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Announcing the 2026 Chapter Emerging Architect Prize Winners

Australian Institute of Architects

 

The Emerging Architect Prize (EAP) winners have been announced for each Chapter. The EAP recognises an individual emerging architect or emerging architectural collaboration’s contribution to architectural practice, education, design excellence and community involvement, which advances the profession’s role within the public arena. 

This year’s chapter winners will now proceed to national judging, with the winner of the National Emerging Architect Prize announced later this year. This prize is proudly sponsored by BlueScope.

 

Congratulations to the following recipients:

• Australian Capital Territory – Tynan Freeman, Stewart Architecture 
• International Chapter – Hayden Federico, The Buchan Group 
• New South Wales – Simon Rochowski, studioplusthree 
• Queensland – Dominika Richards, Deicke Richards Architects 
• South Australia – Jasmine Placentino, Parabolica 
• Tasmania – Guy Edwards, BE-Architects 
• Victoria – Madeline Sewall, Up to Something 
• Western Australia – Mike Sneyd, EKD Architects
• Northern Territory – No award (insufficient nominations)

 

Winner Jury Citations:

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY CHAPTER – Tynan Freeman | Stewart Architecture

The ACT Emerging Architect Prize is awarded to Tynan Freeman. Tynan has demonstrated a deep commitment to architecture through design excellence, leadership, and community contribution. His work across all scales of residential from multi-unit projects to the “missing middle” and apartment renovations shows his critical ability to think both inside and outside the box, leading projects from concept to completion and delivering outcomes that respond sensitively to context, climate, and community. 

 As Design Architect for award-winning projects such as MICA and Kashmir Apartments, he has led exemplary urban housing solutions that reimagine density while enhancing liveability. His solo project, Kingston Apartment Reconfiguration, reframes adaptation as a form of lived design research. Overall, Tynan’s leadership and body of works have made notable influence within practice and the built environment. 

 Tynan’s design excellence extends through to competition work, including shortlisted entries for the Light Rail Station Ideas Competition, NEAT Housing, and the Tapestry Design Prize, and serving on awards juries, presenting at conferences, and regular contributions to architectural education at the University of Canberra. 

 Beyond built and design work, Tynan contributes to advocacy and the betterment of the industry through roles as a Chapter Councillor and as Chair of the Housing Quality and Choice Taskforce, where he continues to actively advance housing as a vital architectural and civic concern for contemporary Australia. Tynan receives this prize at a pivotal moment as we grapple with housing affordability. 

Tynan said “It’s an honour to be awarded alongside peers I know and respect, and for contributions across study, practice and advocacy that have shaped my approach, particularly to housing. Practising in this space, alongside living in and testing different living typologies, has led to an emphasis that is flexible, adaptable and appropriate to place. This recognition is encouraging and supports continuing that work in the ACT, responding to affordability and supply while maintaining a strong emphasis on design quality.”

Jury: Shoba Cole FRAIA, 2025 ACT Chapter President; Vyasa McPherson RAIA, 2025 ACT EmAGN Co-Chair; Mark Brook RAIA, 2025 ACT Emerging Architect Prize winner. 

 

INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER – Hayden Federico | Brewer Smith Brewer Group

The jury commends Mr Hayden Federico for his exceptional contribution to architectural practice, leadership, and advocacy. Qualities that embody the spirit of the Emerging Architect Prize. 

Hayden’s career reflects a clear progression, starting from early roles supporting design to his current position as Associate at Buchan, where he has exhibited an exceptional combination of design rigour, strategic insight, and professional maturity. His work on complex, multi-stakeholder projects highlights his ability to deliver high-quality outcomes through strong client collaboration and thoughtful design leadership. His contributions were recognised with the Urban Design Award at the 2025 ACT Architecture Awards, affirming both his design excellence and his deep engagement with place and people. 

A pivotal chapter in Hayden’s professional journey has been his leadership in establishing Buchan’s Dubai Studio, where he relocated in 2024 to expand the firm’s presence into the GCC region. The jury recognised the vision, courage, and resilience required of a young architect undertaking such a challenge, navigating new cultural, professional, and environmental contexts while building a new practice identity, forging partnerships, and securing project opportunities. His success in this endeavour demonstrates not only his adaptability and initiative but also the inventive and resilient spirit that embodies the core values of Australian architecture. 

Hayden’s ability to remain resilient and inventive across different contexts and regions exemplifies the clarity, work ethic, and integrity that characterise the Australian architectural ethos, one rooted in responsiveness, collaboration, and a deep respect for context and culture. 

