The entire editorial department of Architecture & Design is inundated with projects that showcase the best of innovation, sustainability, functionality, and more. Over the years, we have developed a keen eye for what projects are truly worthy of recognition.

This year will see the Editor’s Choice category return for a second year. This category has no specific criteria, with Editor Branko Miletic tasked with picking his choice out of all submissions for the award.

Working as a journalist for the past 23 years, Miletic has been privileged to write on many subjects and industries such as Government, Manufacturing, Small Business, IT, Consumer Electronics, Lifestyle, Mining, Hospitality, Packaging, Sport and Food. 

As the winner of several journalism awards and accolades over the years for such things as Editor of the Year and the Best Article of the Year, Branko has also reported from overseas on a range of social and geopolitical issues. 

The inaugural winner of the Editor’s Choice was NBRS and Donovan Payne Architects’ Bay Pavilions Arts + Aquatic. Situated in a prominent location between the town centre and Mackay Park sports grounds, the design for Bay Pavilions has been inspired by the stunning natural landscape and features an organic design language that makes extensive use of sustainably sourced timber. The facility comprises two ‘Pavilions’ connected via a shared foyer ‘Link’.

The Aquatic Pavilion includes an indoor aquatic centre with a 25-metre, eight-lane pool with ramp access, separate 10-metre warm water program pool, a freeform indoor leisure pool that includes learn-to-swim and toddler areas, water play splash pads, waterslides, gym, group fitness and wellness areas.

We are also excited to announce that Sika will continue its affinity with the Editor’s Choice category for a second year.

Sika is a leading provider of specialty systems and products for the building and construction industry. The company is committed to sustainability, and has a long history of developing innovative products that help to reduce environmental impact.

The inaugural winner of the Editor's Choice category will be announced later this year at an in-person ceremony. We look forward to seeing your submissions when entries open in the coming months.