Architecture lovers rejoice

We consider ourselves to a degree – architecture nerds.

We’re enamoured by good design and the contribution architects make to the quality of our built environment, which is why we love working with the Australian Institute of Architects on their annual WA Architecture Awards program – a role we have had the privilege of filling for just under a decade now.

As you can probably imagine, we’ve had the chance to get a glimpse (aka sticky beak) inside some of WA’s most impressive properties over the years – whether that be large-scale public projects in the heart of the CBD, unique residential entries lining the streets of suburbia or heritage restorations in the South-West – we’ve seen the lot, and we’ve loved it.

This year, of course, is no different in terms of the calibre of entrants (we’re largely biased, but we think WA is home to some of the very best architectural talent in the nation) – we have 80 entries across 11 categories – each entry unique in its own right, and each with an ingrained understanding of place and purpose.

Australian Institute of Architects WA Chapter President Peter Hobbs says this year, the entries reflect the demand for buildings to deliver multi-functional spaces, sustainably-minded solutions and necessary amenity for rapidly evolving places and communities.

“From reimagined inner-city corridors, to flexible student accommodation with a ‘social heart’ and a regional community hub which provides a library, early-learning centre and a skate park amongst other facilities, this year’s entries strike a balance between flexibility and design.

However, given the ‘new normal’ we are all adjusting to, the Awards themselves will look a little different than they ever have before this year. There’ll be no physical visits from the Jury (a panel of experts in the architectural field) to determine the very best architectural works in the state, nor will there be the black-tie presentation evening, or architectures night of nights as it has become known.

Instead, all jury visits are taking place via Zoom, and the Presentation Evening will be held via live stream with architects, builders, sponsors, jury members and the wider design community (N.B. architecture nerds like us) invited to tune in and enjoy the live event.

Although a somewhat monumental pivot for the Institute, this is one we can firmly get behind and one that we know design-lovers locally, nationally and in some cases internationally will be rejoicing in. The opportunity for the design community to enjoy and immerse themselves in the Architecture Awards, no matter physical location or industry is a first for the Institute, and one that we can see continuing in some shape or form as the world emerges from the cover of COVID-19.

For us, we’ve become quite accustomed to living life virtually in the last couple of months, and so we’re looking forward to setting up the laptop, opening a bottle of wine and sitting back to enjoy as the very best in the local design and construction industry are acknowledged on an international stage.

The Presentation Evening will be streamed live from 5pm AWST on Friday 26^th June and can be accessed via YouTube.

You can explore the full list of entries in the 2020 WA Architecture Awards HERE 

COVER IMAGES
South Tce Mezzanine House. Architects PSA. Photographer Dion Robeson (landscape)
Trapezoid House. Architect Lisa McGann. Photographer Dion Robeson (portrait)

JOURNAL IMAGES
Marine Tce. Architect DBA. Photographer Jack Lovel
Reed House. Architect Beth George Architect. Photographer Ben Hosking
Trapezoid House. Architect Lisa McGann. Photographer Dion Robeson
Megalong. Architect MDC Architects. Photographer Dion Robeson
North Perth House. Architect Nic Brunsdon. Photographer Ben Hosking
Penryn Ave. Architect Klopper and Davis. Photographer Dion Robeson

E-NEWSLETTER IMAGE 
South Tce Mezzanine House. Architects PSA. Photographer Dion Robeson

We will continue to feature AIA-WA Award entries on our Instagram account leading up to the awards @detailmc