Entries open for 2025 Holdmark Innovation Award

Powerhouse invites Australian architects, engineers, urban designers and planners to submit entries for the 2025 Holdmark Innovation Award, a prestigious $10,000 prize recognising outstanding innovation in the built environment.

The award acknowledges forward-thinking solutions to challenges faced by Australia’s urban environments.

”Powerhouse is proud to be partnering with Holdmark to recognise the designers and practices striving to improve our urban future,” says Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.

“We look forward to discovering projects that demonstrate bold creative thinking and will have lasting impact on Australian communities.”

Eligible projects may be defined as buildings, built structures or a key element in a structure’s design or construction. 

Submissions can demonstrate innovation through the application of emerging technologies, regenerative practices, pioneering research or sustainable construction methods.

“As Principal Partner for Sydney Design Week for the third year, Holdmark continues to celebrate the industry’s successes and recognise the country’s top innovators,” says Holdmark Property Group Chief Operating Officer Kevin Nassif.

“Australia stands as a hub for some of the world’s most forward-thinking and dedicated professionals in the urban environment. We have been consistently impressed by the high calibre of past submissions and eagerly await the applicant submissions for the 2025 Holdmark Innovation Award.”

Applications for the 2025 Holdmark Innovation Award will be reviewed by a selection panel that includes Keinton Butler (Sydney Design Week Curator), Olivia Hyde (Director of Design Excellence, Government Architect NSW), Professor Greg Morrison (Lang Walker Chair in Urban Transformations, School of Engineering, Design & Built Environment at Western Sydney University), Kevin Nassif (Chief Operating Officer, Holdmark Property Group) and Belqis Youssofzay (Co-Director Youssofzay Hart).

Last year, the Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit project by Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinity won the Holdmark Innovation Award for its energy-efficient design, innovative reuse of construction materials and partnership with housing social enterprise HomeGround.

Commendations went to ARM Architecture for the Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub (BEST) and to Grimshaw, Andrew Burges Architects and the City of Parramatta Council for the Parramatta Aquatic Centre – both projects exemplifying strong government and community collaboration with a focus on local social needs.

“Innovative projects only can only have significant impact if people hear about them,” says 2024 Holdmark Innovation Award Recipient Michael Macleod, Director of Architecture at Kennedy Nolan. 

“We found the Holdmark Innovation Award to be a unique opportunity. Combining the recognition of a prestigious institution and a cash prize, this award was just what we needed to spread the big message behind our small project.’

Applications are now open and will close 5pm, 30 June 2025. The award will be presented to the successful recipient at the annual Sydney Design Week event in September 2025.

To learn more about the 2025 Holdmark Innovation Award, click here.

Images: 2024 Recipient – Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit Project / Eve Wilson