Victorian Architecture Awards

Mansard House | Studio Bright | Photographer: Rory Gardiner

Stretching back to 1929, the Victorian Architecture Awards serve to recognise best practice in the field and inspire others to continue striving to positively shape communities through architecture. The Victorian Architecture Awards form part of the Australian Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Awards program which enables public and peer recognition of the innovative work of our members, and provides the Institute with a valuable mechanism to promote architects and architecture across Australia and internationally.

Each year, our Victorian Awards run from November to Awards Night in June. You can find key dates, information about serving as a juror as well as state-specific prizes below.

State awards

DIMITY REED MELBOURNE PRIZE

The Dimity Reed Melbourne Prize recognises projects that have made a significant contribution to the city of Melbourne. All projects located within the Urban Growth Boundary are eligible for consideration. The winner is drawn from direct-entry categories in the Victorian Architecture Awards.

2024  Koorie Heritage Trust Stage 2 by Lyons with Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associates
2023  Nightingale Village by Architecture architecture, Austin Maynard Architects, Breathe, Clare Cousins Architects, Hayball and Kennedy Nolan
2022  Queen & Collins by KTA + BVN
2021  Monash Woodside Building for Technology and Design by Grimshaw in collaboration with Monash University
2020  State Library Victoria Redevelopment by Architectus + Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects
2019  Parliament of Victoria Members’ Annexe by Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design
2018  Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture
2018  New Academic Street, RMIT University by Lyons with NMBW Architecture Studio, Harrison and White, MvS Architects and Maddison Architects
2017  Tanderrum Bridge by John Wardle Architects and NADAAA in collaboration
2017  2016 NGV ARCHITECTURE COMMISSION: Haven’t you always wanted…? by M@ STUDIO Architects
2016  Saltwater Community Centre by Croxon Ramsay Architects
2014  Dallas Brooks Community Primary School by McBride Charles Ryan
2013  Revitalising Central Dandenong, Lonsdale St Redevelopment  by BKK/TCL Partnership
2012  The Royal Childrens Hospital by Billard Leece Partnership & Bates Smart
2011  AAMI Park by Cox Architecture
2010  The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre by Woods Bagot & NH Architecture – Joint Venture Architects
2009  Canada Hotel Redevelopment by Hayball
2008  The Vaults by Six Degrees
2007  Sandridge Bridge Precinct Redevelopment by City of Melbourne in association with Nadim Karam and Marcus O’Reilly
2006  Melbourne Central by Ashton Raggatt McDougall
2006  The Urban Workshop by John Wardle Architects, Hassell & NH Architecture in joint venture
2005  QV2 by NH Architecture
2003  Federation Square by LAB Architecture Studio in association with Bates Smart

REGIONAL PRIZE

The Regional Prize recognises projects that have made a significant contribution to regional Victoria. All projects located outside the Urban Growth Boundary are eligible for consideration. The winner is drawn from direct-entry categories in the Victorian Architecture Awards.

2024  Powerhouse Place by Public Realm Lab
2023  Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre by Kosloff Architecture
2022  Grampians Peaks Trail Stage 2 by Noxon Giffen Architects with McGregor Coxall
2021  Geelong College Junior School by John Wardle Architects
2020  Penguin Parade Visitor Centre by TERROIR
2019  Port of Sale by fjmt
2018  Koondrook Wharf by TERROIR
2017  Pomonal Community Hall by Workshop Architecture
2016  Geelong Library & Heritage Centre by ARM Architecture
2014  Bendigo Library Redevelopment by MGS Architects
2013  Marysville 16 Hour Police Station  by Kerstin Thompson Architects
2012  New Hammond Fellowship Centre by Harmer Architecture
2011  The Heights Community Building by Adam Dettrick Architect
2011  Marysville Rebuilding Advisory Centre by bamford-dash architecture
2011  La Trobe University Shepparton by Gray Puksand
2010  South West Institute of TAFE – Stage 3 by Lyons
2009  Bendigo Bank Headquarters by BVN Architecture + Gray Puksand
2009  Hepburn Springs Bathhouse Redevelopment by Cox Architects & Planners
2008  Albury Library Museum by Ashton Raggatt McDougall
2008  Pioneer Museum Plaza, Jeparit by NMBW Architecture Studio + Urban Design, RMIT University
2007  Castlemaine Primary School by H20 Architects
2006  Huski by Elenberg Fraser Architects
2006  Latrobe University Visual Arts Centre by Peter Elliot Pty Ltd Architecture + Urban Design
2005  Ballarat Learning Exchange by Bligh Voller Nield 
2005  Science Technology Innovations Centre, Bacchus Marsh  by Lyons
2003  Latrobe University Library, Albury-Wodonga Campus by Woods Bagot

MAGGIE EDMOND ENDURING ARCHITECTURE AWARD

Open to buildings in Victoria of at least 25 years of age, the Maggie Edmond Enduring Architecture Award recognises achievement for the design of buildings of outstanding merit, which remain important as high-quality works of architecture when considered in a contemporary context.

