# Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture

The Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture is a national architecture award presented annually by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) since 1981. The named award is given to the work adjudicated to be the most significant for the advancement of public architecture in that year. Alongside the Named Award, National Awards and National Commendations are also given by the jury.

## Background
### Definition of the award

The award recognises 'completed works of architecture of the highest quality' in the public architecture category. Originally the award was offered for 'non–residential buildings' with winning and commended projects including a wide array of building types including; cultural, education, health, transport, sports facilities, tourism, infrastructure, religion, justice, correctional facilities, war memorials, public administration, commercial buildings and a fountain.
Projects in this awards category must be predominantly of a public or institutional nature and generally fall within Building Code of Australia (BCA) Class 9, excluding projects within the definition of 'Educational Architecture or any BCA Class 9b building used primarily for educational purposes'. Projects awarded Named Awards and Architecture Awards by state-based Chapters of the AIA will be considered for a National Award in the same year. Since 2015 education projects have been assessed in a separate award category for the Daryl Jackson Award for Educational Architecture.

### Zelman Cowen

The named award recognises Sir Zelman Cowen, a 1953 Fulbright Senior Scholar in Law from the University of Melbourne and Harvard University, a prominent legal scholar and university administrator, and later the 19th Governor General of Australia (1977—1982) at the time of the inception of the new national RAIA awards established in 1981.

