Architects Neil Durbach, Camilla Block and David Jaggers of Durbach Block Jaggers have been named as joint recipients of the Australian Institute of Architects Gold Medal for 2026. The Gold Medal – the Australian Institute of Architects' highest honour – recognises distinguished service by architects who have designed or executed buildings of high merit, producing work of great distinction that has advanced architecture or endowed the profession in a distinguished manner.
For nearly thirty years, Durbach Block Jaggers (DBJ) has been a leading force in Australian architecture under the leadership of Neil Durbach, Camilla Block, and David Jaggers. The trio are celebrated for their intellectual rigour and highly civic projects that have profound impacts on communities. Their creative partnership has produced work that has greatly influenced Australia's built environment and set the standard of contemporary architecture.
Adam Haddow, Australian Institute of Architects National President and Gold Medalist Jury Chair explained "As National President of the Australian Institute of Architects it is an absolute pleasure, on behalf of our 14,500 members to award Neil, Camilla and David our highest honor – the Gold Medal. It is rare that architecture moves your heart and touches your soul, helping you experience and think about the world differently. Neil, Camilla and David make architecture of beauty, delight and joy. Architecture is both science and art – and it is rare that these combine to deliver breathtaking outcomes that speak directly to an Australian sensitivity. We are incredibly proud of their work and the contribution their projects make to Australian culture and society."
Each year the Gold Medal recipients are selected by a jury of industry leaders and experts. This year's jury included:
- Adam Haddow (chair) | Australian Institute of Architects National President | SJB
- Jane Cassidy | Australian Institute of Architects Immediate Past President | GHD Design
- John Wardle | Wardle
- Emma Williamson | WA government architect
- Ingrid Richards | Richards and Spence
Jury Citation:
Neil Durbach, Camilla Block and David Jaggers – practising together as Durbach Block Jaggers Architects – stand as a significant and enduring voice in contemporary Australian architecture. For almost three decades, their work has demonstrated that architecture can be intellectually rigorous, deeply affecting and profoundly civic. In recognising the creative partnership of Neil, Camilla and David, we acknowledge an extraordinary body of built work, and a practice that has shaped the expectations and ambitions of contemporary Australian architecture.
Neil, Camilla and David's practice is defined by a steadfast commitment to the creative act. Their studio operates as a workshop of ideas: walls lined with large-scale models, shelves dense with books and collected objects. Theirs is a deliberate process that engages the entire team – digital sketches inform drawings, drawings evolve into models that are continually reshaped, and these in turn inform drawings. This form of iterative exploration and making produces buildings of sculptural precision. It's a method that privileges invention over formula and insists that each project find its own formal and spatial logic.
That their determinedly compact studio produces such substantial work is instructive. By remaining small, they have preserved an intimacy of authorship – a rarity in contemporary practice for a studio that delivers projects of such breadth and scale. Those who have worked alongside them speak of both the intensity of their ideas and the rigour of engagement. Humour is integral to the dialogue, and that levity finds its way into the buildings themselves – structures that push against convention with grace and wit.
Their architecture is one of context, invention, learning and consideration, where buildings work to amplify the landscape setting. It exhibits a vitality that captures the playfulness of people and place. In doing so, the team has contributed decisively to a distinct Australian architectural language – one attuned to light, climate, topography, urban immediacy and cultural specificity.
The foundation of their processes lies in an exhaustive knowledge of architectural history, and while influences may be discerned, the works are never literal translations. Instead, they reflect an understanding of stories of making and construction, place and history, reinterpreted with originality and assurance.
Across typologies, their architecture balances imagination and rigour with assurance. Commonwealth Place (2002, with Sue Barnsley Design), the Olympic Amenities Buildings (1999, with Nick Murcutt) and the Brickpit Ring (2005, with Sue Barnsley Design) demonstrate an early and sustained commitment to public life, while more recent projects like the UTS Thomas Street Building (2014, in association with BVN; now the UTS Vicki Sara Building), the Omnia building (2018, with SJB), Newcastle's Fabric House (2017), and the Roslyn Street office (2009), exhibit a powerful public presence recognised well beyond the profession. These works are consistently placed among the finest contemporary buildings in their respective cities – tactile and engaging environments whose details invite contact and participation. Their homes, from the award-winning Foster Street Apartment (1998) to House Holman (2004) and Tamarama House (2015), are at once intimate and monumental. They demonstrate that the house can be both laboratory and sanctuary – a site of formal experimentation and spatial complexity, responsive to life, climate, terrain and garden.
