About 199 architectural projects from across Sydney and NSW are in the running for top honours at the 2011 NSW Architecture Awards organised by the Australian Institute of Architects .  

The projects will be competing for the highly prestigious architecture and design awards in 10 major categories including public architecture, new single housing, residential alterations and additions, multiple-residential, urban design, heritage, interiors, small projects, sustainable and commercial architecture.  

The public architecture category has a range of inspiring educational facilities, along with new hospital, research and university buildings competing for the award while residential contenders range from multi-million dollar beachside houses to highly creative modest alterations and additions to family homes.  

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the State’s top residential award, the Wilkinson Award.  

Winners of the NSW Architecture Awards will progress to the prestigious 2011 National Architecture Awards to be announced at MONA near Hobart on Thursday 3 November.  

The 2011 NSW Architecture Awards will be held in Sydney on Friday 1 July at the Ballroom, Sydney Hilton.