Emerging Architect Prize 2025

Overview

The Emerging Architect Prize (EAP) recognizes the contributions of emerging architects or architectural collaborations in practice, education, design excellence, and community involvement. This prestigious award highlights individuals who advance the role of architecture in the public sphere.

Candidates must be nominated by a member of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) or may self-nominate if they are Institute members.

The International Chapter Emerging Architect Prize is awarded biennially (2023, 2025, 2027, etc.) in odd-numbered years and operates as a separate program from the National Prize, meaning its recipients cannot advance to the National level.

The Emerging Architect Prize is awarded annually:

• Winners are first selected at the Chapter level.
• Chapter winners automatically progress to compete for the National Emerging Architect Prize.
• The Chapter winners are announced during the Chapter Architecture Awards.
• The National winner is announced at the National Architecture Awards.

Why You Should Participate

This prize offers emerging architects a platform to gain recognition and exposure for their contributions to the field. Winners receive:

• Financial rewards to support their architectural journey.
• Official certificates recognizing their achievements.
• Opportunities to showcase their work at national events.
• The chance to participate in a National Tour.

Winning this prize enhances professional credibility, provides networking opportunities, and promotes leadership within the architectural community.

Key Highlights

Eligibility

Chapter/National Emerging Architect Prize

Nominees must:

• Be registered architect members of the Australian Institute of Architects.
• Have up to 15 years of practice after obtaining an AACA-accredited Master of Architecture degree (or equivalent) OR up to 10 years of practice since registration as an architect in Australia.
• Enter in the Chapter where they currently reside.
• Be nominated by an AIA member or self-nominate.
• Have not previously won a Chapter or National Emerging Architect Prize.

International Chapter Emerging Architect Prize

Nominees must:

• Be a member of the Institute (International Chapter) and be working/residing overseas.
• Have up to 15 years of practice since graduating with an AACA-accredited Master of Architecture degree (or equivalent).
• Have been registered as an architect in Australia or overseas for no more than 10 years.
• Be nominated by an AIA member or self-nominate.
• Have not previously won a Chapter or National Emerging Architect Prize.

Additional Considerations

• Once nominated, the candidate must complete the required entry form.
• Nominations remain valid for three years, after which they lapse.
• At least three eligible entries must be received, or the jury may decide not to award a winner.
• The jury reserves the right to withhold an award if the entries do not meet the required standards.

Entry Fees

Prizes and Recognition

Submission Details

How to Enter

Entry into the Emerging Architect Prize involves two steps:

1. Nomination – Candidates are nominated by an AIA member or can self-nominate via the online entry system.
2. Submission of Entry Materials – Nominated candidates will receive an invitation to submit their entry. If they accept, they must upload the required materials.

Entry Requirements

Candidates must submit:

• A statement addressing each judging criterion.
• A resume (maximum 4 A4 pages), including:
  • Architectural registration number.
  • Date of registration.
  • Date of graduation.
• A portfolio of work (5 A4 pages maximum) showcasing built/unbuilt projects.
• Two references from employers or clients.
• A photograph of the entrant(s).
• All materials must be compiled into a single PDF document (max 10MB).

Important Dates

Judging Criteria

All entries received by the deadline will be evaluated by a Chapter Jury.

Chapter Jury Composition

• The Chapter President (or nominee).
• A previous Chapter Emerging Architect Prize winner.
• The Chair of the local EmAGN group (or nominated representative).

Each Chapter Jury selects one winner, but they are not obligated to do so if the entries do not meet the required standard.

National Jury Composition

• The Institute National President (or nominee).
• The EmAGN President (or nominee).
• A previous National Emerging Architect Prize winner (or nominee).

Judging Criteria

• Excellence in architectural practice, research, or education.
• Involvement in the Australian Institute of Architects or similar professional forums.
• Contribution to the architectural profession through leadership.
• Community engagement, including charity and voluntary work related to architecture (not essential but considered favorably).

How to Join

1. Nomination: Submit a nomination (self-nomination allowed) via the online entry system.
2. Submission: If nominated, submit the required entry materials.
3. Judging Process: Chapter winners advance to the National Prize.

For more details and to nominate, visit the official Emerging Architect Prize page.

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