About the AILA Landscape Architecture Awards Program

The AILA Landscape Architecture Awards program provides a key vehicle for the promotion of the achievements and work of landscape architects in Australia.

The Awards process is an opportunity for public and peer recognition of landscape architect’s work, and demonstrates to industry, business, government and the wider community the positive impact the profession has on Australian lives through the planning and design of the built and natural environments.

For questions please contact your local Chapter for State Awards programs, and [email protected] for the National Awards program.   

Enter the Awards

$380 + GST
2024 entries open 6 February
Entries close at 11:59pm AEDT, 13 March 2024

Stage 2: National Awards

Winners of the Chapter awards programs will be proceeding to the National Awards program.

International entrants are announced in the national program.

ShadeSmart Award: AILA NT Landscape Architecture Award

AILA’s partnership with the Cancer Council & Cancer Institute to advance the ShadeSmart Program is an important opportunity for Landscape Architects to lead quality planning and design for Shade and UV skin cancer prevention in Australia through the delivery of sustainable public spaces and healthy communities.

tooltip

AILA 2023 VIC ShadeSmart Award | Maude Street Mall Redevelopment | GroupGSA | Yorta Yorta Country | Photo: Arthur Vay

Awards Information

Enter the Awards

Entrants must complete an online entry form and pay the entry fee.  For full entry requirements view the Entry Guide.  Should your entry win at Chapter level, it will automatically progress to the National Awards. 

Key awards dates

Don’t miss an important upcoming Awards date. View all the Chapter and National important events: entries opening, entry deadlines, and Awards presentations.

NT Awards Jury

The Landscape Architecture Awards jury serves an important role in determining Awards in recognition of exceptional Landscape Architecture practice. The jury awards practices and members in confirmation of talent, commitment, and design excellence.

LEARN MORE

Awards Categories

16 National Awards categories across varying disciplines are awarded Landscape Architecture Awards and Awards of Excellence in recognition of outstanding work in these areas. The National Awards program includes a category of International.

Awards Guides & Policies

To assist in your preparation of your submission, please read important Landscape Architecture Awards program documents.

Past Landscape Architecture Awards

Reflect on historical Awards programs, listing all National and Chapter winners.

tooltip

2022 AILA NT Landscape Architecture Award for Urban Design | Cooling Darwin | CLOUSTON Associates | Larrakia Country (Gulumoerrgin Language Group) | Photo: CLOUSTON Associates

2022 NT Landscape Architecture Awards program

Winners announced 2022

 

SA & NT Awards in the media

Awards Categories

tooltip

2020 AILA SA Award of Excellence for Health and Education Landscape | 2020 Healthy Parks Healthy People SA Award Winner | Paringa Park Primary School | Peter Semple Landscape Architects | Kaurna | Photo: Jason Tyndall

Health and Education Landscape

Projects in this category are constructed landscape projects in and surrounding institutional spaces including educational, health or aged care facilities. Projects in this category demonstrate how the design contributes to the usability and operation of the facility and the wellbeing of the user.

tooltip

2022 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Civic Landscape | 2022 AILA QLD Landscape Architecture Award for Civic Landscape | Mollison Park | RPS | Turrbal and Yuggera people | Photo: Scott Burrows

Civic Landscape

Projects in this category are constructed urban landscape projects that are public in nature and capture and contribute to the culture and amenity of the urban environment around them. Projects will demonstrate how the landscape architecture has contributed to the overall outcomes.

tooltip

2021 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Parks and Open Space | 2021 AILA WA Award of Excellence for Parks and Open Space | Bina Parkland | Ecoscape | Whadjuk Nyoongar | Photo: Michael Macaulay

Parks and Open Space

Projects in this category are constructed public parks and open space, or strategic open space projects that balance the demand for recreation, culture and the environment.

tooltip

2020 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Play Spaces | 2020 AILA SA Landscape Architecture Award for Play Spaces | Para Wirra Nature Playspace | TCL | Kaurna Nation | Photo: Emily Taylor

Play Spaces

Projects in this category are constructed play spaces or strategies which promote the notion of active play and embraces the temporal elements of the active play space.

tooltip

2020 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Infrastructure | 2020 AILA QLD Landscape Architecture Award for Civic Landscape | Aerodrome Road Intersection | Hassell | Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi | Photo: Christopher Frederick Jones

