The category recognises the importance of exterior spaces and outdoor environments in enhancing the physical experience and mental wellbeing of the people who live, work and play in these dynamic settings.

This category is open to all residential and commercial/multi-functional projects with dedicated outdoor spaces. Eligible entries include single residential homes, townhouses, multi-residential/apartment developments with private and/or communal outdoor spaces, as well as workplace, hospitality, recreation, education, hotel, aged care, and public amenity projects.

Submissions will be judged based on the following criteria: design integration – the extent to which spatial planning and programming demonstrate seamless integration with the project’s overall design narrative; site responsiveness – the degree to which the project responds to the topographic, social and cultural elements present within the site and its surroundings; sustainability – the extent to which best practices, human-centric principles, and full lifecycle sustainability methodologies and materials are meaningfully embedded in the project; and delight and beauty – the degree to which the outdoor landscaped environment enriches and uplifts the project and enhances the experience of its intended users.

A project is considered complete when the plantings and design elements mature enough to fully express the intended design vision.

An interior designer/interior architect must be the lead designer; and/or an interior designer/interior architect who worked in equal partnership with a landscape architect to bring the project to fruition.

Specific considerations will include brief, concept, spatial acumen, parameters, decoration, lighting, sustainability, innovation, connection with Country, cultural contextualisation, safety, and the originality and beauty of the design outcome.