Equally, the jury acknowledged his strong dedication to mentorship and advocacy, especially through his leadership as Co-Chair of the Victorian EmAGN Chapter and his involvement with design education at top universities, where he continues to inspire and support emerging practitioners. 

Through his achievements in practice, mentorship, and international leadership, Hayden exemplifies the values, quality, and courage of an emerging architect who not only advances Australian design excellence but also contributes meaningfully to global architectural discourse, bridging practice, culture, and community with clarity, conviction, and purpose. The jury felt that having been entrusted with such an important and outward-focused role speaks volumes about Hayden’s capacity and outlook in relation to representing and furthering Australian architectural practice on the global stage. 

Hayden said “I’m honoured to receive this recognition. Architecture has given me opportunities I never expected, but more importantly it introduced me to generous people who gave their time, advice and support early in my career. That shaped how I see the profession and the kind of architect I wanted to become. I’ve always tried to pay that forward by supporting younger architects as they find their own path. To now be recognised among so many talented peers is something I’m genuinely proud of, and deeply grateful for.”

Jury: Wei Yap Ooi FRAIA, 2025 INT Chapter Chair; Amy Learmonth RAIA, 2025 ACT EmAGN Co-Chair; Paul Mak RAIA, 2024 INT Chapter Emerging Architect Prize winner. 

 

NEW SOUTH WALES CHAPTER – Simon Rochowski | studioplusthree

As founding director of studioplusthree, Simon has cultivated a practice distinguished by craftsmanship, sustainability and sensitivity to place. His projects, ranging from Cremorne Point Apartment and Cooks River House to the Nicholson Galleries, demonstrate refined material intelligence and a consistent pursuit of design excellence recognised through numerous national and international awards. 

 Simon’s contribution to the Institute has been exceptional. An elected NSW Chapter Councillor, he has served on the Practice, Education and Built Environment Committees, co-chaired the Small Practice Forum, and mentored emerging practitioners through EmAGN, SONA SuperStudio and the Mentorloop Programme. His thoughtful advocacy during the Design and Building Practitioners Act reforms exemplifies his commitment to improving professional equity and standards. 

 Through teaching at UTS, public speaking, and his ongoing research into low-carbon material innovation, Simon advances a vision of architecture that is socially engaged, collaborative and environmentally responsible. He represents the values of generosity, curiosity and care that define the best of contemporary Australian practice. 

 The Institute congratulates Simon Rochowski, a leading voice for design excellence and professional leadership in NSW. 

Simon commented “It’s a great honour to be named as the 2026 NSW Emerging Architect. I’ve had the opportunity over the last few years of seeing the profession from many sides – from juries, panels and committees to teaching, mentoring, and volunteering. This has shown me the diversity and breadth of architectural practice, as well as the shared aspiration to make a better future, despite the myriad challenges that we face. There are extraordinary people working in and alongside our profession - it is a privilege to be working with these individuals, and to be included amongst such a prestigious list of recipients of this prize.”

Jury: Elizabeth Carpenter FRAIA, 2025 NSW Chapter President; Sean Wong RAIA & Sally Hsu RAIA, 2025 NSW EmAGN Co-Chairs; Gabrielle Pelletier FRAIA, 2025 NSW Chapter Emerging Architect Prize winner. 

 

QUEENSLAND CHAPTER – Dominika Richards | Deicke Richards Architects

Dominika Richards is the 2026 Queensland recipient of the Emerging Architects Prize. 

The jury commends Dominika for significant contributions to architectural practice, education, and advocacy, and for her contribution to sustainable, community focussed, project outcomes. 

Dominika’s work in sustainability and associated advocacy is well established and of high quality. Her leadership in this field demonstrates that emerging architects can make a positive impact working within an established practice. Dominika’s efforts to affect change provide a guide for emerging architects on how they might represent their values in action. 

Dominika’s passion for sustainability is further evidenced through her committee membership with the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Climate and Sustainability Action Group, Architects Climate Action Network Australia, and Architects Declare. 

Dominika’s leadership in the profession is evidenced by her curation of the AIA Living Design Series webinars and presentations at the Passivhaus Australia National Conference and Learning Environments Australia events. 

Her leadership in practice is evidenced through her establishment of a Sustainability Action Plan within Deicke Richards Architects. 

As an emerging architect Dominka is dedicated to community focussed projects such as flexible training facilities and affordable housing, projects that become ecological, social, and economic assets. 

Dominika said “I am deeply honoured to be recognised amongst so many talented emerging architects in Queensland. To be acknowledged by a community that represents integrity, ethics and professionalism is something I truly value. I would like to extend my thanks to my mentors and colleagues over the years who have not just supported me and taught me but also challenged me to continually strive for design excellence. This recognition reflects not only on my efforts but also the collaboration and shared knowledge that defines our profession and is driven by collective passion for promoting sustainable and regenerative building practices for advancement of architecture in Australia.”

Jury: Michael Lavery LFRAIA, nominated juror, Jarred Gunn RAIA, 2025 QLD EmAGN Co-Chair; Dr Kali Marnane RAIA, 2025 QLD Chapter and 2025 National Emerging Architect Prize winner. 

 

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN CHAPTER – Jasmine Placentino | Parabolica

Jasmine Placentino, director of PARABOLICA, is a distinguished emerging architect recognised for her rigorous, generous, and finely tuned material approach to design. Her award-winning Three Garden House exemplifies her commitment to intentional, contextually grounded, and civic-minded architecture. 

Beyond her studio practice, Jasmine demonstrates outstanding leadership as Co-Chair of EmAGN SA, AIA juror, and national mentor, actively fostering the growth and resilience of emerging practitioners. Her advocacy work, including the nationally significant Preserve the Pavilion campaign for Tadao Ando’s MPavilion, reflects her dedication to embedding architecture within public culture and building collaborative coalitions for design. 

Within a decade, Jasmine has made exceptional contributions that transcend individual projects – shaping discourse, strengthening mentoring networks, and advancing social and environmental awareness. Her professional ethos reflects a deep sense of responsibility to both the discipline and the broader community. 

Jasmine’s work and leadership embody a generous, outward-looking approach to practice that enhances the profession and extends its positive impact well beyond traditional boundaries – making her a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 South Australian Emerging Architect Prize. 

“I believe in a generous approach to practice – one that not only strengthens our profession but also extends its reach, whether through advocating for social equity, fostering environmental awareness, or sharing knowledge that benefits communities beyond architecture.” – Jasmine  

Jasmine also commented that “I’ve long held the belief that architecture matters. This is found in the quiet and practical ways it shapes how people live each day. We make careful decisions around light, space, form, and materials - but also decisions about how we invite people to experience our work, and whether those experiences are grounded in generosity. We create spaces for connection and dialogue. Spaces to appreciate nature. To come together. To live or learn, work, or exhibit. Sometimes simply to pass through. 

To be part of this profession is to contribute not only through our built work, but also through advocacy, always in service of the public interest. Receiving this prize is both recognition and encouragement - to continue taking strides forward; in support of architecture and the profession itself. “

Jury: Kirstie Coultas FRAIA, 2025 SA Chapter President, Zorawar Basur RAIA Grad., 2025 SA EmAGN Co-Chair; Josephine Evans FRAIA, nominated juror. 

 

TASMANIAN CHAPTER – Guy Edwards | BE-Architects

Guy Edwards is a highly accomplished emerging architect whose work and study balance design excellence, intellectual rigour, and a strong sense of social responsibility. He consistently advocates for architecture’s capacity to improve our built environment and has demonstrated an ability to integrate diverse stages of the architectural process across a wide range of projects, resulting in outcomes that are contextual, responsive, and socially aware. 

As project architect at Liminal Studio, Guy was fundamental to the design and delivery of Youth 2 Independence Campbell Street, a project that repositions social housing for young adults and demonstrates that generous, joyful, and spatially diverse housing can positively impact the urban environment. The project redefines expectations for social housing in Tasmania, setting a new standard for how architecture can foster dignity and opportunity. 

Guy’s leadership and design sensitivity were central to translating this ambition into a built outcome that has influenced current thinking in community housing design. The architecture empowers residents to feel they deserve well-designed environments and the opportunity for a better future. This innovative project received the Ray Heffernan Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing in the 2024 Tasmanian Architecture Awards. 

An active participant within the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, Guy now serves as a Chapter Councillor, and a member the Significant Architecture Task Group. Guy continues to advocate for design excellence through his involvement in state housing policy and local authority medium-density design guidelines. He has been a generous mentor to graduate architects at Liminal Studio and contributes to architectural education as a tutor and guest critic at the University of Tasmania. 

Bringing critical thinking, unwavering commitment, and genuine care to every project, Guy is dedicated to shaping equitable and sustainable spaces. His thoughtful approach and advocacy for design-led policy mark him as an emerging leader whose impact will continue to shape the profession in the years ahead. He is a worthy recipient of the 2026 Tasmanian Emerging Architect Prize. 

Jury: Daniel Lane RAIA, 2025 TAS Chapter President, Kate Shepherd RAIA, 2025 TAS EmAGN Co-Chair; Alex Nielsen RAIA, 2025 TAS Chapter Co-Emerging Architect Prize winner. 

 

VICTORIAN CHAPTER – Madeline Sewall | Up to Something

Madeline Sewall has been awarded the 2026 Australian Institute of Architects’ Victorian Emerging Architect Prize in recognition of her significant contribution to architectural practice, public advocacy, and sustainability leadership. A Director at Breathe and founder of its Housing Team, Madeline has built a body of work that consistently advances architectural ambition while championing equity, climate action, and social impact. Her portfolio demonstrates sustained design excellence and delivery over a number of years, with exemplar projects such as Nightingale Village illustrating her commitment to sustainable architecture and accessible housing models. 

 Madeline’s impact extends far beyond the built work she leads. She is a compelling public educator and communicator who has made sustainable design accessible to a broader audience. Through podcasts, national television programs, online resources and accessible public talks, she reframes sustainability as practical, joyful and achievable. Her open-source Breathe Guide to Sustainable Materials has been widely disseminated across the profession, exemplifying her belief in knowledge-sharing as a tool for industry-wide change. Her “Breathe In” initiative – providing free sustainability advice to the public in exchange for donations to First Nations organisations – demonstrates her values-driven approach and commitment to broadening access to architectural expertise. 

 Madeline is an influential leader within the profession and the Institute. She is a current member of the Victorian Chapter Awards Committee and has contributed to numerous juries, initiatives and working groups. Her leadership in gender equity includes co-founding the Victorian Gender Equity Taskforce after serving on the AIA National Committee for Gender Equity. She is a respected mentor to emerging practitioners and a generous collaborator who continually advocates for a more sustainable and inclusive profession. 

 Madeline Sewall exemplifies what it means to be an architect of impact – purposeful, generous and unafraid to lead by doing. She is an outstanding and deserving recipient of the Victorian Emerging Architect Prize. 

Madeline commented “I’m so thrilled and humbled to be recognised by the Institute with the Victorian Emerging Architect Prize this year! It has been so much fun and such an honour to be part of a profession that is so supportive, engaged, and meaningful. I’m particularly grateful to be contributing to shared industry efforts towards tackling the climate crisis and housing crisis. Thank you to Breathe Team for an amazing decade together, to the Institute and the jury for this recognition, and to my partner Keith and our clients, consultants, builders and collaborators for getting Up to Something with me.”

Jury: Stephanie Bullock FRAIA, 2025 VIC Chapter President, Claire Ward RAIA, 2025 VIC EmAGN Co-Chair; James Flaherty RAIA, 2025 VIC Chapter Co-Emerging Architect Prize winner

 

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CHAPTER – Mike Sneyd | EKD Architects

Mike Sneyd, founding director of EKD Architects, is awarded the Emerging Architect Prize for his exceptional contribution to architectural practice, education, design excellence, and community engagement. Based in Broome, Mike leads the largest architectural studio north of the 26th parallel, delivering projects that are contextually responsive, culturally respectful, and environmentally sustainable. His portfolio includes northern Australia’s first 8-star energy-efficient elevated house and adaptive reuse initiatives that champion low-carbon outcomes. 

Mike’s commitment to education is evident through mentoring staff through registration, hosting work experience programs in Kimberley schools, and inspiring young people to pursue architecture. His leadership extends beyond his practice: as a WA Chapter Councillor and member of multiple Australian Institute of Architects panels – including ABIC Digitisation and the WA Rural Architects Advisory Panel – he advocates for regional voices and equitable design standards. 

Community involvement underpins Mike’s work. He collaborates closely with Indigenous communities, embedding cultural narratives into built form and improving living conditions in remote housing through his role as inspector of works for the Department of Communities. His volunteer contributions, including CPD sessions and pro-bono initiatives, reflect a deep sense of responsibility to the profession and the communities it serves. 

Through advocacy, mentorship, and socially responsible design, Mike Sneyd exemplifies the values of the Emerging Architect Prize—advancing architecture’s role in shaping inclusive, sustainable futures across Australia. 

Jury: Ross Donaldson FRAIA, 2025 WA Chapter President, Marco da Trindade RAIA Grad. and Matthew McGivern RAIA Grad, 2025 WA EmAGN Co-Chairs, Emily Duncan Associate RAIA 2025 WA Chapter Emerging Architect Prize winner. 

 

-ENDS-

 

A media gallery with headshots is available for download is available here.

 

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