On 14 April 2026, the industry gathered in the hotel’s warm, cinematic interiors to celebrate the winners of the 2026 Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards.

The night was a lively reunion for the architecture and design community, filled with shared stories of project “rollercoasters” and the rewarding reality of seeing ambitious designs come to life.

Hosted by Anthony Burke

Guiding the evening with his signature insight and enthusiasm was Anthony Burke, presenter of Grand Designs Australia. Anthony spoke to the transformative power of residential architecture, noting that the homes celebrated this year represent far more than just bricks and mortar—they are deeply personal responses to the Australian landscape.

Insightful Perspectives

The evening’s formal proceedings included a thought-provoking address from Wayne Viles of UNOX Casa, who discussed the evolving role of the high-end kitchen as the heart of the modern home.

Shaun Christie-David, founder of Plate It Forward, also took to the stage. He shared the inspiring mission behind his social enterprise, which focuses on providing opportunity and dignity through food—a message that resonated deeply with a crowd dedicated to building better communities.

The Big Reveals

The excitement peaked during the award presentations:

  • The Energy-Efficiency Award: Presented by Grand Designs Australia Editor Louise Smithers, this award went to Ochre House by MyMyMy Architecture, highlighting the industry’s shift toward high-performance, climate-conscious living.
  • The People’s Choice Award: Always a crowd favourite, this was presented by Clea de la Nougerede. The trophy went to Table Top by Pleysier Perkins Architecture, following a massive response from the public.

A Feast for the Senses

It wouldn’t be a celebration without exceptional food, and Plate It Forward delivered a menu that was as creative as the architecture on screen. Guests enjoyed a vibrant mix of Sri Lankan and Afghani-inspired canapes—a delicious reflection of Sydney’s multicultural culinary landscape.

Between the clinking of glasses and the buzzing conversation, the night served as a powerful reminder of the talent within the Australian design industry. It wasn’t about the trophies; it was about the shared passion for creating homes that inspire, sustain, and delight.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2026 House of the Year Awards. Keep an eye out for our upcoming flipbook (on-sale June 2026) for an in-depth look at every winning project.