The NT architectural community gathered this weekend to celebrate the ‘best of the best’ of local design at the 2025 Australian Institute of Architects NT Awards.

It was a proud night for Hames Sharley, with three projects receiving accolades on the evening.

Continuing a successful awards season for Hames Sharley’s Interiors portfolio, the Bureau of Meteorology Darwin Office was recognised with a prestigious named award – The George Chaloupka Award for Interior Architecture.

The fitout reflects a conceptually rich design narrative; the office is a spatial journey through the seven Gulumoerrgin seasons, with each interior zone thoughtfully translated through colour, texture, and materiality to evoke the essence of seasonal change.

In their citation, the jury noted that the result is a workplace of integrity and resonance: immersive, meaningful, and human-centred.

“It delivers not just on aesthetics, but on purpose – merging narrative and necessity in a way that sets a benchmark for culturally responsive design in the public sector. Hames Sharley have created a standout example of design that listens, learns, and leads.”

Hames Sharley Design Lead Ilma Ali accepted the award on behalf of the project team.

“We were very fortunate to have the opportunity and trust from the Bureau to explore the idea of representing the Gulumoerrgin seasons within the interior. It enabled a design response that is rooted in place, on Larrakia Country. It was an honour to be recognised for our efforts,” Ilma said.

M+J Builders Office Fitout not only won an Interior Architecture Award but also the People’s Choice Award.

The Hames Sharley team worked closely with M+J Builders to deliver a workspace that represents a statement of the company’s deep values of staff and client wellbeing, successfully balancing robust materiality with a refined workplace aesthetic.

“The outcome is a workplace that promotes a feeling of comfort, pride and trust, as well as a professional and welcoming space. A strong emphasis on user experience informed the layout, with adaptable workspaces, accessible considerations, and recreational spaces that enhance staff well-being,” the citation reads.

Finally, the Bundilla Beach Reserve Master Plan by Hames Sharley and Clouston Associates received a Commendation for Urban Design.

The project balances passionate community consultation with a light-touch approach to enhancing the natural assets of Larrakia land.

“Hames Sharley and Clouston’s design shows a deep understanding of the site’s crucial role in maintaining publicly accessible foreshore across Darwin. They have strengthened pedestrian and cycle links, diversified recreational opportunities and advocated for habitat restoration through revegetation. The plan honours the consultation and ensures this public space remains a biodiverse and welcoming space for locals and visitors alike,” the citation noted.

Hames Sharley NT Studio Leader, Alex Quin, said the outcome acknowledged the team’s empathy and understanding of the unique environment of the Territory.

“I am very fortunate to work with an incredibly passionate group of professionals in our Darwin studio. These awards are recognition of their dedication to successful project outcomes and collaborative relationships with clients, contractors and the community in which we live” Alex said.