2025 Newcastle Division Medal Winner | New Castle | anthony st john parsons | Photographer: Benjamin Hoskings
Awards and Commendations celebrate excellence in design, placemaking, and sustainability.
Awards and commendations for Newcastle’s best new residential and commercial buildings have been named in the Australian Institute of Architects 2025 Newcastle Architecture Awards, shining a light on the most innovative, sustainable, and inspirational homes, commercial and community buildings.
This year’s winners can be seen as a window into the changing built environment of Newcastle, and a spotlight on the imperative role of architecture in shaping the future of one of the state’s most prominent regional hubs.
With a particular focus on sustainability and community, the jury recognised innovative residential projects, and impressive commercial and public buildings that are designed to serve Newcastle and its residents.
Jury Chair Sarah Lawlor, Government Architect NSW, says “serving as Jurors for the 2025 Newcastle Awards offered us as jurors an incredible opportunity to witness firsthand the exceptional projects defining the architectural landscape of the Newcastle region. By immersing ourselves in these spaces, we were able to fully understand each project, and the obvious dedication of each practice to crafting environments that enhance the lives of their communities.”
“Each project showcased a profound commitment to the local context. The ability to respond to the unique needs of a given space and its community is a testament to this year’s winners.”
“As our world undergoes rapid transformation, the role of regional architects has never been more critical. Newcastle, a city steeped in history and industry, is now emerging as a hub of innovation and creativity. By embracing sustainable practice and honouring the region’s heritage, our local architects are shaping a brighter future for those to come.”
“The jury is excited to witness the continued growth and positive impact of Newcastle’s architectural profession. Together, we can create a legacy of sustainable and inspiring design excellence.”
The 2025 awards night, held at the Newcastle City Hall on Friday 15 November was a celebration of the very best in regional architecture.
About the Newcastle Architecture Awards
The Newcastle Architecture Awards are a program that celebrates exemplary examples of architecture in the Local Government Areas of Central Coast Council, Lake Macquarie Council, Newcastle City Council, Port Stephens Council, Maitland Council, Cessnock Council, and Singleton Council. The program recognises the importance of regional architecture and looks to elevate it on a national stage, with award-winning entries invited to progress to the NSW Architecture Awards.
The 2025 Jury engage in a rigorous system of peer review, travelling to shortlisted projects to view the architecture in situ and gain a deeper understanding for how it performs and exists within its context.
Each year, the NSW Regional Architecture Awards jury is made up of a venerated panel of industry experts. This year the jury comprised of:
- Sarah Lawlor, Government Architect NSW
- Matthew Travis, Matte Architecture
- Dean Williams, Architect George
2025 Newcastle Architecture Award Winners
Newcastle Medallion
- Award – New Castle | Anthony St John Parsons | Awabakal Country
COLORBOND Award for Steel Architecture
- Commendation – Killcare Heights Escarpment House | Matt Thitchener Architect | Darkinjung Country
- Award – Murrook | Derive Architecture & Design with Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council | Worimi Country
Public Architecture
- Award – Murrook | Derive Architecture & Design with Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council | Worimi Country
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
- Commendation – Speers Point House | OVDA Studio | Awabakal people, Awabakal Country
- Commendation – Killcare Heights Escarpment House | Matt Thitchener Architect | Darkinjung Country
- Award – New Castle | Anthony St John Parsons | Awabakal Country
- Award – Throsby House | Curious Practice | Pambalong Clan of the Awabakal Nation
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
- Commendation – Stockton Link House | Sarah Truscott Architect | Awabakal Country
- Award – Window, window, window | PANOV—SCOTT | Guringai & coastal Dharug Country
Interior Architecture
- Commendation – Flotilla x Vecina | Derive Architecture & Design | Awabakal Country
- Award – The Beach Hotel | EJE | Awabakal Country
- Award – New Castle | Anthony St John Parsons | Awabakal Country