Infrastructure

Projects in this category are constructed landscape infrastructure projects, landscape strategies or works associated with civil infrastructure that demonstrates the successful integration of landscape values and which contribute to a future sustainability.

tooltip

2020 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Cultural Heritage | 2020 AILA WA Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage | UWA Cultural Heritage Mapping | UDLA | Whadjuk Nyoongar | Photo: Jason Thomas

Cultural Heritage

Projects in this category are constructed projects or strategies that demonstrate the restoration, conservation, enhancement, maintenance, or adaptive reuse of culturally significant sites.

tooltip

2022 AILA NSW Landscape Architecture Award for Land Management | University of Newcastle - Delprat Garden | University of Newcastle, School of Architecture & Built Environment | Awabakal Country | Photo: Miranda Cunningham

Land Management

Projects in this category are constructed projects or strategies for the restoration, conservation or management of significant landscapes that demonstrate a tangible physical outcome. The project may recognise and reconcile the natural and cultural values of communities and the landscape in which they are placed.

tooltip

2022 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Tourism | 2022 AILA Victoria Landscape Architecture Award for Tourism | Lake Tyrrell Tourism Infrastructure Design | Thomson Hay Landscape Architects | Wergaia Peoples (Boorong clan) | Photo: Anne Morley

Tourism

Projects in this category are constructed or strategic projects that demonstrate excellence in landscape design and demonstrate a tangible contribution to tourism, either nationally or in the local region that significantly enhances the profile of the area.

tooltip

2020 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Urban Design | 2020 AILA WA Award of Excellence for Urban Design | The Rocks Laneway | UDLA | Yamatji | Photo: Josh Monagan

Urban Design

Projects in this category are constructed or strategic projects that demonstrate how the design, construction management and built outcome of the landscape, contributes to the wellbeing of the urban setting through the improvement of social interaction, economic activity, liveability, accessibility and safety. Projects will have a specific focus on how landscape architecture has contributed to the urban design outcome.

tooltip

2020 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Landscape Planning | 2020 AILA Victoria Landscape Architecture Award for Infrastructure | Maribyrnong Waterfront IWM | REALMstudios | Kulin Nation | Photo: REALMstudios

Landscape Planning

Projects in this category are constructed or strategic projects and include strategic design and guiding policy documents and visual assessments for urban development, residential and planned communities, local community and rural or regional planning.

tooltip

2020 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Research, Policy and Communications | 2020 AILA QLD Landscape Architecture Award for Research, Policy and Communications | Sunshine Coast Design Strategy and Book | Sunshine Coast Council | Jinibara and Kabi Kabi people | Photo: Andrew Maccoll

Research, Policy and Communications

Projects in this category include published works in research and or practice that extend the knowledge base and advocacy of landscape architecture.

tooltip

2020 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Community Contribution | 2020 AILA WA Award of Excellence for Community Contribution | Saint Joseph’s Nature Play Master Plan | Ecoscape Australia Pty Ltd | Miriwoong | Photo: Nicole Croudace

Community Contribution

Projects in this category included constructed projects or strategies delivered either: As a pro bono service (or significantly reduced fee) to the community OR have positively impacted a disadvantaged individual or group of users who wouldn’t normally have access to design expertise Entrants should be able to clearly demonstrate the benefit provided by the project to the communities, cultural groups and/or neighbourhoods in which they are located in or serve (e.g. through client letters of support explicitly referring to benefits gained).

tooltip

2020 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Small Projects | System Garden Rainforest Walk | SBLA Studio | Wurundjeri | Photo: Wade Trevean

Small Projects

Projects in this category include those considered to be 'small' in terms of size or budget. Projects are recognised that have been constrained by size or budget restrictions but have achieved a level of invention and creativity beyond these constraints.

tooltip

2020 National Landscape Architecture Award for Gardens | 2020 QLD Award of Excellence for Gardens | Domic | James Birrell Design Lab | Kabi Kabi | Photo: Scott Burrows

Gardens

Projects in this category include constructed private and public gardens that contribute to the role and understanding of the garden in contemporary society and culture.

tooltip

2020 AILA National Award of Excellence for International | Feng River Park | GVL Gossamer | Sha'anxi Province, China | Photo: GVL Gossamer