## Named award winners

Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture (reverse order) :
| Year | Architect | Project | Location | State | Type | Other AIA awards |
| 2024 | Lahznimmo Architects | Powerhouse Castle Hill | 2 Green Road, Castle Hill | New South Wales | Cultural | Public Architecture Award (New South Wales), 2024 |
| 2023 | Conrad Gargett, Clare Design (Lead Design Architects) and Brian Hooper Architect | Rockhampton Museum of Art (RMOA) | 220 Quay Street, Rockhampton | Queensland | Cultural | FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture (Queensland), 2023 JW Wilson Award for Building of the Year, 2023 (Central Queensland Regional Award) Regional Commendation for Public Architecture, 2023 (Central Queensland Regional Award) |
| 2022 | Kerstin Thompson Architects | Bundanon Art Museum and Bridge | Bundanon, 533 Bundanon Road, Illaroo | New South Wales | Cultural | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2022 (NSW) National Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2022 Architecture Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2022 (NSW) |
| 2021 | Grimshaw in collaboration with Monash University | Woodside Building for Technology and Design | 20 Exhibition Walk, Monash University Clayton Campus | Victoria | Education | David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2021 (National) Victorian Architecture Medal, 2021 Melbourne Prize, 2021 Award for Educational Architecture, 2021 (Vic) Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2021 (Vic) Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture, 2021 (Vic) |
| 2020 | Johnson Pilton Walker with NSW Government Architect (*Joint Winner) | Anzac Memorial Centenary Extension | Hyde Park South, Sydney | New South Wales | War Memorial | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2020 (NSW) Architecture Award for Urban Design, 2020 (NSW) |
| 2020 | BVN Architecture (*Joint Winner) | Marrickville Library' | 313 Marrickville Road, Marrickville | New South Wales | Cultural | David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture (NSW) NSW Premier's Prize, 2020 Milo Dunphy Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2020 (NSW) Architecture Award for Public Architecture, 2020 (NSW) |
| 2019 | Studio Hollenstein with Stewart Architecture | Green Square Library and Plaza | Green Square, Sydney | New South Wales | Cultural | Architecture Award for Public Architecture, 2019 (NSW) Architecture Award for Urban Design, 2019 (NSW) Premier's Prize, 2019 (NSW) |
| 2018 | Silver Thomas Hanley with Bates Smart | Bendigo Hospital | 100 Barnard Street, Bendigo | Victoria | Health | Award for Public Architecture, 2018 (Vic) |
| 2017 | Officer Woods Architects | East Pilbara Arts Centre | Newman Drive, Newman | Western Australia | Cultural | Jeffrey Howlett Award for Public Architecture, 2017 (WA) Commendation for Sustainable Architecture, 2017 (WA) Commendation for Steel Architecture, 2017 (WA) |
| 2016 | ARM Architecture | Geelong Library and Heritage Centre | 51 Little Malop Street, Geelong | Victoria | Cultural | William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2016 Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture, 2016 Victoria Regional Prize, 2016 |
| 2015 | ARM Architecture | Shrine of Remembrance Galleries of Remembrance | St Kilda Road, Melbourne | Victoria | War Memorial | Victorian Architecture Medal, 2015 Melbourne Prize, 2015 William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2015 John George Knight Award (Heritage Architecture), 2015 Urban Design Architecture Award, 2015 |
