Jennifer McMaster has been awarded the 2024 Australian Institute of Architects’ National Emerging Architect Prize. McMaster is a founding director of TRIAS and has been recognised for her significant contributions to architectural excellence with a portfolio of awarded projects spanning across Australia and the UK.
Among the awarded projects McMaster has been involved with are Curl Curl House, Hidden Garden House and Three Piece House which all received Awards for Residential Architecture in the Institute’s Chapter Architecture Awards program for NSW. McMaster established her practice, TRIAS, in 2017 alongside fellow architects Casey Bryant and Jonathon Donnelly with a mission to produce buildings that advance a new sustainable vernacular – that are beautifully designed and architecturally considered, but genuinely respond to the climate crisis.
McMaster’s commitment to the profession extends beyond receiving accolades. Her studio’s partnership with FabPreFab to help produce high quality yet affordable housing is a tribute to TRIAS’ principles and innovative design perspective.
McMaster continues to strive for academic excellence and was recently appointed as a Professor of Practice at the University of Sydney in 2023 taking her passions for housing and sustainability to a student cohort. Her current research is focussed on embodied carbon and regenerative and waste-based materials.
In tandem with her tertiary pursuits, McMaster was fundamental to the creation of the Institute’s NSW Small Practice Forum – a platform she co-founded and co-chaired. McMaster continues to be an exemplar of strong leadership having recently assumed the role of co-chair of the Medium Practice Forum in 2022.
Jennifer McMaster is a paramount example of what architecture seeks to be: collaborative, intelligent, progressive, and sustainable. “Jennifer has long shown a commitment to supporting others,” says the jury.
“Her consistent focus on opportunities over obstacles, coupled with her optimism for the profession and passion for sharing knowledge makes her a most deserving recipient of the 2024 Emerging Architect Prize.”
Jury Citation
A founding member of the award-winning practice Trias, and a professor at the University of Sydney, Jennifer McMaster’s exemplary work spans architectural practice, research, teaching and advocacy. She shows an unwavering enthusiasm for the profession and is an inspiring role model for how we, as architects, can lead society to a brighter future.
In her work at Trias, cofounded in 2017, there is a clear, shared vision for what she calls a “sophisticated sustainability” – an ambition to create solid, simple and beautiful buildings that are environmentally responsible at their core. This vision has been well-executed and well-received by both the profession and the public at large, as evidenced by multiple awards, publications and speaking opportunities.
Jennifer was also recently appointed a professor of practice at the University of Sydney, where she has been able to use her twin passions for housing and sustainability to inspire others. Research underpins her teaching; she is currently focused on embodied carbon and regenerative and waste-based materials, bringing to practice new knowledge and skills through the next generation.
Jennifer has long shown a commitment to supporting others. As co-chair of the NSW Medium Practice Forum, she has fostered an open culture of transparency and generosity for practitioners to exchange knowledge and grow together.
Her consistent focus on opportunities over obstacles, coupled with her optimism for the profession and passion for sharing knowledge makes her a most deserving recipient of the 2024 Emerging Architect Prize.
Jury
Jane Cassidy FRAIA (National President of the Australian Institute of Architects)
Ben Peake (2023 National Emerging Architect Prize Winner)
Liehan Janse van Rensburg (EmAGN National President of the Australian Institute of Architects)
