The Standout Spaces Shortlisted For This Year’s Australian Interior Design Awards
the dream team
By Matilda Daniel | 23rd April 2026Australia has long been recognised for its creative edge, but right now, that energy feels especially projected through the spaces shaping everyday life. From tucked-away neighbourhood wine bars to expansive waterfront destinations, interior design is no longer just a backdrop; it’s setting the tone for how Australians gather, work, and unwind, with a distinctly local sensibility that’s starting to turn heads internationally.
This momentum is on full display and was recently revealed with the Australian Interior Design Awards shortlist released last week. The list sees local design legends gaining the recognition they deserve – like our very own cover star Jared Webb – whose work is defining contemporary society through the spaces we inhabit.
Now in its 23rd year, the program, a collaboration between the Design Institute of Australia and Architecture Media’s InteriorsAu, remains the country’s leading peer-reviewed accolade, celebrating excellence across hospitality, retail, residential, workplace, and public design.
In 2026, a record-breaking 226 projects were shortlisted, offering a compelling snapshot of an industry in full stride, one defined by creativity, clarity of function, and thoughtful execution. Convened by Geraldine Maher of Maher Design, this year brings together some of the country’s most respected design voices. Here are some of the standouts.
Queensland spaces on the list
Leading the Queensland conversation are projects by J.AR Office, including Golden Avenue and Marlowe, two venues that continue to shape Brisbane’s evolving hospitality identity. Helmed by Jared Webb, the spaces reflect a refined, mood-driven design language, balancing texture, tone, and spatial storytelling to create immersive dining environments.
Across the state, a strong shortlist presence highlights the diversity of Queensland design, from intimate dining rooms to destination-led hospitality spaces. Bar Monte by Studio Plenty channels a warm, European-inspired sensibility, while newcomer Fountainhead Winehouse by Julia Cox also made the list with its more eclectic, detail-led approach.
On the Gold Coast, the Mondrian’s hospitality venues are highlighted, with Haven and Lito by Alexander & Co delivering two distinct yet complementary experiences, from breezy coastal luxury to darker, more atmospheric interiors. Together, these projects underscore Queensland’s growing reputation for hospitality spaces that are both elevated and deeply experiential.
Beyond hospitality, Queensland’s presence extends firmly into workplace and public realm design. Arup Workplace Brisbane, by Hassell and in partnership with Arup, offers a highly considered, future-focused model for collaborative working environments. Brisbane Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery by Studio Collective reimagines a clinical space through a calm, design-led lens that prioritises comfort and ease, while Architectus Brisbane Studio reflects a confident, contemporary workplace identity grounded in adaptability and urban integration. Together, these projects position Queensland not only as a leader in hospitality design but as a driving force in Australia’s evolving workplace landscape.
A National Snapshot
Beyond Queensland, the shortlist spans the country, showcasing a diverse mix of interiors across all sectors. In New South Wales, shortlisted hospitality venues include Club Rose Bay by Akin Atelier, Homer Rogue Taverna by AP Design House, and Cibaria by Luchetti Krelle, which collectively highlight a continued appetite for design-led dining experiences.
Further south, Victoria delivers an equally eclectic mix, from the Barwon Heads Golf Club by Nexus Designs and Demaine to the Song for the Mute retail store by Foolscap, reflecting a growing intersection between architecture, fashion, and experiential design. In Melbourne, Hannah St Hotel joins the convocation, bringing a refined design-forward approach to contemporary hospitality that continues the state’s strong momentum in elevated accommodation spaces.
Across Western Australia, projects such as the Fremantle Campus Library at the University of Notre Dame and Ember Bath House II further demonstrate the breadth of the shortlist, spanning cultural, educational, and wellness-focused interiors.
Fashion spaces are entering the chat
Retail, particularly within fashion, proves a defining force this year, and a clear standout across the shortlist. Among the standouts are Deiji Studios’ Sydney store by Pattern Studio, alongside their work on St Agni and Above the Clouds, as well as AP Design House’s futuristic Henne store in Melbourne and Flack Studio’s Scanlan Theodore space in Canberra. These projects signal a shift toward immersive, brand-driven environments that extend far beyond the traditional retail experience.
Winners will be announced in Sydney on 12th June, where the coveted Premier Award for Australian Interior Design will also be revealed, marking the industry’s most anticipated night on the design calendar.
From Queensland’s richly layered hospitality venues to a nationwide wave of innovation, the 2026 shortlist ultimately points to an industry in full stride, one where Australian interior design is no longer just responding to global trends but actively shaping them. Feeling inspired? Check out this year’s hottest interior trends, and how to recreate the looks for yourself.
Imagery: @fountainhead.winehouse / @flackstudio_ / @davidchatfield.studio
