The award was announced at the Design Inn Symposium held at Adelaide Oval on 5 May, which celebrates outstanding hotel interior design projects across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Winners are judged on design concept, innovation, impact on the guest experience, community engagement, accessibility and sustainable outcomes.

The accolade recognises the multimillion-dollar transformation of the former Nugget Point Hotel into Coronet Ridge Resort, a five-star luxury alpine sanctuary perched above the Shotover River in Arthur’s Point, Queenstown. The resort’s striking interior design was led by architects Mitchell McKenzie of GCA Studio and Graham Crust of G2 Studio, with procurement and fit-out delivered by FURNZ Group, whose combined vision gave the property its distinctive sense of place, drawing on the surrounding alpine landscape. Director and Registered Architect at GCA Studio Ltd and G2 Studio Ltd, Graham Crust, said, “Our vision for Coronet Ridge Resort was to craft a refined sanctuary that blends contemporary luxury and sustainability, inviting guests to relax and reconnect with nature through all seasons. This project transformed an outdated hotel, repositioning it firmly within the luxury market, and by prioritising authentic design that reflects its unique alpine location, the resort delivers a truly memorable guest experience.”

Clare Davies, Director at Capstone Hotel Management, said the recognition reflects the collective ambition behind the project. “From the very beginning, the goal was to create something genuinely exceptional for Queenstown. Coronet Ridge Resort is a property that honours its spectacular natural setting while delivering a world-class guest experience. To have that vision recognised at an Australasia-Pacific level is incredibly affirming, and a testament to everyone who contributed to bringing Coronet Ridge to life.”

Coronet Ridge Resort opened in December 2025, welcoming guests to 41 redesigned rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or patio, alongside a Roman-style spa, elevated dining at Elevation Restaurant and Bar, a private cinema, conference facilities, fitness centre and squash courts. The property is one of the closest accommodations to Coronet Peak Ski Area, and is under ten minutes from central Queenstown.