As teachers, lecturers, curators and jurors, all three have enriched architectural discourse here and abroad. Within the studio, mentorship is embedded in daily practice, with a continuous exchange of ideas that has helped shape many respected practitioners. Their work continues to influence the way architecture is conceived and discussed in this country, positioning architecture closer to a broader understanding of what an Australian cultural expression might be.In honouring Neil Durbach, Camilla Block and David Jaggers, we recognise that through their patience, intellectual depth, enduring ambition, and a sustained belief in architecture's public purpose, they have created a practice together that has changed the Australian built environment for the better and elevated our collective understanding of the promise of what architecture can be. Neil, Camilla and David's work is one of beauty, delight and joy, with their contribution to our professional community an equal match.
2026 National Emerging Architect Prize
The Australian Institute of Architects is delighted to officially announce the winner of the 2026 Emerging Architect Prize.
Congratulations to this year's worthy recipient Michael Sneyd, RAIA, announced earlier today at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, in a celebration of the visionaries, educators, and leaders who are shaping the future of Australian architecture.
This prize is proudly sponsored by National Corporate Partner BlueScope, the exclusive partner of the Emerging Architect Prize.
The Jury commented that, "Mike Sneyd is awarded the 2026 National Emerging Architect Prize for his exceptional contribution to the profession through advocacy, leadership, education and community service, extending well beyond the boundaries of architectural practice."
"A tireless champion for equity, access, and representation, Mike has made a particular impact for regional, remote and First Nations communities. Through sustained participation and leadership within the Australian Institute of Architects at both chapter and national levels, he has strengthened policy, governance and advisory outcomes by bringing lived regional experience into forums often shaped by metropolitan perspectives."
"Mike's commitment to mentorship and education is profound. He actively supports emerging architects and students through registration mentoring, professional guidance, and long‑standing work experience and school engagement programs in remote communities, expanding pathways into architecture for those who might not otherwise see the profession as accessible or relevant."
"In parallel, Mike advocates for sustainable pro bono and low‑fee work, contributing significant time to charitable, not‑for‑profit, and community organisations across northern Australia. His leadership is grounded in service, generosity, and collaboration, demonstrating a deep belief that architecture done well extends beyond individual projects and into the life of the broader community."
"The jury recognises Mike Sneyd as an emerging architect whose impact is defined not only by what he builds, but by the people, systems, and futures he strengthens."
Jury:
Adam Haddow FRAIA (chair), 2025–26 Australian Institute of Architects national president; Candice Halliday RAIA, 2026 EMAGN president; Dr Kali Marnane RAIA, 2025 National Emerging Architect.
2026 Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture.
The Australian Institute of Architects is delighted to officially announce the winners of the 2026 Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture.
Congratulations to this year's worthy recipients Amanda Eessa and Mary Anne Yosef, announced earlier today at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, in a celebration of the visionaries, educators, and leaders who are shaping the future of Australian architecture.
The Jury commented that, "Amanda Eessa and Mary Anne Yosef, the joint winners of the 2026 Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture, provide an exemplar of how to collaboratively advance architecture – encouraging engagement and dialogue among their colleagues while promoting the virtues of architectural design.
"Eessa and Yosef, who commenced at Western Sydney University as one of the first cohorts of the university's architecture program at a time that coincided with COVID-19 lockdowns, went on to co-found the Beyond Architecture Student Club (BASC) while also participating in SONA (for which Yosef served as Western Sydney University's 2024 representative). At BASC, Eessa and Yosef established and edited the architectural publication In Due Time as a platform for student work and voices."
"Their collaboration and support for one another show the benefit of working together to shape a strong culture centred on connection, encouragement and genuine peer support. In addition to leading their community, they have themselves actively contributed to exhibitions and co-written articles for The Sydney Morning Herald and the NSW Chapter's Architecture Bulletin. Eessa was also a finalist in the 2024 NSW Housing Pattern Book Design Competition."
"The jury applauds Eessa and Yosef's outstanding contribution to the advancement of architecture among their student cohort, the wider community of Western Sydney, and beyond."
Jury
David Wagner (chair), Australian Institute of Architects national president-elect (at the time of Jury deliberation), Atelier Wagner; John Ting, John Ting Architect; Ellie Munn, GHD Design; Kirsten Day, University of Melbourne.
2026 Leadership in Sustainability Prize
The Australian Institute of Architects is delighted to officially announce the winner of the 2026 Leadership in Sustainability Prize.
Congratulations to this year's worthy recipient Dr Elizabeth Brogden, Associate RAIA, announced earlier today at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, in a celebration of the visionaries, educators, and leaders who are shaping the future of Australian architecture.
The Jury commented, "Liz Brogden has dedicated her career to advancing the decarbonisation of the construction industry and embedding disaster resilience by bringing people, institutions and ideas together to drive lasting cultural and capability change across architecture."