Nominations are welcome from Institute members, non-members and non-architects.

2024  Knox Schlapp Public Housing by Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design
2023  Brambuk Living Cultural Centre by Gregory Burgess
2022  Crigan House by Allan Powell
2021  Olympic Swimming Pool by Kevin Borland, John and Phyllis Murphy and Peter McIntyre, with engineer Bill Irwin
2020  MCG Great Southern Stand by Daryl Jackson
2019  Melbourne Terrace Apartments by Katsalidis Architects Pty Ltd
2018  Yarra Footbridge at Southbank by Cocks Carmichael Whitford
2017  University South Lawn Underground Car Park (1972) by Loder and Bayley in association with Harris, Lange and Partners
2016  Heide II (1963) by McGlashan and Everist
2015  Domain Park Apartments by Grounds, Romberg & Boyd (Partner in Charge Robin Boyd)
2014  McIntyre House 1955 by Peter McIntyre
2013  former ICI House 1958 by Bates Smart & McCutcheon
2012  NGV 1959-68, St Kilda Road by Roy Grounds
2011  One Collins Street 1983-84 by Robert Peck & Denton Corker Marshall
2010  Infil Housing Program 1982-85 by Ministry of Housing -Gregory Burgess
2009  Sidney Myer Music Bowl 1956-1959; 1999-2001 by Yuncken Freeman Bros, Griffiths & Simpson; Greg Burgess
2008  Murray Valley Private Hospital 1976-77 (fmr Clyde Cameron College) by Kevin Borland, Architect’s Group
2007  Fmr Plumbers and Gasfitters Union Building 1970 by Graeme Gunn
2006  Robin Boyd House II 1957 by Grounds, Romberg & Boyd
2005  Former BHP House 1972 by Yuncken Freeman Architects
2004  Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne 1971 by Yuncken Freeman Architects
2003 (inaugural)  Chapel of St Joseph 1978 by Edmond & Corrigan

BATES SMART AWARD FOR ARCHITECTURE IN MEDIA

The Bates Smart Award for Architecture in the Media returns as Australia’s most prestigious media award for journalists, editors, producers and event organisers working in the field of architecture and design. In 2024, the Award will continue to encourage and recognise media discussion of architecture.

VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE MEDAL

The Victorian Architecture Medial is the highest honour awarded by the Victorian Chapter each year.

The Medal derives from the original ‘Street Architecture Medal’ introduced by The Royal Victorian Institute of Architects (RVIA) in 1926 as an award for the design of a building of exceptional merit. Buildings were judged on their urban propriety and architectural etiquette; the building had to front a street, road, square or court to which public had access. It was expected to have a civic character, offering its architectural qualities to the greater public realm of the city.

The Medal is awarded from the Named Award winners from all national direct-entry categories and Sustainable Architecture and COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture, as well as the winners of the Melbourne Prize and Regional Prize. The winner of the Victorian Architecture Medal is therefore judged to be the most outstanding project of the entire field of entries, a building of exceptional merit.

