NZ Interior
Awards
Recognising excellence in interior and spatial design across Aotearoa
The NZ Interior Awards celebrate the most innovative and compelling interior and spatial design projects in Aotearoa.
Developed in response to strong industry demand, the NZ Interior Awards is an independent, industry-led programme celebrating the projects shaping our built environment.
Grounded in a rigorous, peer-reviewed process - including live presentations to a leading jury - the programme reflects the depth, integrity and critical dialogue the design community values.
From emerging practices to established studios, the awards provide a national platform for recognising design excellence across disciplines.
Developed in response to strong industry demand, the NZ Interior Awards is an independent, industry-led programme celebrating the projects shaping our built environment.
Grounded in a rigorous, peer-reviewed process - including live presentations to a leading jury - the programme reflects the depth, integrity and critical dialogue the design community values.
From emerging practices to established studios, the awards provide a national platform for recognising design excellence across disciplines.
Why this programme?
The NZ Interior Awards has been shaped in close collaboration with the design community to ensure a credible and future-focused platform for recognising excellence.
Led by practitioners and supported by NZ Design Week, the programme prioritises rigour, independence and meaningful recognition - creating space for projects to be seen, discussed and celebrated within the industry.
Key dates:
- Submissions Close: Wednesday 27th May
- Finalists Announced: Wednesday 10th June
- Live Judging Presentations: Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th June at Residium Parnell
- Awards Ceremony: Thursday 23rd July at St Matthews-in-the-City
Led by practitioners and supported by NZ Design Week, the programme prioritises rigour, independence and meaningful recognition - creating space for projects to be seen, discussed and celebrated within the industry.
Key dates:
- Submissions Close: Wednesday 27th May
- Finalists Announced: Wednesday 10th June
- Live Judging Presentations: Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th June at Residium Parnell
- Awards Ceremony: Thursday 23rd July at St Matthews-in-the-City
The response from across the industry is a testament to the strength of the community we’ve built through NZ Design Week. This is an industry-led, independent programme - shaped by practitioners and grounded in rigour and meaningful recognition. We’re deeply grateful for the trust placed in us and the support across the sector.
Jen Jones
NZDW Founder & Director
Your Jury
Amanda Harkness
Convenor
Koos de Keijzer - Founder Partner & Principal, DKO Architecture
Judge
Jade Kake - Founder, Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism
Judge
Sarosh Mulla - Director, Pac Studio
Judge
Annabel Smart - Director, Studio 11:11
Judge
Sponsors
Presenting Partner
Platinum Partner
Categories
Civic
Public and cultural spaces including galleries, museums, theatres, libraries, community centres and transport hubs.
Education
Schools, universities, childcare centres and other learning environments.
Healthcare & Wellness
Medical and wellness environments including clinics, hospitals, gyms, yoga studios and assisted living developments.
Hospitality
Cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, motels and hospitality environments designed for guest experience.
Retail
Shops, retail outlets, showrooms, department stores, food markets and customer-facing commercial environments.
Workplace (≤1000m²)
Smaller-scale workplace environments including offices, studios and industrial spaces.
Workplace (>1000m²)
Larger-scale workplace environments including offices, studios and industrial spaces.
Residential
Complete interior design of residential environments including houses, townhouses and apartments.
Residential Kitchen
Excellence in residential kitchen design.
Emerging Design Professional
Recognising outstanding early-career designers and future leaders in the industry.
PLUS: Premier Award
This honour recognises the project that achieved the single highest score across the programme—representing the pinnacle of design excellence.
