The Australian Institute of Architects’ Western Australia chapter has celebrated the recipients of the state’s suite of prizes and fellowships in their 2025 President’s Dinner, held on 26 November at the University Club of WA. The event honoured past presidents and new fellows of the Institute, as well as the winners of state prizes.
The chapter’s highest honour, the 2025 WA President’s Prize, was presented by chapter president Ross Donaldson to architectural practice Officer Woods, “for their unwavering commitment to addressing the most prescient challenges: climate change; housing delivery and its affordability; equity and inclusion, and, in particular, First Nations inclusion.”
“Their practice has shown leadership across all these frontiers and this leadership has been recognised nationally,” a media communique notes.
Officer Woods has been awarded more than 30 awards and prizes for their projects, including the East Pilbara Arts Centre, Spinifex Hill Project Space, and Boola Katitjin at Murdoch University with Lyons et al. The release noted that co-director Jennie Officer’s research at the University of Western Australia had been evidenced in the firm’s innovative design for the NSW Housing Pattern Book, and that the firm was a leader in energy-efficient structures and decarbonisation, with co-director Trent Woods currently chairing the chapter’s Sustainability Committee.
“They have been fearless and relentless in their engagement with ethical integrity and they have confidently shown the best the profession has to offer to the communities we serve,” the communique notes.
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An honorary fellowship was also awarded to Adrian Fini, for his “unique contribution to the construction industry and the promotion of good design.”
“His love of architecture has seen him champion many architectural practices, and he has created buildings that have transformed and revitalised whole precincts of Perth and Fremantle, melding successful commerciality with design,” the release notes.
In addition, this year’s recognised fellows include:
Libby Guj
Richard Hassel
David Hillam
Patrick Kosky
Gavin Lee
Leonie Matthews
Sean McGivern
Craig Muir
Derek Nash
Toni Neck
Todd Paterson
Craig Steere
