The Australian Institute of Architects has announced the 2026 chapter winners of its Emerging Architect Prize, with recipients now progressing to national judging later this year.
The prize recognises emerging architects and architectural collaborations for their contribution to practice, education, design excellence and public engagement. This year’s winners reflect several priorities shaping the profession, including housing quality, sustainability, regional practice and international growth.
The 2026 chapter recipients are:
1. Tynan Freeman of Stewart Architecture for the Australian Capital Territory
2. Hayden Federico of Brewer Smith Brewer Group for the International Chapter
3. Simon Rochowski of studioplusthree for New South Wales
4. Dominika Richards of Deicke Richards Architects for Queensland
5. Jasmine Placentino of Parabolica for South Australia
6. Guy Edwards of BE-Architects for Tasmania
7. Madeline Sewall of Up to Something for Victoria, and
8. Mike Sneyd of EKD Architects for Western Australia.
Several winners were recognised for work connected to housing and sustainability. Freeman’s citation highlighted his role in residential projects, including MICA and Kashmir Apartments, while Richards was commended for sustainability leadership within Deicke Richards Architects. Sewall was recognised for her contribution to sustainable architecture, housing advocacy and public education.
No award was made in the Northern Territory due to insufficient nominations.
The International Chapter award gives the list a wider global dimension. Federico was recognised for leadership connected to the establishment of Buchan’s Dubai Studio and the expansion of Australian architectural practice in the GCC region.
Regional practice also features strongly, with Sneyd recognised for work in Broome through EKD Architects and Edwards acknowledged for socially responsible housing and policy engagement in Tasmania.
The national Emerging Architect Prize winner will be announced later this year.
