Convenor and Architecture NZ interior editor Amanda Harkness was joined on the jury by Ana Heremaia, co-founder of not-for-profit design studio ĀKAU; Dorian Minty, principal at Studio Pacific Architecture; Gosha Haley, principal at Grimshaw’s Auckland studio; and Andrew Mitchell, director at Pattersons.

Of the competition, Harkness said: “Every year is challenging. Firstly, we select our top three, sometimes four, interior projects for each category anonymously – we’re not privy to who the designers are at that stage – and then, following an in-depth presentation and question-and-answer session, we narrow those down to one winner per category.

“Often, our selected finalists have all scored within an inch of one another, and the final decision then seems an impossibility. This year, the standard was so high across a number of categories that the decision-making process went days past the allocated time frame – a true testimony to the quality of submissions.”

Harkness says the awards process offers the jury unique insights into the latest initiatives, typologies and thinking behind what they have identified as optimistic, sometimes transformational and, often, unconventional designs.

“We’re privileged to enjoy an up-close look at the valuable contribution each of these designers and architects is making to enhance the lives of so many,” she says. “We see genuine, inclusive collaboration with mana whenua, exploring both our history and our relationship with the land and our people, and we see the ways in which repurposed and reused resources can help shape the future.”

This year, the programme introduced its new Education award, off the back of what appears to have been a renaissance period in building for that sector. This made the jury’s job particularly difficult, with each of the four finalist projects a stand-out for quite different reasons.

There was also increased interest in the Community Impact award, which is celebrating its second year in the programme. The award evaluates the social good and positive influence community projects have generated across the motu.

“I would like to thank our four very talented and experienced jurors – Ana, Dorian, Gosha and Andrew – for taking on the hard mahi of considering so many exceptional projects,” says Harkness. “Congratulations to all of our finalists for your outstanding work and thank you for sharing your journeys with us. And special congratulations to our 11 award-winners, including our remarkable Supreme Award winner. You and your projects represent the very best of interior design and the incredible talent that exists within our industry.” 

We offer a huge congratulations to all of our 2024 finalists and winners. Read on to see this year’s best New Zealand interiors.

With special thanks to our Interior Awards 2024 sponsors. Find out more about each of our sponsors here.

SUPREME AWARD / RETAIL AWARD

Marisfrolg Exhibition Gallery by Architecture Van Brandenburg

“This monumental project threw out the rule book and draped itself across the space with whimsical, sculptural and textural artistry. As if from another planet, the organic design cleverly gives you just enough to ground you back on earth, as you move through a catacombs-like space of repeating vaulted arches and cloisters…”

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HOSPITALITY AWARD

Metita by CTRL Space

“Delving deeply into our Pacific roots, this interior beautifully evokes a sense of calm and place through a re-imagining of colour, texture and materialism. The thoughtful design demonstrates a deep understanding of both the personal and cultural narrative, through research and making, with spatial features and crafted design elements that speak to the essence of Samoa, fishing and the moana in a new way…”

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HEALTHCARE AND WELLNESS AWARD

Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa by RCG

“A 30-year relationship between the designer and client has resulted in an incredible kaupapa that beautifully integrates the stories of Ngati Whakaue. The combination of texture, pattern, spatial qualities and lighting creates a rich sensory experience for manuhiri, allowing them to feel the geothermal properties of the whenua in the various interior spaces…”

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CIVIC AWARD

Te Whare Hononga by Tennent Brown Architects

“Te Whare Hononga embodies its name – a place for union and connection – by bringing people together through both its design and its intended purpose: a place to hear and share stories as part of a process of healing and learning. Bold design decisions emphasise the meeting of two peoples, visible through the exposed aho or threads binding the whare together…”

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WORKPLACE OVER 1000M2 AWARD

Te Tihi - Aurecon by Warren and Mahoney

“Representing the definition of co-design, this workplace creatively and unpretentiously weaves local kaupapa into the very fabric of the space, connecting its inhabitants with both the community and whenua. In so doing, it provides considered, diverse and engaging working environments, with an inspiring focus on wellbeing and amenity, including dedicated mauri, wairua, hauora and whanau spaces…”

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WORKPLACE UP TO 1000M2 AWARD

Common Space Studio by Pac Studio

“Somehow subtle yet striking at once, this fun project walks a delicate line to deliver a creative, energetic space that evolves as required to enhance the functionality of the workplace. The programme juxtaposes a seamlessly detailed white infinity space with the lively tones and surfaces of the office and support spaces…”

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EDUCATION AWARD

Marian College by Sheppard & Rout Architects

“Set within a disused industrial enclosure, this highly innovative adaptive reuse project challenges our perception of a typical education environment. Working within a constrained budget, prefabricated pods are cleverly placed to form a cluster of interiors within an interior. Teaching and admin pods are complemented with generous social spaces and sports courts, while the insertion of a jewel-like chapel to serve as a place of reflection…”

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RESIDENTIAL AWARD

Coromandel House by Evelyn McNamara Architecture 

“An exercise in reductionism and crafted details, this beautiful home uses clever materialism to exude warmth and depth with a delightful connection to the natural environment. Displaying great restraint in interior planning, material selection and detailing, the underlying concrete framework is complimented by a singularity of timber surfaces and cabinetry, creating a sense of enclosure and comfort…”

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RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN AWARD

Home Sweet Home by Rogan Nash Architects

“Influenced by a variety of design classics and colour blocking, this humble yet refined kitchen channels a 1980s’ euro-style vernacular right out of the pages of Abitare, with a playful and creative use of pattern and tone. Rigorously planned and executed, with a considered and sophisticated colour and material palette, this kitchen brings the fun to the heart of the home…”

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COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

He Awa Ora - Living River by Dagliesh Architects

“Much has been achieved within this space, through simple design gestures that bring focus to the taonga. A soft colour palette representing the colour shift in the awa, from headwaters to the moana, is teamed with a hand-drawn custom font. Careful consideration of how and where the taonga should be displayed contributes to telling the story of the awa in a powerful way…”

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EMERGING DESIGN PROFESSIONAL AWARD

Raphaela Rose (AHHA)

“A whirlwind of energy and creativity, Raphaela inspired us with her unwavering commitment to design excellence through a multi-faceted lens. Part artist, environmental caretaker and pop-punk political force of nature, she is one of a new generation of activists with a firm conviction and belief in the power of design to drive change. Raphaela has translated her passion, sense and clarity of purpose into real-life applications…”

Find out more >

Learn more at interiorawards.co.nz