Six projects shortlisted in 2026 PCA innovation awards

Six Architectus projects have been nominated in the Property Council of Australia (PCA) Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026.  

Across four categories, these projects span a number of sectors including education, research, workplace and community. 

They’re a testament to the depth of capability across our portfolio and the strength of the partnerships that underpin each project.  

Best Workplace Fitout or Design Project 

Festival Tower – Flinders University CBD Campus. Nominated & Owned by Walker Corporation 

The Festival Tower campus establishes a new identity for Flinders University in the heart of Adelaide, creating a vertical campus that strengthens connections with industry, government and the city’s cultural precinct. Across eight levels, the design integrates multi‑mode learning spaces, student‑led study zones, a Moot Court, staff workplaces and event facilities, all linked by a central staircase that enhances visibility and collaboration. The interior palette draws on Kaurna Country, embedding cultural significance throughout the building.  

We’d like to thank and extend our congratulations to our collaborators URPS, Rider Levett Bucknal, Tetris Capital, Lucid and Flinders University.  

1 Elizabeth – Macquarie Group Global Headquarters. Nominated & Owned by Macquarie Group 

Macquarie Group’s global headquarters occupies a tower above Sydney Metro Martin Place Station, seamlessly connecting with the heritage building at 50 Martin Place. The workplace brings together flexible floorplates, client and wellbeing spaces, hospitality floors and ILUMINA—a major event venue for up to 800 people. A central atrium and stair enhance connectivity, while extensive native landscaping and advanced sustainability systems support its 6 Star Green Star rating and Platinum WiredScore certification. 

As design lead for the workplace, we thank our diverse team Lendlease, JPW, Rapt Studio, Yerrabingin, Balarinji, Hecker Guthrie, Cox Architecture, ASPECT Studios, THERE, The Big Group, Steensen Varming, and Electrolight for their combined expertise.

Best Public Building or Social Infrastructure 

Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building. Nominated by Architectus & Owned by Flinders University. 

The Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) is a 22,000‑square‑metre, 10‑storey facility that brings together researchers, clinicians and educators within Flinders Village, Adelaide’s largest integrated education and health precinct. The building incorporates state‑of‑the‑art wet and dry laboratories, flexible workspaces and biophilic social spaces designed to encourage collaboration and transparency. It is the world’s first medical research institute to achieve Platinum WiredScore certification and is targeting Gold WELL and LEED sustainability ratings. 

Congratulations to our collaborators, partners and our design team for this outstanding project Hansen Yuncken, Mott MacDonald, Arup, KBR, Oxigen, WGA (Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec), dsquared Consulting, BuildSurv, Parallax Design, Resonate Consultants, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), URPS and Jacobs. 

National Herbarium of NSW. Nominated by RP Infrastructure & Owned by Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust 

The National Herbarium of NSW provides a state‑of‑the‑art facility to protect and showcase one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most significant botanical collections, housing more than 1.43 million specimens. Designed through deep collaboration with architects and landscape specialists, the facility delivers precise environmental controls, advanced research spaces and opportunities for public engagement. Its innovative fly‑roof structure reduces heat load, generates energy and harvests rainwater, supporting long‑term sustainability. 

Thank you to our partners PMI Engineers and RP Infrastructure whose whose involvement strengthened both the process and the final outcome 

Best Office Development 

Array at 1 Eden Park Drive. Nominated by Architectus & Owned by Kador Properties. 

Array is a next‑generation commercial office building in Macquarie Park featuring an environmentally responsive façade developed through parametric modelling to optimise daylight, views and thermal performance. The design maximises northern outlooks, integrates landscaped terraces and connects seamlessly with surrounding public transport links. The building has achieved WELL Core Platinum Certification and a 5 Star Green Star rating, reflecting its strong focus on health, wellbeing and sustainability. 

We extend our thanks to project partners Rider Levett Bucknall, Besix Watpac and Kador Properties for their collaboration and commitment.  

Best Mixed Use Development 

Blacktown Exercise, Sports & Technology (BEST) Hub. Nominated & Owned by Blacktown City Council.  

The Blacktown Exercise, Sports & Technology (BEST) Hub is a multidisciplinary sports, health and research facility designed to support elite athletes, community users and allied health services within the Blacktown International Sports Park. Our landscape‑led design introduces a new “physical literacy” open space that promotes movement, coordination and wellbeing for all ages and abilities. The project integrates seamlessly with existing precinct infrastructure, resolving complex site challenges while accommodating an expected 300,000 additional visitors per year. 

Project collaborators included ARM Architecture and CO.OP Studio, whose expertise and creative partnership were integral to the project’s success. 

Recognising excellence across our portfolio 

The Property Council Australia Innovation and Excellence Awards recognise projects that demonstrate leadership in design, delivery and performance.

Being shortlisted across multiple categories underscores the diversity of our work and the contribution these projects make within their respective sectors.

We congratulate all teams involved and look forward to the 2026 PCA Awards on Friday 6 November.