International

Projects in this category include constructed or strategic projects that demonstrate a contribution to landscape architecture internationally. Please note the International Awards are part of the National Awards program and are not judged at the state level.

tooltip

2022 AILA National Award of Excellence for Tourism | 2022 AILA Victoria Award of Excellence for Tourism | 2022 AILA National Regional Achievement Award | Grampians Peaks Trail (Gariwerd) | McGregor Coxall, Noxon Giffen | Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation & Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation | Photo: Shannon McGrath

Regional Achievement

This is a cross category award given in recognition of landscape architecture that has made a significant difference to improving the healthy communities and/or built and natural environments of regional Australia. Chapter Executives in collaboration with the Chapter Jury will determine the eligible key regions for their Chapter program.

tooltip

2016 National Award of Excellence for Civic | 2015 QLD Award of Excellence for Civic | Lady Cilento Children's Hospital | Landscape Architect: Conrad Gargett | Turrbal | Photo: Christopher Frederick Jones

Climate Positive Design

This is a cross category Award given in recognition of landscape architecture projects that have shown significant contribution to climate positive design. Entrants may opt in to this award and provide additional documentation on how their project has shown a strong effort toward climate mitigation, climate adaptation while also contribution to social, environmental and or economic benefits. Refer to the entry guide (page 4) for additional documentation required to submit for this award.

tooltip

Image credit coming

Future Leaders Student Award and Graduate Award

These two awards recognise achievement in design, planning, communications and research that is based upon the development of innovative, creative and practical solutions to landscape architectural challenges. Know a student or graduate member that you’d like to nominate?

NOMINATE NOW

2024 NT Awards Jury

VIEW SA & NT JURY

Daniel Bennett, Aurecon

Jury Chair

Daniel is an Adelaide-based registered Landscape Architect and Urban Designer with award-winning design and strategy experience spanning over 20 years shaping greener, healthier, and better places through design strategy for cities and infrastructure.  

His experience in private and public practice is extensive. Highlights include urban design strategies for Sydney Light Rail, Melbourne Airport Rail and most recently the Torrens to Darlington Project in Adelaide; major public domain projects including the City Landscape Plan in Adelaide’s northern suburbs, North Terrace Master Plan, Adelaide’s city laneways, University of NSW public spaces and Adelaide Park Lands projects.  

He is a Principal at Aurecon leading the growing Integrated Design team in South Australia, working across Australia.  

Daniel is active in industry and advocacy. He is a member of the Premier’s Climate Change Council, the current State President of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects and a past National AILA President.  He was made a Fellow of AILA in 2016.  

Being naturally curious, he believes in creative and innovative  strategy and design, synthesising ideas into things...and he prefers to challenge defining a problem, not solving a perceived one

Kate James, Office for Design and Architecture South Australia (ODASA) 

Kate’s practice experience represents a wide scope within the landscape architecture profession including design, delivery, review and guidance. Her career has focused across many project types both in Australia and the UK, including infrastructure, urban design, public realm, education and tourism. She has worked on multiple AILA award-winning projects. 

In addition to practicing as a registered landscape architect, Kate is also actively involved in AILA through the Climate Positive Design Working Group and as a member of the AILA SA Connection to Country Subcommittee.  

Kate is enthusiastic about contributing to meaningful landscape architecture, and, with a background in horticulture and permaculture, is particularly interested in sustainable, productive and resilient landscapes.  

Kate works and lives on unceded Kaurna and Peramangk Country. 

Claire Arnold, Swanbury Penglase

Claire graduated with a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Adelaide in 2021. That same year, Claire was awarded the AILA SA Student Future Leader award for her independent research project on public toilets in South Australia. Currently a Graduate Landscape Architect at Swanbury Penglase, Claire enjoys working within the multidisciplinary studio environment and continually learning from all the disciplines. Claire has worked on a number projects ranging from education, heritage, infrastructure, streetscapes and parks. Previously, Claire worked for the City of Salisbury, designing playgrounds, dog parks and feature streetscapes. Prior to working in local council, Claire was co-director of a small landscape design studio focusing on residential landscapes. 

Since commencing undergraduate studies in 2015, Claire has held several volunteer positions within AILA including SAILA Fresh committee member, student representative within AILA SA Executive, SA Awards Task Force team member, and is currently in her second year of chairing the AILA National Honours Committee. Claire is a strong advocate of the landscape architecture profession, particularly for the continued and growing recognition of the industry.   

