The Australian Institute of Architects International Chapter is delighted to unveil the jury for the 2025 International Chapter Architecture Awards. The awards offer an unrivalled opportunity to showcase the extraordinary depth and breadth of Australian architects working overseas.
Wei Ito RAIA - Jury Chair | L'Observatoire International
Wei Ito is a registered architect in Queensland, is currently living abroad in the United States, and is a Senior Associate at L’Observatoire International. Wei moved to New York in 2012 and joined L’Observatoire International where she currently leads a team focused on various large scale public and commercial projects and collaborates with renowned international architects like Steven Holl, Gehry Partners, OMA, DS+R and Selldorf Architects.
Wei has remained active in the Australian architectural community and was Co-Creative Director of the Institute’s National Conference in 2018. As a member of the International Chapter Council, her goal is to promote young Australian architects abroad and foster a support network and dialogue amongst Institute members.
Wei has participated in the awards program as a jury member at the regional level in the Queensland Chapter in previous years and the International Chapter in 2020.
Vince Pirrello RAIA | Commonwealth Association of Architects
Vince has been in the architecture / built environment sector for over 38 years and has led the growth of architectural design studios in Australia, Asia and USA. For over 16 years, he has been a director on the Board for Woods Bagot, an international design company of 1000 staff in 17 studios around the world, where he has also been Studio Director in Brisbane and Sydney, and Executive Chairman in Asia (2009) and North America (2019). Vince has led design projects in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, the USA, the Middle East, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.
Vince has been a member of the Australian Institute of Architects for over 40 years, and currently serves as Chair of the Institute’s NSW Practice of Architecture Committee, a member of the National Practice of Architecture Committee, and served as a jury member for the International Chapter Awards in 2022.
In August 2024, Vince was elected as the Commonwealth Association of Architects’ Vice President, Pacific.
Natalie Ward RAIA | Lachlan Seegers Architect
Natalie Ward is an associate at Lachlan Seegers Architect in Sydney, an award-winning practice committed to the creation of authentic, harmonious environments that respond directly to site. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of New South Wales and has over twenty years experience with prestigious architecture studios in Australia and overseas.
Before returning to Sydney in 2024 Natalie worked with Kerry Hill Architects in Singapore, where she contributed to the design and delivery of projects across Asia, the Middle East and North America. In addition to her work in practice, Natalie has served on the RAIA International Chapter Council and contributed to prominent architecture publications.
Luke Hayward RAIA | atelier Luke
Luke established his design practice, atelier Luke, in 2013. Based in Australia and Japan, atelier Luke has broad experience in architecture and design in Japan, Australia and South East Asia. atelier Luke collaborates closely with clients and local craftspeople to create uniquely personalised and culturally sensitive designs. Built work by atelier Luke has been recognised globally with frequent publication in magazines, newspapers and books.
Prior to establishing his practice, Luke worked at several notable design firms, gaining a decade of experience in all aspects of the architectural profession — throughout brief development, design, documentation and procurement.
Luke is also an accomplished furniture maker and designer, having trained in both traditional joinery and computer-aided fabrication in Tasmania and Queensland. He was the recipient of the International Chapter’s Emerging Architect Prize in 2021.
