Koos de Keijzer is a Melbourne-based graduate of Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands, a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and the founding partner and principal of DKO Architecture. During the past 25 years, Koos has led the expansion of DKO across seven studios in Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Indonesia, to a team of more than 300 employees. An award-winning architect and urban designer, Koos is known for his innovative design approach and research into housing typologies. His work champions architectural integrity and the development of sustainable communities.

Jade Kake is an architect, academic and writer of Māori and Dutch descent, with tribal affiliations to Ngāpuhi, Te Whakatōhea and Ngāti Whakaue. She is the founder of Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism and a part-time lecturer at Huri Te Ao, the School of Future Environments at Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau Auckland University of Technology. Along with Jeremy Hansen, Jade is the co-author of Rewi: Āta haere, kia tere (Massey University Press, 2023) and the author of Rebuilding the Kāinga: Lessons from Te Ao Hurihuri (Bridget Williams Books, 2019).

Annabel Smart is an architectural and interior designer whose work is defined by a calm, nature-inspired aesthetic and highly considered detailing. As head of Studio 11:11’s Auckland office, she creates timeless spaces with refined material sensibility. Annabel has experience across leading studios in both New Zealand and Australia, and a degree from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington. Her work has been recognised through several industry awards and accolades.

Sarosh Mulla is an accomplished designer and academic, committed to sustainable, culturally grounded practice. As a director at Pac Studio, he has led many award-winning projects across Aotearoa. Sarosh holds a PhD in Architecture and is a senior lecturer at Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland, where he focuses on technology and design, integrating research with architectural practice. His ongoing creative works reflect a rigorous, joyful approach that prioritises environmental care and design excellence.

Amanda Harkness is convening the jury for the sixth year of the awards. Amanda is the deputy editor and interior editor at Architecture NZ magazine, a former editor of Houses, and past contributor to both Urbis and Interior magazines. In her role at Architecture NZ, Amanda engages with the latest in both interior and architecture projects, and the designers and clients who bring them to life.

Key dates

Entries open Tuesday 20 January
Entries close Wednesday 29 April
Finalists announced Thursday 7 May
Finalists’ live presentations Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 May
Awards night Thursday 2 July

Learn about entry criteria and categories here. 

See all the 2025 Interior Awards winners, finalists and media coverage here.