2021 National Emerging Architect Prize

Jury citation

Dino Vrynios has continuously and passionately engaged himself in all aspects of architecture and the community, tirelessly searching for and achieving his studio motto, “Make better.” After graduating from the University of South Australia, he quickly established a high-responsibility career within practice, while determinedly contributing to many new initiatives within the Australian Institute of Architects as well as the broader local community.

Dino’s dedication to work outside his practice is exemplary, including: co-founding the Festival of Architecture and Design (FAD) and undertaking the role of creative director; developing and expanding the Future Forum initiative in partnership with the South Australian chapter of the Institute; creating the 20 Minute City Podcast in collaboration with Citymag; researching modular construction and co-founding commercial organizations Escapod and MDLR; and sitting on the board of directors for Tutti Arts, a disability arts not-for-profit. Dino’s tireless work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit have seen him receive the Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship (2015), Indaily’s 40 Under 40 award (2020) and multiple state architectural awards within his previous practice.

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Among other roles, Dino Vrynios is the co-founder of Escapod, which creates pre- fabricated, eco-friendly buildings for the hospitality sector. Its pilot project launched in 2018 at a vineyard in McLaren Vale, South Australia.

Image: Sam Noonan

After a frank acknowledgement of the toll a heavy workload can have on individual wellbeing, Dino re-evaluated his direction and established Das Studio with his partner in 2019. The practice has grown rapidly and become a “home” for a group of mostly young graduates and recently registered architects in which knowledge sharing, mentoring and wellbeing are a focus. Dino has proven himself to be an influential and entrepreneurial leader as he continues to spread his enthusiasm about architecture and its capacity to create a better world.

Jury: Tony Giannone (chair), National President of the Australian Institute of Architects, Director at Tectvs; Erin Crowden, National President of the EmAGN, Architect at Williams Burton Leopardi; Sarah Lebner, Principal Architect at Light House Architecture and Science, and 2020 National Emerging Architect Prize winner