Carina Green , City of Adelaide

Carina brings a diverse knowledgebase and a passion for innovation and design leadership. Working in large multi-disciplinary teams she has been able to hone her skills in effective design communication. She is committed to creating thriving spaces, placing emphasis on creating designs that respond sensitively to the environment, and exceed community and cultural needs. With more than 15 years’ experience in both private and the public sector, Carina currently leads a team of landscape architects and designers at the City of Adelaide and has had the unique opportunity to work on transformational projects that not only push boundaries within a challenging political environment, but deliver and implement innovative, quality, and inclusive design outcomes. She is an advocate for fostering open communication, facilitating collaboration and strengthening connections and bringing a holistic and adaptive approach to design. As an active registered member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, holding a position on the AILA SA Executive Committee, she continues to be inspired through mentoring others, and supporting and encouraging professional development. 

Scott Hawken, The University of Adelaide 

Dr Scott Hawken is director of the Landscape Architecture program at the University of Adelaide. He has over twenty years’ experience designing and researching landscapes throughout the Asia-Pacific. He is a passionate advocate for more biodiverse cities and is currently leading research projects on rapid urban greening and long-term sustainability. His expertise spans landscape architecture, urban development and design and landscape archaeology.  

Hully Liveris, Hully Liveris Design Company P/L  

Hully Liveris has been the Managing Director of Hully Liveris Design Company P/L. a multi skilled practice participating architectural projects across government and private sector including education, residential, commercial, industrial, aged care, interiors and landscapes in the Top End of the Northern Territory since 1993. HLDC prides itself in seeking simple, innovative solutions appropriate to the local cultural and environmental context. 

Hully is a third generation Darwinite who had the good fortune of growing up in a town that was a fantastically rich cultural and educational experience.  Following the study of architecture at the University of New South Wales, Hully returned to Darwin, a city in reconstruction mode. 

With a passion and memory for the Darwin of the past he has sought to examine the creation of a contemporary regional Architecture in the Top End of the Northern Territory.  

Kathy Bawden, Outerspace Landscape Architects  

Kathy Bawden is a Director at Outerspace Landscape Architects, designing and delivering award winning projects for 25 years.  Along with her business partners, Kathy has established a medium sized practice, in a current state of growth, that delivers innovative, inclusive and considered projects. 

Kathy is a diligent and perceptive leader, managing complex projects across all spheres of landscape architecture.  Her natural sense of curiosity combined with technical knowledge and project management skills is a strength well suited to all projects no matter the size and complexity.  Her passion for the natural environment, plant material and creating sustainable landscapes features prominently in her work. 

Kathy’s creative energy is also being explored as a student in the Visual Arts.  When she is not being creatively active, you can find her bush walking, reading or gardening. 
 

Entry Process

Entry into the AILA Landscape Architecture Awards program is limited to a person, or a team where the landscape architectural component is under the substantive control or direction of a person, who is a Registered Landscape Architect or Member (financial) and principal of the practice (who is an owner or formal licensee of the copyright in the work being entered).

To be eligible for entry, projects (where applicable) must have at least reached practical completion and be in all other respects complete to the point of enabling proper assessment by the Jury, no later than 31 December 2023. Entries will be considered in the Chapter in which the project is located, regardless of the business address of the entrant. Any project located outside Australia will only be eligible for an award in the International category.

Your entry into the awards is completed by our online platform, Awards Force. Entrants are able to start their entry as in progress before submitting. To assist in your preparation of your submission, please read the important documents

For questions please contact your local Chapter for State Awards programs, and [email protected] for the National Awards program.

NSW, QLD, SA, VIC and WA present a Chapter level Awards annually. ACT, TAS and NT run once every two years.

Enter the Awards

$380 + GST
2024 entries open 6 February
Entries close at 11:59pm AEDT, 13 March 2024

Entry fee

To enter the Awards you must complete an online entry and pay the entry fee. Should your entry win at Chapter level, it will automatically progress to the National Award and no further fee is required.

Chapter

Fee per entry

NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA & International

$380 + GST

Key dates

Small Chapters ACT, NT, TAS run awards programs once every two years. These programs may be held in collaboration with other States.

VIEW AWARDS DATES NOW