| 2014 | Richard Kirk Architect and Hassell Joint Venture | University of Queensland Advanced Engineering Building | Staff House Road, St Lucia | Queensland | Education | Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture, 2014 National Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2014 FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture, 2014 (Qld) GHM Addison Award for Interior Architecture, 2014 (Qld) Harry Marks Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2014 (Qld) John Dalton Award Building of the Year, 2014 (Qld Regional) Regional Commendation Public Architecture, 2014 (Qld) Regional Commendation Interior Architecture, 2014 (Qld) |
| 2013 | ARM Architecture & Cameron Chisholm Nicol Joint Venture Architects | Perth Arena | 700 Wellington Street, Perth | Western Australia | Cultural | Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture, 2013 (National) Jeffrey Howlett Award for Public Architecture, 2013 (WA) Colorbond Steel Award, 2013 (WA) Interior Architecture Award, 2013 (WA) George Temple Poole Award, 2013(WA) |
| 2012 | Fender Katsalidis | Museum of Old & New Art | Hobart | Tasmania | Cultural | Alan C Walker Award for Public Architecture, 2012 (Tas) |
| 2011 | Johnson Pilton Walker | Australian War Memorial Eastern Precinct | Australian War Memorial, Canberra | Australian Capital Territory | War Memorial | Canberra Medallion, 2011 (ACT) Romaldo Giurgola Award for Public Architecture, 2011 (ACT) |
| 2010 | Hassell | Epping to Chatswood rail link, Intermediate Stations | North Ryde and Macquarie Park | New South Wales | Transport | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2010 |
| 2009 | Johnson Pilton Walker | National Portrait Gallery | King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra | Australian Capital Territory | Cultural | National Architecture Award for Interior Architecture, 2012 Canberra Medallion, 2012 |
| 2008 | m3architecture | Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre | Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Spring Hill | Queensland | Education | |
| 2007 | Donovan Hill and Peddle Thorp | State Library of Queensland | Stanley Place, South Brisbane | Queensland | Cultural | |
| 2006 | Hassell and John Wardle Architects | Kaurna Building | University of South Australia, 2 Fenn Place, Adelaide | South Australia | Education | |
| 2005 | Denton Corker Marshall | Anzac Hall | Australian War Memorial, Canberra | Australian Capital Territory | War Memorial | Canberra Medallion, 2005 (ACT) |
| 2004 | MGT Architects with Romaldo Giurgola, Architect | St Patrick's Cathedral, Parramatta | 1 Marist Place, Parramatta | New South Wales | Religion | |
| 2003 | Richard Leplastrier, Peter Stutchbury and Sue Harper | Birabahn, Indigenous Centre | Wollotuka Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle | New South Wales | Education | |
| 2002 | John Wardle Architects; DesignInc Melbourne | RMIT Biosciences Building Bundoora Campus | Bundoora, Melbourne | Victoria | Education | Architecture Award, New institutional building, 2002 (Vic) |
| 2001 | Denton Corker Marshall | Melbourne Museum | Carlton Gardens, Melbourne | Victoria | Cultural | Victorian Architecture Medal, 2001 William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2001 |
| 2000 | MGT Architects | The Scientia | University of New South Wales, Kensington | New South Wales | Education | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2000 |
| 1999 | Glen Murcutt, Wendy Lewin, Reg Lark | Arthur and Yvonne Boyd Education Centre, (Bundanon) | Bundanon, 533 Bundanon Road, Illaroo | New South Wales | Cultural | Sir John Sulman Medal, 1999 |
| 1998 | Hassell | Olympic Park station | Sydney Olympic Park | New South Wales | Transport | New South Wales Enduring Architecture Award, 2023 Sir John Sulman Medal, 1998 |
| 1997 | Lawrence Nield & Partners Australia & John Mainwaring & Associates | Sunshine Coast University College Library | Sunshine Coast | Queensland | Education | |
