Jury citation
Ben Peake has been awarded the 2023 Australian Institute of Architects’ National Emerging Architect Prize. Peake’s impact on the practice of Carter Williamson Architects, where he is the design director, has been profound. He has been instrumental in steering award-winning projects, nurturing young architects, and advocating for gender and diversity equity. The firm itself received the New South Wales chapter’s Best in Practice Prize in 2021.
Peake’s dedication extends beyond the firm. He’s been an ongoing advocate for positive change in the profession through his involvement with the Institute. His roles on the New South Wales Gender Equity Transformation Team and the National Committee for Gender Equity express his commitment to diversity. He’s also taken a lead position in the Architects Champions of Change initiative, promoting inclusivity in the profession.
Neither are Peake’s contributions limited to the profession; he has actively shared his knowledge as a tutor and been selected for the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship and the Dulux Study Tour. Notably, he led the Save Our Sirius movement, successfully preserving a significant building against development forces in Sydney. Sirius (2017), of which Peake is a co-author, stands as a testament to his achievements.
Peake’s leadership style encompasses design excellence alongside a profound sense of social responsibility, demonstrating architectural practice as citizenship. He has not only shaped projects but also embraced the ethical dimensions of architecture. The jury commends his accomplishments and eagerly anticipates his future contributions.
Jury
Stuart Tanner (chair, Australian Institute of Architects national president, Tanner Architects), Dino Vrynios (2021 National Emerging Architect Prize winner, Das Studio), Tiffany Liew (national EmAGN president, Architecture AND).