"Through award-winning curriculum innovation, Brogden has united educators, students and professional bodies with mainstream climate literacy across undergraduate and postgraduate programs, equipping emerging professionals with shared skills, frameworks and agency to lead coordinated climate action."
"Her collaborative research with sector partners has generated actionable insights into knowledge gaps that limit the profession's climate responsiveness, including: Climate Literacy and Action in Architecture Education (2021), Climate Action in Australian Architectural Practice (2022), and Architects in a Changing Climate (2025). These projects clarify the profession's climate literacy landscape and define collective priority actions to accelerate decarbonisation. Brogden has further influenced policy and practice through leadership roles in professional bodies and practical resources, such as the Warm Temperate Climate Study and Design Guidelines (2021–22), developed in partnership with industry and government stakeholders."
"Distinguished by strategic clarity, generosity and a rare ability to mobilise others, Brogden consistently connects and amplifies collective efforts. Her leadership has catalysed transformational change across the profession, ensuring progress is collaborative, enduring and widely owned."
Jury:
Ross Donaldson (chair), Australian Institute of Architects WA Chapter President, EPM; Bonnie Herring, City Design Studio; Talina Edwards, Envirotecture; David Pocock, ACT independent senator.
(Jury credits as at the time of Jury Deliberation)
2026 Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize
The Australian Institute of Architects is delighted to officially announce the winner of the 2026 Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize.
Congratulations to this year's worthy recipient Associate Professor, Christine Phillips, RAIA, announced earlier today at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, in a celebration of the visionaries, educators, and leaders who are shaping the future of Australian architecture.
The Jury commented, "The jury awards the 2026 Neville Quarry Education Prize to Associate Professor Christine Phillips (RMIT University) for her national leadership in transforming architectural education through sustained, respectful and reciprocal partnerships with First Nations Elders and communities. In long-term collaborations with Kirrae Whurrong Elder Uncle Leonard Clarke and Boon Wurrung Elder N'arwee't Professor Carolyn Briggs, she has embedded First Peoples-led, co-designed studios that take students onto Country to learn through place, story and community practice – cultivating deep listening, cultural responsibility and enduring professional capability."
"As coordinator of RMIT's Australian Architecture History course, Phillips has reframed curricula to centre First Peoples knowledge and regularly brings national Indigenous leaders into the classroom. Her supervision of First Peoples higher-degree researchers shows her commitment to developing future leaders. Beyond academia, she broadens public understanding of architecture through podcasts, forums and civic engagement. The jury recognises her work as timely, generous and exemplary, setting a benchmark for inclusive, outward-facing architectural education in Australia."
Jury:
Erik L'Heureux (chair), AASA treasurer, Monash University; Erin Hinton, Alastair Swayn Foundation; Kirstie Coultas, National Education Committee chair, RPS; Matthew Sabransky, SONA president; Laura Harding, Hill Thalis.
2026 Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize
The Australian Institute of Architects is delighted to officially announce the winner of the 2026 Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize.
Congratulations to this year's worthy recipient Dr Simona Castricum, Associate RAIA, announced earlier today at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, in a celebration of the visionaries, educators, and leaders who are shaping the future of Australian architecture.
The Jury commented that, "the 2026 Paula Whitman Prize is awarded to Simona Castricum in recognition of her important work on trans identity, safety and belonging – and, by extension, equity for all genders. This hopeful, positive and productive work impacts us all."
"Castricum's work is particularly powerful for the way it integrates interdisciplinary scholarly research, deep practice-based knowledge and compelling communication. This is firmly grounded in her lived experience as a transgender woman, and draws on her decades of work in architectural practice and her extraordinary parallel career as a musician. Her capacity to move between worlds is at the core of her success. She works across sectors and disciplines, enriching each with knowledge from elsewhere."
"Castricum is a brave and generous communicator, a rigorous researcher, a trenchant critic, a tenacious colleague and a compelling writer. Her engagement ranges from practical advocacy for structural change, to articulate and accessible writing and presentations, to consultancy, and to optimistic creative works. None of this is easy, but Castricum proceeds with dedication, intelligence and wit."
"Her advocacy and action have led the way in Australia, and increase awareness and understanding across diverse communities and help make public spaces more inclusive and safe for all. The jury has no doubt that her work will continue with vibrancy, strength and kindness in years to come."
Jury
Jane Cassidy (chair), Australian Institute of Architects immediate past president (at the time of Jury deliberation), GHD Design; Kym Muir, National Gender Equity Committee chair, Kym Muir Architects; Justine Clarke, Parlour representative, Parlour; Callum Senjov, EMAGN immediate past national president, Architectus
