The themes evident in the collection of 71 projects shortlisted for the 2023 National Awards were collaboration, sustainability (social and environmental), and “an overwhelming appreciation for the built environment” – no matter how large or small the project. Congratulations to the practices with winning and commended projects, each of which has its own unique story of conception, design and construction.
Chairing the National Awards jury at the end of your term as National President of the Australian Institute of Architects has become more than just a time-honoured tradition. The responsibility of considering all projects awarded by their respective chapter programs through a national lens presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the remarkable work of one’s peers. While some query the environmental cost of visiting projects across the country, others struggle with the idea of making decisions without experiencing each project. There is no single answer to this quandary, but I can now attest to the immense honour of being trusted to be part of the jury, and to take this journey on behalf of the Institute and its members.
I was joined on the 2023 National Awards jury by Shaneen Fantin, William Smart, Stephanie Kitingan and Scott Burchell. I am indebted to them all for the generosity with which they gave of their time, varied expertise, good humour and friendship. When we first gathered in Naarm on the lands of the Kulin nation, we were meeting for the first time. Now, just a few months later, we have journeyed across Australia together, covering approximately 18,000 kilometres via 14 flights and eight people movers. The days started with the sun and ended well after dark. We travelled to every state and territory, visiting 68 projects in person and three virtually, and we acknowledge with gratitude the many beautiful and varied Countries we saw. We juggled families, practices and lives, all in the name of celebrating the best work of our profession over the past 12 months. None of this would have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of the unendingly professional Abbey Czudek. A huge thank you also to Rob Henry for keeping us on track when Abbey had to step out.
As much as it is about visiting the projects, the jury tour is about meeting and hearing from the architects and clients who brought the work to life. From the smallest of works to the largest, it was remarkable to hear the story behind each project. The common themes were those of collaboration, sustainability (both social and environmental), and an overwhelming appreciation for the built environment. We have reached a time where we can no longer dismiss even the smallest project as unimportant or unworthy of our attention. From the resourcefulness of a store shed, to the exploration of what a space needs to act as a classroom, library or laboratory, the ingenuity and imagination displayed in creating place have been inspiring, to say the least.
As the jury tour draws to a close, we have 20 national commendations, 15 national awards and 12 “named” awards – the highest honour in a category. I hope colleagues find the same level of inspiration in the projects on these pages as the jury did in awarding them.
Beyond the awe I feel at the level of work our profession has produced through a period of sustained difficulty, I am left with a lasting impression of all the people behind the built environment we tend to take for granted. Collaboration is to be found in every project, be it between client and architect, a multitude of architects, or all areas of the built environment together. The sharing of ideas, ways of life, and methods of working were a joy to behold, and I give my heartfelt thanks to all whom we met on this wondrous journey.
