“For me, a great awards programme isn’t just about recognising excellence – it’s about connecting people, discovering the stories behind their journey, and sharing and celebrating their creativity and innovation.”

That’s the standard Amanda Harkness is bringing to the NZ Interior Awards 2026 as Awards Convenor – and it’s the standard she’s asked the jury to uphold.

Present your work to these four practitioners

By entering the NZ Interior Awards 2026, your work will be assessed by four of Aotearoa’s most respected spatial designers.

Sarosh Mulla – Director, PAC Studio “I’m looking for ingenuity above all else. I’m not concerned about the size of the budget, but I do want to see novel approaches to achieving spaces that are inventive, unexpected and joyous.”

Annabel Smart – Director, Studio 11:11 “For me, stand out projects are those that move beyond resolution to hold a sense of feeling, revealing more over time and carrying an emotional depth that lingers beyond the immediate impression.”

Koos De Keijzer – Founding Partner + Principal, DKO Architecture “The entries that will stay with me long after judging are the ones that embody indefatigability – the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose.”

Jade Kake – Founder, Matakohea Architecture + Urbanism “Genuinely memorable work begins with active listening – it’s evidenced in the careful resolution of small but meaningful details, in the considered use of light and materiality, and in a sensory experience that feels specific to its place. The entries that will stay with me long after judging are the ones that engage sensitively and genuinely with where they are.”

Recognition that lasts beyond the night

Finalists and winners are supported through a national platform that extends well beyond the awards – connecting leading projects with the broader design community through NZ Design Week 2027.

Finalists

• Double-pass to the NZ Design Week Conference 2027, Monday 8 & Tuesday 9 March
• Opportunity to showcase work at Shed 10 during NZ Design Week, Sunday 7 – Tuesday 9 March
• Inclusion in programme communications and media coverage

Category Winners

• Invitation to host an event within the NZ Design Week 2027 programme
• All finalist benefits

Premier Award

• A 2-4 page feature in The Local Project (November 2026)
• Reserved table for eight on day two of the NZ Design Week Conference 202
• Invitation to present your project or studio’s creative process on day one of the conference
• All winner and finalist benefits

The Premier Award is not entered separately. It is awarded at the jury’s discretion to the most outstanding entry across all professional categories.

Enter the NZ Interior Awards 2026

An independent, industry-led programme recognising excellence in interior and spatial design across Aotearoa. Projects are assessed through a three-stage process, including live presentations to the jury on Tues 23 & Wed 24 June at Residium, Parnell.

$80 to enter.

Entries close – Thurs 4 June

Finalists announced – Wed 10 June

Awards Night – Thurs 23 July, St Matthew-in-the-City

ENTER NOW