The Australian Interior Design Awards 2026 winners were announced at a gala event in Sydney, with Tasmania’s The Forest by Woods Bagot receiving the Premier Award for Australian Interior Design.
The project, located at the University of Tasmania’s Hobart campus, was recognised for its integration of architecture, landscape and public connectivity, establishing a dynamic inner city hub for education and community engagement.
Now in its 23rd year, the awards program is a collaboration between the Design Institute of Australia and Architecture Media’s InteriorsAu.
It continues to highlight excellence across Australia’s interior design sector while also acknowledging projects with international impact.
This year saw 228 shortlisted entries across categories, including residential, hospitality, retail, public, workplace and installation design, along with sustainability and emerging practice awards.
Judges noted that the overall quality of submissions exceeded expectations, with projects demonstrating strong diversity, adaptability and innovation.
Standout entries were distinguished by their material execution, attention to detail and authentic design expression.
The Forest was praised for delivering a layered and engaging environment that supports learning, research and collaboration.
Its design connects new and existing structures through integrated landscaping and public thoroughfares, creating a highly accessible and inviting campus experience.
In residential categories, Coogee House III in New South Wales, designed by Genevieve Hromas in collaboration with Tribe Studio Architects, secured both Residential Design and Best of State Residential New South Wales.
The project was recognised for its nostalgic character and the effective use of light to enhance spatial quality.
YSG Studio’s The Gentleman also stood out, winning Residential Decoration for its cohesive design language and refined execution within a compact apartment.
Hospitality Design was jointly awarded to Marlowe by J.AR Office and Omada by Studio Gram.
Marlowe, which also received Best of State for Queensland, was noted for its theatrical transformation of a residential space into a restaurant, combining contemporary elements with nostalgic references. Omada drew attention for its subtle interpretation of Greek design influences.
Retail Design was awarded to Pattern Studio for Deiji, a small-scale project in New South Wales that demonstrated the potential of compact retail environments through precise spatial planning and detailing.
In the public realm, the Metro Tunnel Project Town Hall Station by Hassell, Weston Williamson and Partners, and RSHP shared the Public Design award with The Forest.
The station project was acknowledged for its ambitious design and enduring industrial aesthetic.
Workplace Design was awarded to Arup Workplace Brisbane by Hassell in partnership with Arup. The project also received the Sustainability Advancement award for its environmentally driven approach and adaptable workplace strategy.
Emerging Interior Design Practice was awarded to Byron Bay-based Occupy Studio, recognised for its adaptive reuse project Rowie HQ and its growing contribution to the field.
The Installation Design category recognised two projects.
Lynda Draper Glimmer by Youssofzay Hart was commended for its colour palette and display approach, while Our Wondrous Planet by Museums Victoria delivered an immersive visitor experience.
List of Award Winners:
- Premier Award for Australian Interior Design: The Forest by Woods Bagot
- Residential Design: Coogee House III by Genevieve Hromas with Tribe Studio Architects
- Best of State Residential New South Wales: Coogee House III
- Residential Decoration: The Gentleman by YSG Studio
- Hospitality Design: Marlowe by J.AR Office
- Best of State Commercial Queensland: Marlowe
- Hospitality Design: Omada by Studio Gram
- Retail Design: Deiji by Pattern Studio
- Best of State Commercial New South Wales: Deiji
- Public Design: The Forest by Woods Bagot
- Public Design: Metro Tunnel Project Town Hall Station by Hassell, Weston Williamson and Partners, and RSHP
- Workplace Design: Arup Workplace Brisbane by Hassell with Arup
- Sustainability Advancement: Arup Workplace Brisbane
- Installation Design: Lynda Draper Glimmer by Youssofzay Hart
- Installation Design: Our Wondrous Planet by Museums Victoria
- Emerging Interior Design Practice: Occupy Studio