| 1996 | Denton Corker Marshall | Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre | South Wharf, Melbourne | Victoria | Cultural | Sir Osborne McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture, 1996 (Victoria) |
| 1995 | Patricia Les, Department for Building Management Consultancy Services | Swallowcliffe School | 18 Swallociffe Road, Davoren Park, Adelaide | South Australia | Education | Community Environment Art and Design Award Civic Trust Award BHP Award |
| 1994 | Glenn Murcutt and Troppo Architects | Bowali Visitors Centre and Headquarters | Kakadu National Park, Kakadu Highway, Jabiru | Northern Territory | Cultural | Northern Territory Enduring Architecture Award, 2018 Northern Territory Enduring Architecture Award, 2018 Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture, 1994 (National Award) People's Choice Award, 1994 (NT Chapter) Tracy Memorial Award, 1994 (NT Chapter) |
| 1993 | Forbes and Fitzhardinge | Stirling Station, Northern Suburbs Transit System Public Buildings | Stirling, Perth | Western Australia | Transport | |
| 1992 | Tompkins Shaw & Evans and Daryl Jackson, Architects in Association | Great Southern Stand | Melbourne Cricket Ground | Victoria | Sport | Maggie Edmond Enduring Architecture Award, 2020 Victorian Architecture Medal, 1992 |
| 1991 | Raffen Maron Architects (Guy Maron) | Adelaide Botanic Gardens Conservatory (now Bicentennial Conservatory) | Adelaide Botanic Gardens | South Australia | Cultural | Jack Cheesman Award for Enduring Architecture, 2014 |
| 1990 | Gregory Burgess | Brambuk: Living Cultural Centre (now The National Parks and Cultural Centre) | 277 Grampians Road, Halls Gap | Victoria | Cultural | National Award for Enduring Architecture, 2023 Maggie Edmond Enduring Architecture Award, 2023 |
| 1989 | Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects | New Australian Parliament House | Canberra | Australian Capital Territory | Public Service | National Award for Enduring Architecture, 2013 Sir Roy Grounds Award for Enduring Architecture, 2013 Canberra Medallion, 1989 |
| 1988 | Australian Construction Services in association with Bligh Robinson Architects | Brisbane Airport Terminal | Airport Drive, Brisbane Airport | Queensland | Transport | |
| 1987 | Peter McIntyre, McIntyre Partnership (*Joint Winner) | Dinner Plain Alpine Village | Sorrel Place, Dinner Plain | Victoria | Tourism | |
| 1987 | Harry Seidler and Associates (*Joint Winner) | Riverside Centre | 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane | Queensland | Commercial | |
| 1986 | Department of Housing and Construction with Ancher Mortlock & Woolley | Cadets Mess | Australian Defence Force Academy, Northcott Drive, Campbell | Australian Capital Territory | Defence | |
| 1985 | Philip Cox & Partners | Ayers Rock Resort (now Sails in the Desert) | Yulara | Northern Territory | Tourism | National Award for Enduring Architecture, 2019 Northern Territory Enduring Architecture Award, 2019 |
| 1984 | Daryl Jackson | National Sports Centre Swimming Halls | Australian Institute of Sport, Leverrier Crescent, Bruce | Australian Capital Territory | Sport | Canberra Medallion, 1984 RAIA National Award for Design Excellence ACT Award for Enduring Architecture, 2012 |
| 1983 | Cameron Chisholm and Nicol | Education Department Building | 151 Royal Street, East Perth | Western Australia | Public Service | |
| 1982 | Robin Gibson & Partners Architects | Queensland Art Gallery | Stanley Place, South Brisbane | Queensland | Cultural | Robin Gibson Award for Enduring Architecture, 2004 |
| 1981 | Daryl Jackson Evan Walker Architects | Canberra School of Art (now Australian National University School of Art and Design) | 105 Childers Street, Acton, Canberra | Australian Capital Territory | Education | CS Daley Medal (ACT) |

