Design and Development Awards 2026

The awards promote outstanding urban design, architecture, heritage, public space, sustainability, interior architecture and urban art.

Great design raises the quality of life for everyone in our city. It is more than just aesthetics (although it is that too), it encourages creativity, can help lead to a feeling of safety and can create sustainable spaces that lead to a greener city. Through design, we shape our city and conserve our heritage. In short, it’s worth celebrating!

That’s why we’re calling on architects and designers to help us recognise the incredible work they do designing our city’s spaces.

Design and Development Awards Night

Join us on Thursday 21 May 2026

This year, we have a received a record number of submissions and a very high standard of entries from some of Melbourne’s best architects and designers.

Come help us celebrate as we announce this year’s winning entries.

Time: 7 pm to 9.30 pm
Location: St Kilda Town Hall

The event will also feature live music and catering.

About the awards

Since 1998, the City of Port Phillip Design and Development Awards has encouraged and celebrated design excellence in the City of Port Phillip.

The awards are free to enter and are held in conjunction with the National Gallery of Victoria's Melbourne Design Week in May. Nominations for the 2026 awards are now closed.

2026 award categories

Jury panel members

Linda Cheng (Jury Chair)

Freelance Journalist and Editor

Brendan Baxter

Principal Architect, City of Port Phillip

Kathryn Robson

Director, Robson Rak Architects

Cr Serge Thomann 

Councillor, St Kilda Ward, City of Port Phillip

Cr Heather Cunsolo 

Councillor, Port Melbourne Ward, City of Port Phillip