Winners announced at the 2025 Interior Awards
Winner of both the Supreme Award and the Residential Award, Palimpsest House by Monk Mackenzie.
This year’s Hospitality Award winner, Quinn Bar by Izzard Design.
Winner of this year’s Healthcare and Wellness Award, Hana Parnell by Pennant & Triumph.
This year’s Civic Award winner, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery by Warren and Mahoney.
Winner of the Workplace Over 1000m2 Award, UDC Finance by STACK Interiors.
Winner of the Workplace Under 1000m2 Award, Motion Sickness Studio by Wonder.
This year’s Education Award winner, AUT Tukutuku by Jasmax.
Winner of the Retail Award, VidaSpace Showroom Christchurch by VidaSpace in association with Warren and Mahoney.
This year’s Residential Kitchen Award winner, The High Life by Rogan Nash Architects.
Winner of this year’s Community Impact Award, Harbour Hospice North Shore by Klein Architects.
This year’s Emerging Design Professional Award winner, Matt Reid of Warren and Mahoney.
Ten projects and one up-and-coming designer were honoured at the 14th annual Interior Awards, held on Thursday 26 June 2025 at Auckland’s historic St Matthew-in-the-City.
Convenor and Architecture NZ interior editor Amanda Harkness was joined on the jury by Céili Murphy, interior sector lead at Architectus Aotearoa; Murali Bhaskar, director at Boon in Ngāmotu New Plymouth; Natasha Markham, founder of MAUD; and Sam Griffin, creative director of Ctrl Space.
Of the annual industry Awards programme, now in its 14th year, Harkness said the real joy of the process is in the discovery — “of beautiful projects, new designers, supportive clients, resourceful and innovative thinking, and the passion and soul so evident in the work. Not to mention the obvious and very positive impact these projects have on so many lives.”
“This year, we saw a small, creative workplace where environmentally aware employees can track their energy use in real time, we were shown a large hotel where international guests are wrapped in the narrative of Tāmaki Makaurau, absorbing it as if by osmosis during their stay, we were charmed by a modest, handcrafted kitchen that spoke to both its owners and its surroundings, and we marvelled at how an elegant retail space had blurred the boundaries between intimate dining and its patrons’ subterranean wine cellars.”
On working with this year’s jury, Harkness commented: “For me, there’s also joy in the way that the jury reacts to both the programme and the live presentations, and the ‘privilege’ they feel to have been exposed to so many brilliant design minds and to listen to such inspirational thinking, even noting how fortunate they, as jurors, are to be in a position to ‘give kudos to those that deserve it’.”
Harkness concluded: “Together, we considered 30 exceptional projects and three incredibly talented emerging design professionals. As is often the case, our job wasn’t easy. On behalf of the jury, I would like to congratulate all of our finalists for your outstanding work and thank you for sharing your journeys with us. Special congratulations are due to our 11 award-winners, including our striking Supreme Award winner. You and your projects represent the very best of interior design and the incredible talent that can be found within our industry. Finally, a special thank-you to our sponsors for your ongoing support and generosity, for which we are immensely grateful.”
We offer a huge congratulations to all of our 2025 finalists and winners. Read on to see this year’s best New Zealand interiors.
With special thanks to our Interior Awards 2025 sponsors. Find out more about each of our sponsors here.
SUPREME AWARD / RESIDENTIAL HOUSE AWARD
Palimpsest House by Monk Mackenzie
“Approached through a forest of pines and set in the dunes where trees give way to sand, Palimpsest House carries the potency of its setting into every interior detail. The contrast between dark, rough pine bark and fine, pale sand informs a restrained yet sensorial material palette that includes textured concrete, stained timber, limestone and bespoke metal details. Consistent with the architectural intent, the interiors are meticulously detailed and reductive in approach — choreographing light, movement and touch to create a quietly immersive experience, deeply rooted in place. An exceptional study in refinement, the result is a calm, poetic, beautifully resolved interior, pure in expression yet complex beneath the surface.”
HOSPITALITY AWARD
Quinn Bar by Izzard Design
“A compact-yet-striking hospitality project, Quinn Bar delivers originality and delight. Bold use of lighting and reflection creates a sense of escapism with a subtle futuristic edge, while deco-inspired detailing pays tasteful homage to the building’s heritage. A great deal of thought has gone into the design, from the sculptural seating, which weaves through the space adding softness and form, to the custom stainless-steel wall lining surprising with its shimmer, to the digitally controlled, adaptable lighting adding atmosphere to the interior. Quinn Bar is an underground gem with personality to burn — immersive, expressive and unforgettable.”
HEALTHCARE AND WELLNESS AWARD
Hana Parnell by Pennant & Triumph
“A masterclass in calm, considered design, Hana Parnell quietly conceals all the essential functional services of a wellness space, wrapping guests in a sense of ease from the moment they enter. Heritage elements are thoughtfully integrated within a refined interior that prioritises the customer experience at every turn, while gentle curves, indirect lighting, natural materials and acoustic privacy create an immersive environment, which feels both luxurious and restorative. From the exposed timber columns to the discreet retail and welcome areas, every detail has been considered to support a cohesive and deeply relaxing journey for visitors. The result is a beautiful space that offers comfort, clarity and retreat.”
