Australian Interior Design Awards

The Australian Interior Design Awards are prominent on the global design calendar. Renowned locally and internationally, these prestigious national design awards celebrate and elevate excellence in interior design.

To provide better context, we explore why these awards are so significant to the interior design community while exploring some of the winners from this year’s ceremony.

Founded in 2004 and exclusively representing Australian interior designers, the Australian Interior Design Awards are co-presented by the Design Institute of Australia and ArchitectureAU. 

These illustrious awards celebrate excellence across residential, commercial, and public spaces, showcasing innovative design that pushes boundaries while responding to Australia's unique cultural and environmental context. With categories ranging from sustainability to emerging design practices, the line-up recognises established and up-and-coming talent, promoting design that impacts everyday life.

These national design awards feature various categories, including residential, commercial, hospitality, retail, and installation design. Entries are evaluated against a comprehensive set of criteria that consider design excellence, functionality, innovation, sustainability, and overall user impact.

A panel of industry experts assesses each project with integrity, informed insight, and a keen understanding of today’s increasingly dynamic design landscape.

Held on June 6, the Australian Interior Design Awards 2025 returned to the Grand Ballroom at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins for a glamorous gala dinner celebrating the nation’s most compelling interiors. With 195 projects shortlisted across various categories, this year’s program reflected an insightful cross-section of the design industry — one defined by authenticity, bold character, and material innovation.

The Premier Award for Australian Interior Design was awarded to Central, designed by J.AR Office. Resembling a scene straight out of the psychological sci-fi series Severance, this bold basement-level restaurant in Brisbane transformed a subterranean space into a richly atmospheric and immersive dining experience, inspired by 1980s Hong Kong and Cantonese culinary traditions.

The jury praised its emotive storytelling and clever use of spatial constraints, awarding it the top prize, the Hospitality Design Award, and the Best of State — Commercial for Queensland.

Recognised for its acute planning and beautifully nuanced palette, Montage Apartment by Studio Prineas took home the Best of State — Residential award for New South Wales. Guided by the design ethos of ‘think more, build less,’ this modest 1990s apartment on Gadigal Land in Sydney’s Double Bay was impressively transformed into an uplifting family home that perfectly balanced luxury with environmental responsibility. 

The studio’s intelligent spatial reconfiguration was a standout feature, which maximised light and flow without significant structural alterations. The restrained material palette and subtle detailing further emphasised the sense of calm and cohesion throughout the space.

Admired for its refined detailing and cohesive execution, Panorama House by Sally Caroline was honoured with the Victorian equivalent of Best of State. This commanding beachside residence cleverly reflects its Middle Park, Melbourne Bay surroundings through metallic and glossy finishes, playful colours, and textures that encapsulate the home’s vibrant character. 

Expansive windows and open-plan living areas further enhance the connection between indoor spaces and the inspirational coastal environment.

The Sustainability Advancement Award was jointly awarded to the Cox Architecture Adelaide Studio project and Arup Workplace Perth/Boorloo by Hames Sharley, who shared the spotlight in the Workplace Design category. Located on Whadjuk Noongar Country, Arup’s Workplace embodies the global consultancy’s values, distinct culture, and deep commitment to sustainability. Specifically, the design incorporates energy-efficient systems, passive ventilation, and responsibly sourced materials to minimise environmental impact. It also fosters a genuine connection to country — honouring its stories and history while creating space that encourages new stories to emerge.

Arup earned praise for the depth of its connection to place by integrating Indigenous design principles, local materials, and storytelling elements that honour Whadjuk Noongar Country.

True to form, the Australian Interior Design Awards also acknowledged emerging talent. Founded by Will Rathgebar in 2020, the Byron Bay-based Studio Plenty was named Emerging Interior Design Practice for its brooding Burly Bar, which perfectly balances beautifully moody lighting with a superior grasp of material expression. The exploration and consistency of design were highly praised, along with its carefully curated material choices, including rich timber, textured concrete, and matte black metal accents, which helped create a uniquely tactile and immersive atmosphere.

A few notable themes emerged from the Australian Interior Design Awards. There was a noticeable shift towards storytelling-driven design projects that communicated a strong narrative through spatial planning, cultural references, and material choices. Sustainability and well-being remained priorities, not just in commercial and workplace settings but increasingly in residential projects, too. This growing focus reflects a broader industry commitment to creating environments supporting health, comfort, and environmental responsibility without compromising style or innovation.

Beyond recognising standout projects, the Australian Interior Design Awards play a significant role in shaping the future of Australian design. They reflect evolving industry standards, encourage diverse design experimentation, and promote more considered, narrative-focused spaces that prioritise well-being, sustainability, and cultural relevance, setting an inspiring benchmark for what interior design can achieve.
 

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