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.   

Stage 1: Enter the Awards

$350 + GST
2023 entries open 7 February
Entries close at 11:59pm AEDT, 15 March 2023 

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.

AILA Victoria proudly reveals 2023 State Award Winners

Discover the winning projects of this year's Vic Awards program.

     

VIEW THE VIC WINNERS GALLERY

VIC AWARDS IN THE MEDIA

VIEW THE VIC PRESS RELEASE

VIEW THE AWARDS NIGHT PHOTOS

ShadeSmart Award: New AILA VIC Landscape Architecture Award

We are delighted to announce a new State Award will be part of this year’s Awards program. 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.

 

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2023 AILA VIC ShadeSmart Award | IMAGE: NSW Urban Tree Canopy - targets and controls | Gallagher Studio with Studio Zanardo | On Country (All traditional owners in NSW) | Photo Credit: Gallagher Studio

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.

VIC 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.

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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.

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2021 AILA Victoria Landscape Architecture Award for Health and Education Landscape | 2MLC Nicholas Learning Centre and Principal’s Terrace | Taylor Cullity Lethlean | Kulin Nation | Photo: Peter Bennetts

2022 VIC Future Leader Award

Recognise a Student or Graduate

This award recognises achievement in design, planning, communications, and research that is based upon the development of innovative, creative and practical solutions to landscape architectural challenges. 

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Awards Categories

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

2023 VIC Future Leaders Awards (Student & Graduate)

This award recognises achievement in design, planning, communications and research that is based upon the development of innovative, creative and practical solutions to landscape architectural challenges.

Update: The Future Leaders Awards program is currently being reviewed by AILA's People Recognition Committee to establish a National Awards program. We look forward to sharing more details soon.

Additional Awards Categories

VIC 2023 ShadeSmart Award

Projects in this category will be acknowledged for their contribution to  best practice Shade & UV planning, design, and innovative practice.  The award winners design will reinforce the pivotal role that LA’s play in the design of public spaces and advocating for sustainable and healthy communities and demonstrate leadership in sustainable and climate responsive practice at a time of national and international focus.

The judges will be looking at the following criteria :

• Demonstrated best practice in policy and planning for shade and UV effectiveness,
• Innovative design that delivers structured and natural shade outcomes to support healthy 
living, human wellbeing, and climate responsive solutions,
• Contribution by Landscape Architects to ‘ShadeSmart’ research, education and/or 
community engagement

Enter the AILA VIC Awards and opt into the ShadeSmart Category. The ShadeSmart Award is a VIC Award only that can be given in conjunction of one of the 15 main award category. 

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2023 VIC Awards Jury

Naomi Barun

Jury Chair

Naomi is an urban designer who is passionate about creating a legacy of high-quality urban experiences. With a background in planning, design, research and place management she provides a unique set of skills and perspective when providing strategic advice, advocacy and transformational leadership. Naomi has led significant projects and programs both as a lead as well as an advisor to government, civic leaders, and universities. Using evidence and creative thinking she brings passion and clarity to complex urban challenges. 

Jerry de Gryse 

A boy from Detroit, Jerry arrived in Australia in 1981 and has gone to pioneer landscape architecture in Tasmania as a founding partner of Inspiring Place.  Jerry’s work has ranged across scales from thousands of square kilometres to the detail of construction, in scope from policy to documentation and in location from the wilderness to the CBD. Ideas man and raconteur about the need to link nature, culture and community, Jerry is alive to the spirit of the places in which he lives and works. 

Pru Smith 

Pru Smith is a landscape architect and urban designer with over thirty years of design experience in private practice and government. She has been involved in diverse projects including master planning, public realm design, and development of various land use strategies. Her recent experience has been on large complex city shaping projects including North East Link and the Public Housing Renewal Program. As Manager Urban Design at Suburban Rail Loop Authority, she is responsible for promoting high-quality design outcomes and is a member of the Urban Design Advisory Panel. 

Stephen Tan  

Stephen is a Landscape Architect with over 15 years of experience in the private sector, working in Melbourne, Sydney and Amsterdam. He is a Senior Associate at Hassell, where he works as a ‘Design Advocate’ across various project teams (architecture, interior, landscape and urban design) to promote clarity in design process, as well as design excellence in built outcomes. Stephen has a diverse project portfolio spanning big infrastructure, urban design, the arts, living architecture and urban streetscapes. Project highlights include design lead for the Melbourne Metro Public Realm, Darling Harbour Live Public Realm, Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation, Bakery Hill Renewal Precinct in Ballarat, Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park, and the Burnley Living Roofs Project.

Esther Ziebel

Esther is a Registered Landscape Architect with professional experience across consulting and local government and is currently a Senior Landscape Architect at the City of Melbourne. She was a recipient of AILA’s Future Leaders Award, a former member of AILA’s National Education Committee and has tutored extensively at the University of Melbourne. Esther is passionate about designing well considered, quality spaces and strategies that have resilience, contribute to their communities and make a positive impact. 

Amanda Roberts

Amanda is passionate about public spaces. Her multi-disciplinary background informs a collaborative and big-picture approach to the design, delivery, management and advocacy of places that support diversity and equity within our public realm. Amanda is a director of LatStudios and a regular on Victorian and interstate design review panels giving her exposure to a broad range of design approaches and outcomes. She believes successful projects are ones that respond to environment, context and strive to care for country at every stage. 

Shelley Penn AM

Shelley Penn is an architect, urbanist and board member. She has extensive experience in architectural practice and as a strategic advisor, focused on advancing outcomes for all people through the quality of the built environment.  Shelley is a member of state Design Review Panels in Victoria, ACT, NSW and WA; Associate Professor at Melbourne University; and Adjunct Professor in Architecture Practice at Monash University where she is also the University Architect. In 2021 she was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). 

Georgina de Beaujeu – Future Leader Winner (Observer)

In support of the development and mentoring of emerging talent, AILA Victoria is pleased to announce Georgina de Beaujeu from Tract Consultants as an Observing Jury member. Georgina de Beaujeu came to Landscape Architecture after a career in strategy in the not-for-profit sector. This move was motivated by a desire to contribute to the fight against biodiversity loss. Georgina completed the MLA at Deakin University and is currently completing a PhD, co-funded by Tract Consultants, considering how we create win-wins (co-benefits) for urban nature and people in our suburbs. Georgina led strategy development for an Indigenous Nursery, alongside advocacy projects in NSW and VIC for the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. 

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 2022. 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.

Stage 1: Enter the Awards

$350 + GST
2023 entries open 7 February
Entries close at 11:59pm AEDT, 15 March 2023

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

$350 + 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