2025 Interior Awards winners announced

14 Aug 2025

Held in June 2025 at Auckland’s St Matthew-in-the-City, 10 outstanding projects and one up-and-coming designer were spotlighted at the 14th annual NZ Interior Awards.

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.

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.

The Workplace up to 1000m2 Award went to Motion Sickness by Wonder. This project features Resene Black White throughout. Image by Jono Parker.

“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.

“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’.

Winner of this year’s Community Impact Award, Harbour Hospice North Shore by Klein Architects featuring Resene Quarter Joanna and Resene Colorwood Ironbark on timber finished in Resene Aquaclear. Image by Mark Scowen.

“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.”

To see all the winners and finalists, and hear what the judges had to say, visit Architecture Now. 

Published: 14 Aug 2025