## Gallery of awarded projects

* 1982 Award, Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane, Queensland
* 1985 Award, Sails in the Desert, Yulara, Northern Territory
* 1989 Award, New Australian Parliament House, Canberra, ACT
* 1991 Award, Bicentennial Conservatory, Adelaide, SA
* 1996 Award, Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Victoria
* 2000 Award, John Niland Scientia Building, University of New South Wales, Sydney
* 2001 Award, Melbourne Museum, Melbourne, Victoria
* 2012 Award, MONA, Hobart, Tasmania
* 2013 Award, Perth Arena, Western Australia
* 2015 Award, Shrine of Remembrance (Education Courtyard), Melbourne, Victoria
* 2020 Award, Marrickville Library, New South Wales
* 2020 Award, Anzac Memorial Centenary Extension, New South Wales
* 2023 Award, Rockhampton Museum of Art, Queensland

## Distribution of Awards

The first ten years of the Sir Zelman Cowen Award saw a wide distribution of winners by location with three winners in the Australian Capital Territory, three in Queensland, two in Victoria and one each in Northern Territory and Western Australia. An award was not made in New South Wales until 1998 for Olympic Park Station. Around 60% of awarded buildings were paid for with public funds and 40% with private funding. Cultural projects have accounted for around 40% of all awards, followed by education (20%) and transport (9%).
* New South Wales 24 (23.8%)
* Victoria 22 (21.8%)
* Queensland 17 (16.8%)
* Tasmania 2 (1.98%)
* Western Australia 7 (6.93%)
* Northern Territory 7 (6.93%)
* South Australia 7 (6.93%)
* Australian Capital Territory 15 (14.9%)

## Commendations (1981—2006)

From the inception of the award commendations were an optional award allocated at the jury's discretion. Only six commendations were given in the first ten years of the award. Fourteen were awarded in the next decade (between 1992 and 2001), and overall 26 commendations were made in 24 years, averaging around one per year.
Sir Zelman Cowen Award Commendations 1982—2006 :
| Year | Commendation | Architect | Project | Location | State | Type | Other AIA awards |
| 1982 | Commendation | John Andrews | American Express Tower | 380 George Street, Sydney | New South Wales | Commercial | |
| 1983 | Commendation | Stapleton Architects | Territory Insurance Office | 66 Smith Street, Darwin | Northern Territory | Commercial | |
| 1983 | Commendation | Glenn Murcutt | Kempsey Museum and Tourist Information Centre | 62 Lachlan Street, South Kempsey | New South Wales | Cultural | |
| 1984 | Commendation | New South Wales Government Architect | Parklea Prison | 66 Sentry Drive, Parklea, Sydney | New South Wales | Corrections | |
| 1987 | Commendation | Robert Woodward | Cascade Court Fountain | Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre | Queensland | Public Space | |
| 1989 | Commendation | Edmond and Corrigan | Dandenong College of TAFE, Stage 3, 1985—1988 | 121 Stud Road, Dandenong | Victoria | Education | |
| 1992 | Commendation | Strine Design | Googong Dam Amenities Block | Googong Dam, Googong | New South Wales | Infrastructure | |
| 1993 | Commendation | SACON (Architect Carlo Gnezda) | Adelaide Velodrome | State Sports Park, Main North Road, Gepps Cross | South Australia | Sport | |
| 1996 | High Commendation | Gregory Burgess | Uluru–Kata Cultural Centre | Uluru | Northern Territory | Cultural | |
| 1996 | Commendation | Peddle Thorp & Walker and Robert Dickson Architects | Art Gallery of South Australia Additions | North Terrace, Adelaide | South Australia | Cultural | |
| 1996 | Commendation | Bligh Voller Architects in association with Lend Lease Design | Brisbane International Airport | Brisbane | Queensland | Transport | |
| 1997 | Commendation | Grose Bradley | Architecture Studios | University of Newcastle | New South Wales | Education | Sir John Sulman Medal, 1997 |
| 1998 | Commendation | Wood Marsh in association with Pels Innes Nielson Kosloff | RMIT Building 220 (later known as Leo Foster Building, since 2014) | RMIT Bundoora Campus, Bundoora | Victoria | Education | William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 1998 |
| 1999 | Commendation | Denton Corker Marshall | Faculty of Arts and Design | Monash University | Western Australia | Education | |
| 1999 | Commendation | Bligh Voller Neild | Faculty of Arts | University of the Sunshine Coast | Queensland | Education | |
| 1999 | Commendation | Nation Fender Katsalidis | Ian Potter Museum of Art | University of Melbourne | Victoria | Education | Victorian Architecture Medal, 2019 Melbourne Prize Commendation, 1999 |
| 2000 | Commendation | John Wardle Architects and Demaine | Printing Facility | RMIT | Victoria | Education | |
| 2000 | Commendation | Bligh Voller Nield | New South Wales Tennis Centre | Sydney Olympic Park | New South Wales | Sport | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2000 |
| 2001 | Commendation | Peter Elliott Architects | Faculty of Arts Precinct | University of Tasmania | Hobart, Tasmania | Education | |
| 2002 | Commendation | Nation Fender Katsalidis | Sidney Myer Asia Centre | University of Melbourne, Melbourne | Victoria | Education | |
| 2003 | Commendation | Sean Godsell Architects | Woodleigh School Science Building | 485 Golf Links Road, Langwarrin South | Victoria | Education | William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2003 |
| 2004 | Commendation | Johnson Pilton Walker | New Asian Galleries | Art Gallery of New South Wales | New South Wales | Cultural | |
| 2004 | Commendation | Hassell & MGT Canberra Architects in association | State Library of South Australia Redevelopment | North Terrace, Adelaide | South Australia | Cultural | |
| 2005 | Commendation | Project Services (Queensland Government) | Cooloola Sunshine Institute of TAFE, Noosa Centre | Cooloola | Queensland | Education | |
| 2005 | Commendation | HOK Sport+Venue+Event and PDT Architects | Suncorp Stadium | Brisbane | Queensland | Sport | |