2024  Powerhouse Place by Public Realm Lab
2023  University of Melbourne Student Precinct by Lyons with Koning Eizenberg Architecture, NMBW Architecture Studio, Greenaway Architects, Architects EAT, Aspect Studios and Glas Urban
2022  Grampians Peaks Trail Stage 2 by Noxon Giffen Architects with McGregor Coxall
2021  Monash Woodside Building for Technology and Design by Grimshaw in collaboration with Monash University
2020  Broadmeadows Town Hall by Kerstin Thompson Architects
2019  Parliament of Victoria Members’ Annexe by Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design
2018  New Academic Street, RMIT University by Lyons with NMBW Architecture Studio, Harrison and White, MvS Architects and Maddison Architects
2017  Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre by sthDI+MCR (Silver Thomas Hanley, DesignInc & McBride Charles Ryan)
2016  Geelong Library & Heritage Centre by ARM Architecture
2015  Shrine of Remembrance – Galleries of Remembrance by ARM Architecture
2014  Dallas Brooks Community Primary School by McBride Charles Ryan
2013  RMIT Design Hub by Sean Godsell Architects in association with Peddle Thorp Architects
2012  The Royal Children’s Hospital by Billard Leece Partnership and Bates Smart
2011  AAMI Park by Cox Architecture
2010  Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre by Woods Bagot and NH Architedture
2009  Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre Project by ARM
2008  Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership by John Wardle Architects
2007  Southern Cross Station by Grimshaw Jackson JV
2006  Yve Apartments by Wood Marsh Architecture
2005  Templestowe Park Primary School Multi-purpose Hall by McBride Charles Ryan Architecture + Interior Design
2004  Shrine of Remembrance undercroft development by Ashton Raggatt McDougall Pty Ltd
2003  Federation Square by LAB Architecture Studio in association with Bates Smart Melbourne
2002  Victoria University Online Training Centre – St Albans Campus by Lyons
2001  Melbourne Museum by Denton Corker Marshall Pty Ltd
2000  Holyoake Cottage, Eaglemont by FIELD Consultants
1999  Ian Potter Museum of Art by Nation Fender Katsalidis Architects
1998  Eastern Freeway Extension Sound Barriers by Wood Marsh Pty Ltd Architecture/Pels Innes Neilson Kosloff
1997  Isaacson Davis Residence by John Wardle Pty Ltd
1996  Storey Hall by Ashton Raggatt McDougall Pty Ltd
1995  RMIT Building 8 by Edmond & Corrigan Pty Ltd in association with Demaine Partnership Pty Ltd
1994  Tyne Street Multiple Housing by Williams & Boag
1993  Chapel of The Holy Trinity, Trinity Grammar by Crone Ross Pty Ltd
1992  MCG Southern Stand Redevelopment by Tompkins Shaw and Evans/Daryl Jackson Pty Ltd
1991  Carlton Baths & Community Centre by Peter Elliott Pty Ltd
1990  Brunswick Community Health Centre by Ashton Raggatt McDougall Pty Ltd
1989  Dandenong College of TAFE – Stage III by Edmond & Corrigan, and Ministry for Housing & Construction
1988  Deutscher Fine Art Gallery & Residence by Katsalidis & Partners P/L
1987  Catholic Church, Horsham by Gregory Burgess Pty Ltd
No Victorian Architecture Medals given between the years 1964 – 1986
1963  Grimwade House by McGlashan and Everist
No Awards given during the years 1955 – 1962
1954  House and Five Apartments by Ground, Romberg and Boyd
1942  Western Branch of the National Bank of Australasia Limited by Meldrum and Noad
No Awards given during the war years between 1942 – 1953
1941  King George V Jubilee Maternal and Infant Welfare Pathological Building, Women’s Hospital by Stephenson and Turner
1940  Sanitarium Health Food Company Building by Edward F. Billson
1939  Heidelberg Town Hall and Municipal Offices by Peck and Kempter and A.C. Leith and Associates
1938  Second Church of Christian Science by Bates, Smart and McCutcheon
1937  Royal Australian College of Surgeons Building by Leighton Irwin and Roy K. Stevenson
1936  Bank of New South Wales by Godfrey and Spowers  (design architects – Norman H Seabrook and WR Godfrey)
1935  Shell Corner by A. & K. Henderson and Partners
1934  Buckley and Nunn Building by Bates, Smart and McCutcheon
1933  Port Authority Building by Sidney Smith, Ogg and Serpell
1932  A.M.P. Building by Bates, Smart and McCutcheon
1931  Lyric House by A. & K. Henderson
1930  Emily MacPherson College of Domestic Economy by E. Evan Smith – Chief Architect; designed and constructed by the Public Works Dept of Victoria
1929  Francis House by W.A.B. Blackett and W.B. Forster

Victorian Awards Archive

University of Melbourne Student Precinct | Lyons with Koning Eizenberg Architecture, NMBW Architecture Studio, Greenaway Architects, Architects EAT, Aspect Studios and Glas Urban | Photographer: Peter Bennetts
Grampians Peaks Trail Stage 2 | Noxon Giffen Architects with McGregor Coxall | Photographer: Shannon McGrath
Monash Woodside Building for Technology and Design | Grimshaw in collaboration with Monash University | Photographer: Rory Gardiner
Broadmeadows Town Hall | Kerstin Thompson Architects | Photographer: John Gollings
Parliament of Victoria Members’ Annexe | Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design | Photographer: John Gollings
New Academic Street, RMIT University | Lyons with NMBW Architecture Studio, Harrison and White, MvS Architects and Maddison Architects | Photographer: Peter Bennett
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre | sthDI+MCR (Silver Thomas Hanley, DesignInc and McBride Charles Ryan) | Photographer: Peter Bennetts

2017 VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE AWARDS

Geelong Library & Heritage Centre | ARM Architecture | Photographer: John Gollings

2016 VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE AWARDS

Shrine of Remembrance - Galleries of Remembrance | ARM Architecture | Photographer: John Gollings

2015 VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE AWARDS

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