The Australian Institute of Architects has unveiled the names of 30 emerging architects who have been shortlisted for the highly competitive 2026 Dulux Study Tour. This prestigious annual program, now celebrating its 18th year, represents one of the most coveted opportunities in the Australian architecture industry, offering five Institute members an extraordinary 10-day international experience.

The selected winners will have the unique opportunity to visit globally recognized architectural practices and landmark projects around the world. This immersive experience is designed to provide direct learning opportunities from industry leaders who are actively shaping contemporary architecture. Candidates for the program are evaluated based on their significant contributions to architectural practice, education, design excellence, and community involvement.

From the impressive pool of 30 shortlisted candidates, five winners will ultimately be chosen to participate in the comprehensive tour. Each selected participant will play an active role in shaping various aspects of the tour itinerary, including determining key site visits and organizing meaningful studio engagements with renowned architectural firms.

Cameron Bruhn, CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects, emphasized the program's significance in supporting the next generation of Australian architects. "The Dulux Study Tour remains one of the most significant commitments we make to supporting the next generation of Australian architects," Bruhn stated. "This year's shortlist showcases the depth of talent, ambition and design excellence within our emerging cohort. The tour is more than a prize; it is an investment in people who will lead our profession into the future, and we are proud to partner with Dulux on this enduring and impactful program."

Maridza Riccioni, Commercial Partnerships and Program Manager at Dulux, congratulated all the shortlisted candidates and highlighted the program's importance in nurturing emerging talent. "Dulux is proud to continue this long-standing program, which plays an important role in nurturing the careers of emerging architects across Australia," Riccioni commented. "The study tour offers an unparalleled opportunity for participants to broaden their perspectives, connect with global practice and return home with insights that strengthen the local profession."

The comprehensive shortlist includes a diverse group of talented architects from various prestigious firms across Australia. Among the 30 shortlisted candidates are: Gabriella Avenia King from Hassell, Mark Brook from My My My Architecture, Francesca Carr from Billard Leece Partnership, Andrew Clements from Jackson Clements Burrows, Cameron Deynzer who works as an independent architect, George Hope Dryden from Architectus, Amy Fitzpatrick from Clarke Hopkins Clarke, Jack Gillmer-Lilley from SJB Architects, Dillon Gorton from Troppo Architects, and Mitchell Gow from the City of Melbourne.

The shortlist continues with Elise Honeyman from Abask Studio, Gottlieb (Liehan) Janse van Rensburg from Punch Design, Kerry Kounnapis from Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice, Andrew Le from Sodo Sopa, Rachel Licht from Licht Architecture, Bradley Mitchell from Nuud Studio, Aiden Morris from Choi Studio, Michi Moses (née Playford) from Designful, Sharaan Muruvan from Cox, and Agatha Partyka from Liminal Studio.

Additional finalists include Eleanor Peres from Sibling Architecture, Jasmine Placentino from Parabolica, Anne-Marie Randall from FJC Studio, Ilana Razbash from Studio Razbash, Stefanie Richards from Stefanie Richards Architects, Callum Senjov from Architectus, Leo Showell from Kerstin Thompson Architects and Studio Leo Showell, Yolande Vorster from Vorster Architecture, Alexandra Whelan from Breathe Architecture, and Sean Wong from Wardle.

The announcement of the five winners of the 2026 Dulux Study Tour is scheduled to be made in 2026, building anticipation within the Australian architecture community for this transformative professional development opportunity.