beautiful. Our responsibility is to preserve a legacy of a place and to elevate it people from all age and ability can access and enjoy, and these awards are testament to a job well done. Congratulations to everyone involved,” says Prentice.
Commendation: 25 Martin Place
In the commercial category, Woods Bagot received a commendation for the 25 Martin Place redevelopment, designed in collaboration with Harry Seidler and Associates. The design strives to preserve the existing Seidler legacy through adaptive reuse of the existing precast architecture expression while creating a distinctly new organic ‘ribbon’ to unite the entire development’s composition.
Woods Bagot Director Domenic Alvaro says, “The completion of 25 Martin Place marks a proud and transformative moment for our city and our studio. Reimagining one of Sydney’s most iconic addresses, the project brings together and office precinct that includes lane and street revitalisation, new destination dining, a sophisticated retail precinct, and a revitalised theatre precinct to create a new civic and cultural heart in the CBD. It’s a place where architecture amplifies experience—where heritage and innovation meet to support a vibrant, day-to-night urban life. The project also represents a 12-year collaboration with Seidler and Associates — together we are proud to have led a design that not only respects its legacy but reshapes it for the future of Sydney.”
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