The Community Impact Award recognises the invaluable contribution of architects and designers who collaborate with communities and not-for-profit organisations, often on a pro bono basis, to create meaningful spaces.

Now in its third year, organisers say the industry’s response to the designers and projects celebrated with this award has been “heartfelt”, receiving a duly warm response from peers and Interior Awards supporters and attendees due to a recognition of the personal investment and the unique difficulties faced when taking on community-funded projects often with comparatively lower budgets than projects entered into other award categories.

Offering a chance to celebrate the importance of this work, the Community Impact Award provides a platform for lesser-known community projects to be recognised by peers and showcased by the Interior Awards team through promotion via ArchitectureNow and Architecture NZ magazine platforms and live at the Interiors Awards event.

Previous winners of this award are Te Puna Reo o Manga Tangaroa by ĀKAU (2023), and He Awa Ora Living River by Dalgleish Architects (2024).

Community Impact Award: Eligibility criteria (update 2025)

• NEW:* Projects must have been completed and handed over to the client or community between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2023. *This timeframe ensures that the lasting impact and benefits of the project can be observed and measured.
• Projects cannot be fully funded by a Government Ministry, Agency or local government (territorial, regional or unitary councils).
• Project must have substantial community funding or fundraising. You will be required to provide details of how the project was financed.
• Projects will be judged on the social impact and community benefits they provide, rather than traditional design elements such as innovation, quality or materiality. Projects might include community hubs such as hall spaces, cultural centres, sports clubrooms, surf lifesaving clubs, local museums and health centres. 

Community Impact Award: Prizes (update 2025)

NEW: The winning project will receive $3000 for the community it benefits. The two finalists will each receive $1000. The prize money is awarded to the community benefiting from the project.

Community Impact Award: Exceptions (update 2025)

• NEW: A Community Impact project cannot be entered into any other category this year.
• Projects entered into this award category are not eligible for the Supreme Award.

More information including required responses for Community Impact Award submissions and key dates can be found at interiorawards.co.nz.