CIVIC AWARD
Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery by Warren and Mahoney
“Originally conceived in 1999, this restoration and expansion of Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery has been profoundly shaped by the decades-long journey towards realisation. Time, setbacks and evolving dialogue with mana whenua have enriched the design, grounding it more deeply in the cultural and environmental context of Whanganui, and clearly reflecting an understanding of, and respect for, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, mātauranga Māori and bicultural frameworks. From the play of light on the awa (river) emerging as a guiding motif to the striking waka staircase at the entrance to the thoughtfully curated gallery spaces, this is a compelling example of culturally responsive, collaborative design, resulting in a deeply respectful, atmospheric space that honours place, history and people.”
WORKPLACE OVER 1000M2 AWARD
UDC Finance by STACK Interiors
“In a standout example of workplace design done right, the designers have combined strategic spatial planning, a clear narrative, innovative materials and high-level execution to create a distinctly local work environment that is sharp, intelligent and restrained in all the right ways. The concept of organising the floor layout and spatial zoning around a typical Aotearoa farm is both creative and meaningful, reflecting a strong connection to the whenua and acknowledging the client’s commitment to New Zealand. Clever detailing — such as the sophisticated-yet-simple reference to the classic barn door — paired with a warm colour palette, tan upholstery, timber joinery and lush interior greenery, creates a sleek, welcoming office with depth and meaning in its design.”
WORKPLACE UP TO 1000M2 AWARD
Motion Sickness by Wonder
“Conceived as an engine room for creativity and collaboration, this headquarters for a leading creative agency channels the company’s distinctive creative voice into a richly cinematic interior. Soft hues and layered spaces set the scene, while the interplay of slick finishes and vintage pieces reflects a culture that values both polish and personality. A palette of soft blues and rosy oranges, paired with rose-tinted glazing, evokes a sense of nostalgia that feels both fresh and familiar, while a seamless shift from focused work to vibrant social settings reflects the spirited, youthful nature of the studio and the ingenuity of the design team.”
EDUCATION AWARD
AUT Tukutuku by Jasmax
“Designed to be the new heart of AUT’s North Shore campus, Tukutuku’s interior enhances the architectural vision by introducing welcoming, flexible spaces that support both focused study and social interaction. The use of simple, adaptable furniture in the atrium creates inviting pockets that break down the scale and offer comfort within the expansive space. This thoughtful layering of materiality, scale and function ensures the interior feels human, purposeful and deeply connected to its users. The colour palette complements and celebrates the natural timber structure, reinforcing the building’s sustainable and environmentally conscious design ethos, and the overall atmosphere radiates warmth and comfort, creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for students and staff.”
RETAIL AWARD
VidaSpace Christchurch Showroom by VidaSpace in association with Warren and Mahoney
“Redefining the retail environment by grounding the experience in the essence of its product, this showroom is designed to engage the senses — immersive, tactile and full of quiet discovery. With a minimalist elegance and a narrative that feels authentic and material-led, the designers have adeptly shifted the focus from transaction to connection. Timber is celebrated through rich layering and refined detailing, with elements such as the sculptural desk and striking spliced log playing with weight and lightness, adding a sense of craftsmanship and intrigue. The result is a sensory space that invites genuine connection, elevating material selection to memorable storytelling.”
RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN AWARD
The High Life by Rogan Nash Architects
“Planned around a love of entertaining, this apartment kitchen celebrates the clients’ passion for British vintage design. The layout negotiates the challenges of working in an existing building through clever problem-solving and refined spatial thinking, while also considering the ways in which the space can function for both the couple and a crowd. A rich, layered palette of materials, including various stones, brass and leather in British racing green (naturally), channels the clients’ quirky eclecticism, injecting warmth and vibrance in all the right places.The result is a confident, character-filled kitchen that punches well above its weight.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
Harbour Hospice North Shore by Klein Architects
“This thoughtful re-imagining of a palliative care unit reorganises its layout to reflect contemporary models of care, placing dignity, comfort and connection at the forefront. Inclusive whānau spaces enable families to come together at what can be the most difficult time of their lives and provide accommodation for those wanting to be close to their loved ones. Throughout, a palette of natural materials and warm hues modernises the environment while fostering a calm, compassionate setting for patients, their families and staff alike.”
Note: Community Impact finalists were not required to present to the jury. Submissions were sent with an accompanying video from the designer and their clients.
EMERGING DESIGN PROFESSIONAL AWARD
Matt Reid (Warren and Mahoney)
“Quietly confident and deeply attuned to detail, this emerging designer is already shaping workplace environments at scale, leading projects that elevate everyday experiences for government and corporate clients alike. With a practice grounded on a love of sketching and an appreciation for collaboration, Matt brings clarity, care and imagination to each project. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to design excellence, with projects that are deeply considerate of client and end-user needs. His progression from graduate to project lead reflects a clear growth in capability, underpinned by professional dedication and a drive to deliver meaningful, well-resolved outcomes.”
Learn more at interiorawards.co.nz
