The winners of the 2025 Victorian Architecture Awards have been announced, spotlighting exceptional contributions to architectural design across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
This year’s awards, presented by the Australian Institute of Architects, celebrated projects that exemplify excellence in collaboration, sustainability, and innovation, underscoring the transformative impact of architecture on communities.
The coveted Victorian Architecture Medal — the program’s highest honour — was awarded to Searle x Waldron Architecture for the Northern Memorial Park Depot.
Commissioned by the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT), this two-storey, mass-timber operations hub reimagines the traditional industrial truss, reflecting the client’s commitment to longevity and sustainability.
The project was lauded by the jury for its “generosity of spirit, sophisticated environmental response, and capacity to uplift both place and people”.
In addition to the Medal, the Northern Memorial Park Depot also received the Melbourne Prize, an Architecture Award for Commercial Architecture, and a Commendation for Sustainable Architecture.
A total of 19 Named Awards, 21 Architecture Awards, and 17 Commendations were presented, with 384 submissions assessed across 15 categories.
The jury’s selections highlighted a strong emphasis on environmental, economic, and social sustainability throughout the state.
Other notable winners include:
- The Paddock by CROSBY Architects, a cluster housing development in Castlemaine, is recognised for its sustainable approach to community living.
- Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence by ARM Architecture in Shepparton, which received the Regional Prize, an Award for Educational Architecture, and multiple commendations. The centre was praised for its upgraded facilities, shaded gathering areas, and indigenous landscaping that foster community connection and cultural storytelling.
- Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolan, which received multiple awards for its innovative commercial and interior architecture, is described as “richly layered” and “meticulously crafted”.
- Nightingale Preston by Breathe Architecture, setting a new benchmark for sustainable apartment living in the Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing category.
The 2025 awards also highlighted the growing integration of sustainable features in residential projects, with many homes incorporating environmentally conscious design in both new builds and renovations.
2025 Victorian Architecture Awards Winners
Victorian Architecture Medal
- Northern Memorial Park Depot – Searle x Waldron Architecture
Melbourne Prize
- Northern Memorial Park Depot – Searle x Waldron Architecture
Named Awards
- Regional PrizeMunarra Centre for Regional Excellence – ARM Architecture
- Commercial Architecture AwardNorthern Memorial Park Depot – Searle x Waldron Architecture
- Sustainable Architecture AwardNorthern Memorial Park Depot – Searle x Waldron Architecture (Commendation)
- Educational Architecture AwardMunarra Centre for Regional Excellence – ARM Architecture
- Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing AwardNightingale Preston – Breathe Architecture
- Residential Architecture – Houses (New) Award[Winner not specified in the provided information]
- Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) Award[Winner not specified in the provided information]
- Interior Architecture AwardMelbourne Place – Kennedy Nolan
For a complete list of winners and further details, visit the Australian Institute of Architects’ official awards page.