## National Awards and National Commendations (Since 2007)

Since 2007 the Award was changed from only awarding Commendations to awarding the named award (Sir Zelman Cowen Award) as the highest award (see table above), a National Award for Public Architecture (equivalent to a High Commendation) and a National Commendation for Public Architecture. A total of 72 commendations have been awarded from 2007 to 2024 (18 years), at an average of four National Awards/National Commendations per annum, in addition to the named award.
Sir Zelman Cowen Award National Awards and Commendations since 2007 :
| Year | Commendation | Architect | Project | Location | State | Type | Other AIA awards |
| 2007 | National Award | Lyons | John Curtin School of Medical Research | Curtin University | Western Australia | Education | |
| 2007 | National Award | Architectus | Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane | Brisbane | Queensland | Cultural | |
| 2008 | National Award | John Wardle Architects | Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership | Melbourne Grammar School, 47 Domain Road, Melbourne | Victoria | Education | Victorian Architecture Medal, 2008 William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2008 Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture, 2008 |
| 2008 | National Award | ARM Architecture | Albury Library Museum | Albury, New South Wales | New South Wales | Cultural | |
| 2008 | National Award | Robert Simeoni Architects | Seaford Life Saving Club | 10N Nepean Highway, Seaford | Victoria | Sport | |
| 2008 | National Commendation | John Wardle Architects and Joint Project Delivery with Hassell | Hawke Building | University of South Australia, Adelaide | South Australia | Education | |
| 2008 | National Commendation | MCG5 Sports Architects (Consortium of Jackson Architects, Cox Architecture, Tompkins Shaw and Evans Architects, HOK and Hassell) | Melbourne Cricket Ground Redevelopment | Melbourne | Victoria | Sport | |
| 2009 | National Award | Candelapas Associates | All Saints Primary School (now All Saints Grammar) | 17 Cecilia Street, Belmore, Sydney | New South Wales | Education | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2009 NSW Award for Public Architecture, 2009 |
| 2009 | National Award | Candelapas Associates | Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy | Monash University | Victoria | Education | |
| 2009 | National Commendation | FJMT (Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp) | Faculty of Law, Library | Camperdown Campus, University of Sydney | New South Wales | Education | |
| 2010 | National Award | FJMT (Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp) | Surry Hills Library and Community Centre | Crown Street, Surry Hills | New South Wales | Cultural | |
| 2010 | National Award | Joint Venture Architects Woods Bagot and NH | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre | South Wharf, Melbourne | Victoria | Cultural | Melbourne Prize,2010 William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2010 Steel Architecture Award, 2010 Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2010 |
| 2010 | National Commendation | Brian Hooper Architect and m3architecture architects in association | Barcaldine Tree of Knowledge Memorial | Barcaldine | Queensland | Cultural | |
| 2011 | National Award | Cox Architecture | AAMI Park | Melbourne | Victoria | Sport | Victorian Architecture Medal, 2011 Melbourne Prize, 2011 William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 201 Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture, 2011 |
| 2011 | National Award | BVN Architecture | Brain and Mind Research Institute, Youth Mental Health Building | 100 Mallett Street, Camperdown | New South Wales | Health | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2011 |
| 2011 | National Commendation | John Wardle Architects | Learning Commons and Exercise Sports Science Project | Footscray Campus, Victoria University | Victoria | Education | |
| 2012 | National Award | BVN Architecture | Narbethong Community Hall | Narbethong | Queensland | Cultural | |
| 2012 | National Award | Billiard Leece Partnership and Bates Smart | Royal Children's Hospital | 50 Flemington Road, Parkville | Victoria | Health | Victorian Architecture Medal, 2012 Melbourne Prize, 2012 William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2012 |
| 2012 | National Award | BVN Architecture | Ravenswood School for Girls | 10 Henry Street, Gordon | New South Wales | Education | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2012 |
| 2012 | National Commentation | Silvester Fuller | Dapto Anglican Church Auditorium | Lot 100 Moombara Street, Dapto | New South Wales | Religion | Public Architecture Award, 2012 (NSW) Blacket Prize, 2012 (NSW) |
| 2013 | National Award | TAG Architects and Iredale Pedersen Hook architects, architects in association | West Kimberley Regional Prison | Kimberley | Western Australia | Corrections | |
| 2013 | National Award | Collins and Turner with City of Sydney | Waterloo Youth Family Community Centre | Waterloo, Sydney | New South Wales | Cultural | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2013 Sustainable Architecture Award, 2013 (NSW) |
