As Architecture & Design prepares to launch the 2026 Sustainability Awards—marking the program’s milestone 20th anniversary—the official jury panel has been unveiled, bringing together a diverse and highly respected group of leaders from across Australia’s built environment.

Over two decades, the Sustainability Awards have become the industry’s benchmark for recognising excellence in sustainable architecture and design. The 2026 jury reflects the evolution of the sector itself, with an expanded panel of experts spanning architecture, engineering, design, academia and sustainability consulting.

Comprising 12 industry leaders, this year’s jury represents the largest and most multidisciplinary panel in the Awards’ history—underscoring the increasing complexity of sustainability challenges and the need for integrated, cross-sector expertise.

2026 Sustainability Awards Jury Panel

• Branko Miletic – Program Director, Sustainability Awards; Editor, Architecture & Design
• Ben Peake – Principal, Carter Williams Architects
• Dr Clyde Anderson – Director, ABSA (Australian Building Sustainability Association)
• Dick Clarke – Founding Director, Envirotecture Australia
• Dominika Richards – Sustainability Lead, Deicke Richards
• Gabrielle Pavicic – Green Star Program Lead, Green Building Council of Australia
• Gagandeep Jadhav – Sustainability Consultant, Steensen Varming
• Heather McCabe – Architect & Certified Passivhaus Designer, DJRD Architects
• Jeremy Spencer – Director, Positive Footprints
• Mahalath Halperin – Architect & Director, Mahalath Halperin Architects
• Mick Paterson – General Manager, Blaise Buildings Services
• Sandra Furtado – Director, Furtado Sullivan
• Shae Parker McCashen – Founding Director, Green Sheep Collective

Described as a “sign of the times,” the 2026 jury highlights a shift toward more holistic, systems-based approaches to sustainable design—where collaboration across disciplines is essential to delivering meaningful environmental and social outcomes.

Entries for the 2026 Sustainability Awards open on 29 April 2026, kicking off a special anniversary year that will celebrate not only the best in current sustainable practice, but also the progress and innovation that have shaped the industry over the past 20 years.

Architecture, design, construction professionals and manufacturers of green building products and innovations are encouraged to submit projects, products, people and initiatives that are setting new benchmarks in sustainability.

For full details on entry criteria, categories and submission guidelines, visit: sustainablebuildingawards.com.au

The 2026 program will culminate in a national awards gala event recognising the individuals and organisations leading the transition toward a more sustainable built environment. This year the Sustainability Awards Gala will be hosted at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Sydney.

About the Sustainability Awards
Established by Architecture & Design, the Sustainability Awards are Australia’s longest-running and most respected program dedicated to sustainable building. Now in its 20th year, the Awards continue to spotlight projects, people and products delivering measurable, lasting impact across the built environment. Entries will open April 29, 2026.