2026 AWARDS ENTRIES OPEN – DESIGN THAT LEADS

Published on: 3 March 2026

2026 AUSTRALIAN GOOD DESIGN AWARDS: ENTRIES NOW OPEN

The 2026 Australian Good Design Awards officially open for entries, inviting the nation’s most forward-thinking designers, architects, engineers, strategists and business leaders to submit projects that exemplify this year’s theme: Design that Leads.

Every great design begins with intent. It starts by listening, questioning, challenging convention and caring deeply about problems others may have overlooked. At its best, design does more than respond to change – it leads it.

The 2026 Awards celebrate the projects, teams and organisations that are shaping industries, influencing systems and improving lives through purposeful, impactful design.

“Design leadership isn’t about size, scale or budget,” said Rachel Wye, Managing Director of Good Design Australia. “It’s about clarity of purpose and the courage to act. The projects we see each year demonstrate that design has the power to influence behaviour, drive innovation, strengthen communities and create measurable commercial and social value.”

The 2025 Australian Good Design Award of the Year, the nation’s highest design honour, was awarded to two exceptional projects: Deadly Democracy, a uniquely designed platform for First Nations young leaders to engage confidently in Australia’s democratic process, and an innovative robotic hull cleaner for boats called Hullbot, highlighting the global standard of design innovation and broad diversity represented in the Awards each year.

Why Enter the Australian Good Design Awards?

The Australian Good Design Awards represent the country’s highest level of independent design recognition. For more than six decades, the Awards have championed excellence across design, architecture, engineering, digital innovation, service design, social impact and strategy.

To be recognised is to join a respected community of innovators shaping the future of design in Australia and beyond. Entrants benefit from:

Credible, independent evaluation by leading design and industry experts
National and international recognition
Increased visibility for organisations, teams and projects
Validation of strategic, environmental, social and commercial impact

For many participants, the entry process itself is transformative – an opportunity to clearly articulate a project’s intent, impact and outcomes.

“Australian design continues to set benchmarks globally,” Wye said. “What unites award-winning work is impact – the ability to influence systems, improve experiences and respond responsibly to the challenges of our time. The Australian Good Design Awards exist to recognise and elevate that leadership.”

“For business leaders, design is no longer optional, it is strategic,” Wye added. “Recognition through the Australian Good Design Awards signals to customers, investors and stakeholders that your organisation understands the value of design as a driver of growth, resilience and long-term impact.”

START YOUR ENTRY NOW

What previous winners of the Australian Good Design Awards say:

“What sets the Australian Good Design Awards apart is their genuine focus on purpose and impact – it’s not just about aesthetics or innovation in isolation, it’s about how design improves lives, industries, and the planet.

That depth of evaluation gives the Award real integrity and makes it incredibly meaningful to be recognised. The entire experience was incredibly positive – the team behind Good Design Australia genuinely champions innovation with purpose, and that’s rare.”

Tom Loefler, CEO, Hullbot. Joint Winner of 2025 Australian Good Design Award of the Year for Hullbot Autonomous Ship Hull Cleaning System.

“The Australian Good Design Awards carry serious industry credibility – they are respected by peers, collaborators and partners we deeply admire, which makes this recognition especially meaningful.”

Soren Luckins, Buro North. Recipients of the 2025 Australian Good Design Award Best in Class for Sydney Metro Central Station – Customer Centred Design.

“It is clear that Good Design Australia understands the realities of developing products that must balance human needs, technical constraints, and regulatory responsibility – that perspective is invaluable in elevating the role of design within industry.

The program recognises the full design journey – from problem definition through to real-world delivery and values outcomes across social, environmental, and economic dimensions. This makes the recognition particularly meaningful for complex, human-centred projects.”

Memduh Guney, Resmed Limited. Recipients of the 2025 Australian Good Design Award Gold for AirTouch F30i Full Face Cradle Mask Range.

“From a marketing and PR perspective, having the ‘Australian Good Design Award Winner’ tile across our email signatures, website and collateral has been invaluable – it’s a shorthand for quality and a trusted endorsement within the industry. You get a genuine sense that Good Design Australia is deeply committed to elevating the value and influence of design across the broader economy – it’s a mission-led organisation championing design as a catalyst for positive change.

I must praise the Good Design Australia team – the people behind the Awards aren’t just running an Awards program; they genuinely care about supporting the design community and promoting design as a creative avenue for positive change.”

Patryc Lampasi, Harbour. Recipients of the 2025 Australian Good Design Award for Harbour Chloe Lounge Chair.

For full details on categories, criteria, timeline, fees and winner benefits, visit the Australian Good Design Awards website: www.good-design.org

Key Dates: