Meet the jury: 2026 AA Prize for Unbuilt Work

Entries are currently open for the 2026 AA Prize for Unbuilt Work, which rewards compelling work in its conceptual stages.

Architects, landscape architects, planners, urban designers, interior designers, and students of these disciplines are all eligible to submit their unrealised designs.

A cash prize of $2,500 will be awarded by the jury, which is comprised of esteemed industry voices. Each member of the 2026 jury has made their own contribution to expanding the built environment conversation, through practice, research and advocacy.

Ingrid Bakker has worked in architecture and interior design for more than 25 years and for more than half that time she's been helping turn Hassell into the competitive, international design practice it is today. Ingrid has led teams on a large variety of workplace, residential, hospitality, retail and commercial projects and is highly experienced in project delivery and client liaison.

Kirsteen Mackay was appointed as South Australian Government Architect in 2015 and leads the Office for Design and Architecture SA, which oversees the state's design review programs, provides independent design advice across state and local governments, administers legislation on behalf of cabinet and supports strategic projects and policy development.

Deo Prasad is an internationally recognised expert in the field of environment and sustainability with a focus on net zero carbon innovations. His experience covers practice as a consultant, long-standing experience as a thought leader and a distinguished academic, and significant leadership and governance expertise.

Stuart Vokes is an architect and co-founder of Brisbane-based Vokes and Peters. Recognised for its private houses and sustained research into suburban Brisbane, the practice also works across a range of cultural and commercial projects, including social housing and heritage conservation, furniture and teaching.

Jury chair Georgia Birks is the associate editor of Architecture Australia, a graduate of architecture and a proud descendant of the Birpai, Dunghutti and Kamilaroi people. Georgia is the curator for Design Speaks, a member of the Australian Institute of Architects First Nations Advisory Committee and a member of the City of Melbourne's Design Excellence Advisory Committee.

Entries for the 2026 AA Prize for Unbuilt can be submitted until 22 August 2025, at which date projects must be unbuilt.

The shortlist will be published on ArchitectureAu on Thursday 13 November 2025.

Awarded schemes will be published on ArchitectureAu on Thursday 15 January 2026. They will also be published in the January 2026 issue of Architecture Australia.

The AA Prize for Unbuilt Work is organised by Architecture Media, and supported by presenting partner Adelaide University.