| 2013 | National Award | Wilson Architects and Donovan Hill, architects in association | Translational Research Institute | 37 Kent St, Woolloongabba, Brisbane | Queensland | Education | 2013 National Architecture Award for Interior Architecture 2013 FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture (Queensland) 2013 GHM Addison Award for Interior Architecture (Queensland) 2013 Commendation for Sustainable Architecture (Queensland) |
| 2013 | National Award | Lyons | Swanston Academic Building (Building 80) | RMIT, Swanston Street, Melbourne | Victoria | Education | Victorian Public Architecture Award, 2013 |
| 2013 | National Award | Sean Godsell Architects and Peddle Thorp Architects, architects in association | RMIT University Design Hub (Building 100) | RMIT, Swanston Street, Melbourne | Victoria | Education | Victorian Architecture Medal, 2013 (Vic) William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2013 (Vic) Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture, 2013 (Vic) |
| 2013 | National Award | Architectus and Guymer Bailey Architects architects in association | Queen Elizabeth II Courts of Law | 415 George Street, Brisbane | Queensland | Justice | |
| 2013 | National Commendation | BVN Donovan Hill | Kinghorn Cancer Centre | 370 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney | New South Wales | Health | |
| 2013 | National Commendation | ARM Architecture | Hamer Hall | Melbourne | Victoria | Health | |
| 2013 | National Commendation | BVN Donovan Hill and Hames Sharley, architects in association | Braggs Building | University of Adelaide, Adelaide | South Australia | Education | |
| 2014 | National Award | Neeson Murcutt Architects in association with City of Sydney | Prince Alfred Park and Pool Upgrade | Surry Hills, Sydney | New South Wales | Sport | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2014 Lloyd Rees Award for Urban Design, 2014 City of Sydney Lord Mayor’s Prize, 2014 |
| 2014 | National Award | BVN Donovan Hill | Australian PlantBank | Mount Annan Drive, Mount Annan | New South Wales | Science | |
| 2014 | National Award | John Wardle Architects and Terroir, architects in association | Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies | University of Tasmania, Hobart | Tasmania | Education | |
| 2014 | National Award | McBride Charles Ryan | Dallas Brooks Community Primary School | 26–36 King Street, Dallas | Victoria | Education | Victorian Architecture Medal, 2014 Melbourne Prize, 2014 William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2014 |
| 2014 | National Award | Bates Smart Whitefield McQueen Irwin Alsop Joint Venture | Dandenong Mental Health Facility | Dandenong Hospital, Dandenong | Victoria | Health | Victorian Public Architecture Award, 2014 |
| 2014 | National Commendation | Durbach Block Jaggers in association with Peter Colquhoun | North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club | Ramsgate Avenue & Campbell Parade, North Bondi, Bondi Beach, Sydney | New South Wales | Sport | |
| 2014 | National Commendation | Woods Bagot | 'South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) | North Terrace, Adelaide | South Australia | Health | |
| 2015 | National Award | Cox Architecture, Walter Brooke and Hames Sharley | Adelaide Oval Redevelopment | Adelaide | South Australia | Sport | |
| 2015 | National Commendation | Conrad Gargett and Lyons | Lady Cilento Children's Hospital (now Queensland Children's Hospital) | 501 Stanley Street, South Brisbane | Queensland | Health | |
| 2015 | National Commendation | Fiona Stanley Hospital Design Collaboration (Hassell, Hames Sharley and Silver Thomas Hanley) | Fiona Stanley Hospital, Main Hospital Building | 11 Robin Warren Drive, Murdoch | Western Australia | Health | |
| 2015 | National Commendation | NH Architecture and Populous | Margaret Court Arena | Melbourne Park, Melbourne | Victoria | Sport | |
| 2016 | National Award | Candalepas Associates | St Andrews House | Sydney | New South Wales | Health | |
| 2016 | National Award | PHAB Architects | The Condensery, Somerset Regional Art Gallery | 29 Factory Road, Toogoolawah | Queensland | Cultural | Regional Commendation, 2016 |
| 2016 | National Commendation | Kerry Hill Architects | City of Perth Library and Public Plaza | Perth | Western Australia | Cultural | |
| 2016 | National Commendation | Neeson Murcutt Architects | Kempsey Crescent Head Surf Life Saving Club | Kempsey | New South Wales | Sport | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2016 (NSW) |
| 2017 | National Award | Neeson Murcutt Architects in association with City of Sydney | Juanita Nielsen Community Centre | 31 Nicholson Street, Woolloomooloo, Sydney | New South Wales | Cultural | |
| 2017 | National Award | Brian Hooper Architect and m3architecture, architects in association | The Globe Lookout | Barcaldine | Queensland | Cultural | |
| 2017 | National Award | Architectus | Sunshine Coast University Hospital | Sunshine Coast | Queensland | Health | |
| 2017 | National Commendation | m3architecture | Act for Kids Child and Family Centre of Excellence | James Cook University, Building 245, Douglas, Townsville | Queensland | Health | |
| 2018 | National Award | Peter Stutchbury Architecture in association with Design 5 — Architects for City of Sydney | Joynton Avenue Creative Centre and Precinct | Zetland | New South Wales | Cultural | |
| 2018 | National Award | Hassell, Cox Architecture and HKS | Optus Stadium | Perth | Western Australia | Sport | George Temple Poole Award, 2018 (WA) Jeffrey Howlett Award for Public Architecture, 2018 (WA) Wallace Greenham Award for Sustainability, 2018 (WA) Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture, 2018 (WA) Mondoluce Lighting Award, 2018 (WA) |
