Following the recent announcement that AGM will cease New Zealand operations, NZ Design Week (NZDW) has confirmed its intention develop an independent pathway forward for a leading interior design awards programme, ensuring the sector continues to celebrate the best of Aotearoa’s design talent in 2026 and beyond.

The Interior Awards have long been the gold standard for the industry. Over a 15-year legacy established by AGM, the programme has remained the most highly regarded accolade for the interior and spatial design community, known for its rigorous live-judging process and high-calibre winners.

Following the announcement of AGM’s exit, the design community moved quickly to advocate for a successor that could maintain the programme’s integrity. The widespread support for NZDW to play a leading role in supporting a future programme is a testament to the brand’s established reputation for championing the design sector.

Jen Jones, Founder of NZ Design Week, says she is honoured to take the programme forward.

“We have been blown away by the community outreach following AGM’s announcement,” says Jones. “It’s an honour to build on the incredible legacy of the Interior Awards over the last 15 years and to take it forward with the justice it deserves. We are humbled to be trusted with this responsibility and are deeply grateful for the industry’s support.”

Amanda Harkness, Interior Awards Convenor adds: “The Interior Awards belong to the design and architecture community, and it is vital they have a home that understands their value. As I enter my sixth year as Convenor, I’m very pleased to see NZDW stepping in to provide the stability, continuity and integrity needed to ensure the programme remains in place for the 2026 cycle and beyond.”

The transition has been met with immediate backing from the industry’s most influential voices, ensuring continuity for the 2026 awards cycle.

“The Interior Awards are a vital benchmark for design excellence in Aotearoa, and I am fully supportive of NZDW stepping in to preserve this important legacy,” says Sarosh Mulla, Director of Pac Studio and 2026 Judge. “I am pleased to confirm I will remain on the judging panel for 2026 to ensure the programme continues to uphold the high standards and integrity the industry expects.”

Annabel Smart, Director of Studio 11:11 and 2026 Judge, shares this sentiment: “I’m thrilled to see the Interior Awards continue and honoured to remain on board as a judge as they enter this new chapter. It feels more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the talent, energy and dedication that underpins the design community here in Aotearoa.”

Martin Skinner, Director of Tailor Inc, notes: “The Interior Awards are an essential fixture for the industry, and it was vital that their future was secured by a team with a genuine passion for the sector. We are thrilled to see NZDW take the lead; their energy and professional rigour make them the right choice to ensure these awards continue to thrive and set the standard for excellence in Aotearoa.”

Anna Parbury of Studio DB notes: “Jen’s swift and decisive move to secure the future of the Interior Awards speaks to both her leadership and her understanding of what this platform means to the design community. The Awards have long been the gold standard for design excellence in Aotearoa, carrying real weight within our industry. At Studio DB, we’re excited to see them continue under NZ Design Week”

Darcy Utting of Unispace notes that the move felt like a natural fit for the sector. “When the news of AGM’s closure broke, the first person who came to mind to step in was Jen. At Unispace, we have complete faith in NZDW’s ability to honour the Interior Awards’ 15-year history and ensure this vital platform continues to serve the industry with the same integrity it always has.”

NZ Design Week is not affiliated with AGM Publishing or Hubexo and is developing an independent programme to support the continuation of interior and architecture design recognition in Aotearoa.

Further details regarding the 2026 programme, entry dates and details, and the full judging panel will be released in the coming weeks.