The Australian War Memorial scoops Australian architecture awards

The Australian War Memorial has scooped the architecture industry awards across two gala ceremonies that have acknowledged amazing interior design, innovative heritage and public space development.

The Memorial scooped two awards at the 2025 Australian Interior Design Awards (AIDA) in Melbourne, taking home the awards for Public Design and for Best in State Commercial Design. 

The new Main Entrance took home more awards at the 2025 ACT Architecture Awards, receiving the W. Hayward Morris Award for Interior Architecture, the J S Murdoch Award for Heritage, the Robert Foster Light in Architecture Award, and an acknowledgement award for Public Architecture.

Memorial Director, Matt Anderson, said the team were worthy winners.  

“These awards show the Australian War Memorial's new entrance needs to be seen and experienced,” Mr Anderson said. “We have been working toward revealing our new spaces for six years and we are humbled by the reception they have received.”

“At the heart of the new entrance is a glass oculus, with its petals forming an inversion of the famous green copper Hall of Memory dome.  

“Cast into the floor beneath the Oculus are the 15 qualities detailed in the stained-glass windows reflected from the Hall of Memory. 

“It speaks to how we have echoed the historic building in this very future-facing space.” 

The AIDA jury highly commended the “visceral qualities” of the space. 

“The Australian War Memorial's new entrance is an interior space that is profoundly respectful and impactful, as well as awe inspiring,” they said.

Architect and Director at Studio.SC Nicholas Bandounas said it was an impressive story of women coming together. 

“This project had a female architectural and interior design lead, project manager, client side design manager and construction lead across several organisations and it is a terrific win for us all. This work has redefined the visitor experience through a solemn yet welcoming interior.” 

“Anchored by the Oculus, the interior balances functionality with symbolism, enhancing accessibility, adaptability, and reverence for history.” 

“Studio SC is delighted with the awards and grateful our work will be seen by millions and for generations.” 

FOR BACKGROUND:

Architecture and Interior Design Lead                    Ornella Bucceri             StudioSC

Project Manager                                                     Rebecca Conway           AWM

Design Manager                                                     Sherron Fielden             AWM

Construction Lead                                                   Jo Farrell                        Kane Constructions

IMAGES:

Please find a link to the interior photos StudioSC submitted for the awards:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/r57hjl3zxco7dpnpzrili/AOFpBPki5C9lP_ro7PFPYXY?rlkey=9uf9pv2p36ttllk7o3k210f5z&st=tkd2lkbn&dl=0

Please ensure the photographer is accredited accordingly. Details below:

• Thurston Empson; and
• @thurstonempson (if publishing on social media)

CONTACT:  Media team on 02 6243 4575, 0449775688 or media@awm.gov.au