The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) NSW Chapter has announced the winners of the 2025 NSW Landscape Architecture Awards, recognising the most impactful and innovative projects shaping public spaces across the state.
The awards were presented at a ceremony held at the State Library of New South Wales on Thursday, 26 June, celebrating achievements in design, planning, policy, research, and community-led practice.
AILA NSW Jury Chair Fiona Morrison highlighted the essential role of landscape architects in building more inclusive, resilient, and liveable communities.
“This year’s winners exemplify how landscape architecture can transform public spaces and help shape the way communities work, live and connect,” Morrison said.
“Whilst the projects vary in scale and size, all awarded projects show how our profession is responding to the challenges of climate, culture and community with considered, places-based and purposeful design.”
Parramatta Square, designed by JMD Design with TCL, Gehl, and TZG, received the Award of Excellence for Civic Landscape.
The Jury commended the project as a benchmark for urban transformation, stating: “Parramatta Square stands as a benchmark project that affirms landscape architecture as essential to shaping vibrant, inclusive, resilient and transformational urban centres — positioning the profession as a critical force in the delivery of future public domain projects across New South Wales.”
The designers were also praised for championing Indigenous engagement and unifying the precinct, stating: “…linking commercial buildings, significant heritage assets and transport infrastructure into a unified, legible and high-performing civic precinct.”
Parramatta Light Rail (Stage 1), delivered by Transport for NSW, Context, and COX, was honoured with an Infrastructure Award of Excellence.
This project creates a 12km “green line” of revitalised public domain and green infrastructure in Western Sydney.
“From the iconic green track, to the planting of over 5,000 new trees, the project sets a new benchmark for climate-responsive infrastructure,” the Jury noted.
Barangaroo Station Park, designed by Arcadia, received a Landscape Architecture Award in the Infrastructure category.
The Jury commented: “Supporting the delivery of Sydney Metro’s new Barangaroo Station, the landscape connects key precincts — including Nawi Cove, Hickson Road and Barangaroo Headland Park — into a unified, accessible and high-performing urban environment.”
The Jury highlighted the project’s deep consultation with First Nations Knowledge Holders and archaeologists: “Drawing on deep consultation with First Nations Knowledge Holders and archaeologists, the design incorporates interpretive elements and native planting to tell layered stories of Gadigal Country and early colonial heritage.
“A shell-seeded concrete seat, heritage boat inlay and biodiversity-rich planting palette reflect a thoughtful, place-specific response.”
Sue Barnsley Design was awarded the Award of Excellence for Parks and Open Space for Wimbo Park, Surry Hills.
The Jury praised the park’s simplicity and the integration of ecological design, infrastructure, and community needs, stating that it was a “beautifully balanced integration of ecological design, infrastructure and community needs”.
They also recognised the care taken to preserve local heritage, stating: “The care taken to preserve local heritage, including the Wimbo Paddock Mural and the Stonemasons monument, adds depth to the park’s identity.”
All NSW award winners will now proceed to the National Landscape Architecture Awards, to be announced in October in Hobart/Nipaluna.
Landscape architecture brings nature into the heart of daily life, shaping parks, precincts, wetlands, and public spaces that invite people to gather, connect, and belong.
Well-designed landscapes strengthen local economies by attracting visitors and creating jobs, while also cooling cities, restoring ecosystems, and caring for Country.
The 2025 AILA NSW Awards celebrate the projects and practitioners reimagining how New South Wales lives with landscape and each other.