| 2018 | National Award | Candalepas Associates | Punchbowl Mosque (Punchbowl Masjid) | 25-27 Matthews Street,Punchbowl, Sydney | New South Wales | Religion | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2018 (NSW) |
| 2019 | National Award | Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design | Parliament of Victoria Members’ Annexe | Spring Street, Melbourne | Victoria | Public Service | Victorian Architecture Medal, 2019 (Vic) Melbourne Prize, 2019 (Vic) Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design, 2019 (Vic) William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2019 (Vic) Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture, 2019 (Vic) |
| 2019 | National Award | ARM Architecture | HOTA Outdoor Stage | Gold Coast | Queensland | Cultural | |
| 2019 | National Award | CHROFI with McGregor Coxall | Maitland Riverlink | Maitland | New South Wales | Cultural | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2019 (NSW) |
| 2019 | National Commendation | FJMT | Port of Sale | 70 Foster Street, Sale | Victoria | Cultural | Victoria Regional Prize, 2019 Victoria Public Architecture Award, 2019 |
| 2020 | National Commendation | Harrison and White with Archier | Parks Victoria Albert Park Office and Depot | Albert Park | Victoria | Public Service | Award for Public Architecture, 2020 (Vic) |
| 2020 | National Commendation | Architectus and Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects | State Library Victoria Redevelopment | Swanston Street | Victoria | Cultural | Melbourne Prize, 2020 (Vic) Award for Public Architecture, 2020 (Vic) Award for Heritage Architecture, Conservation, 2020 (Vic) |
| 2021 | National Award | Cox Architecture with Neeson Murcutt and Neille | Australian Museum Project Discover | College Street, Sydney | New South Wales | Cultural | NSW Architecture Medallion, 2021 Greenway Award for Heritage, 2021 (NSW) John Verge Award for Interior Architecture, 2021 (NSW) |
| 2021 | National Award | Andrew Burges Architect and Grimshaw with TCL in collaboration with the City of Sydney | Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre | Green Square | New South Wales | Sport | Award for Public Architecture, 2021 (NSW) Lord Mayor's Prize, 2021 (NSW) Joint Winner |
| 2022 | National Award | Brearley Architects and Urbanists and Grant Amon Architects | Victorian Pride Centre | 79/81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda | Victoria | Cultural | William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2022 (VIC) |
| 2022 | National Award | Kerry Hill Architects | Walyalup Civic Centre | 151 High Street, Fremantle | Western Australia | Cultural | George Temple Poole Award, 2022 (WA) Jeffrey Howlett Award for Public Architecture, 2022 (WA) Julius Elischer Award for Interior Architecture, 2022 (WA) John Septimus Roe Award for Urban Design, 2022 (WA) Sustainable Architecture commendation, 2022 (WA) |
| 2022 | National Award | Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects | Walsh Bay Arts Precinct | Walsh Bay, Millers Point, Sydney | New South Wales | Cultural | Award for Public Architecture, 2022 (NSW) |
| 2022 | National Commendation | Eoghan Lewis Architects | Kings Langley Cricket Club and Amenities | Pearce Reserve, Kings Langley, Sydney | New South Wales | Sport | Award for Public Architecture, 2022 (NSW) |
| 2022 | National Commendation | Vokes and Peters with Zuzana and Nicholas | New Farm Neighbourhood Centre | New Farm, Brisbane | Queensland | Cultural | Public Architecture Award, 2022 (Qld) |
| 2023 | National Award | SANAA and Architectus (executive architects) | Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Modern building | Art Gallery Road, Sydney | New South Wales | Cultural | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2023 (NSW) |
| 2023 | National Award | Kerstin Thompson Architects | Melbourne Holocaust Museum | 13 Selwyn Street, Elsternwick, Melbourne | Victoria | Cultural | Award for Public Architecture, 2013 (Vic) |
| 2023 | National Commendation | Wardle | Bendigo Law Courts | 188 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo | Victoria | Cultural | William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2023 (Vic) |
| 2023 | National Commendation | Cumulus Studio | Dove Lake Viewing Shelter | Dove Lake | Tasmania | Cultural | Award for Public Architecture, 2023 (Tas) EmAGN Project Award, 2023 (Tas) |
| 2024 | National Award | Jackson Clements Burrows Architects | Berninneit Cultural and Community Centre | 91—97 Thompson Avenue, Cowes | Victoria | Cultural | William Wardell Award for Public Architecture, 2024 |
| 2024 | National Award | Grimshaw and Andrew Burges Architects with McGregor Coxall | Parramatta Aquatic Centre | 7A Park Parade, Parramatta | New South Wales | Sport | Sir John Sulman Medal, 2024 |
| 2024 | National Award | Officer Woods Architects | Spinifex Hill Project Space | 18 Hedditch Street, South Hedland | Western Australia | Cultural | Award for Public Architecture (WA) Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture (WA) Brian Kidd Enabling Architecture Prize (WA) |
| 2024 | National Commendation | Adriano Pupilli Architects | Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club | Pittwater Road, Collaroy | New South Wales | Sport | Public Architecture Award, 2024 (NSW) Sustainable Architecture Award, 2024 (NSW) |