The Australian Institute of Architects has awarded its highest honour to an architect and sole practice director based in Alice Springs/Mparntwe for over 30 years, recognising her “clear demonstration of … care, imagination and technical skill.”
2027 Gold Medallist, Susan Dugdale.
The Australian Institute of Architects has awarded its highest honour to an architect based in Alice Springs/Mparntwe for over 30 years, whose sole practice “has been dedicated to crafting regional built form” across the Northern Territory, the jury said.
Susan Dugdale, founding director of Susan Dugdale and Associates (SDA), has been awarded the Institute’s 2027 Gold Medal, recognising her distinguished service to the architecture profession.
Dugdale was praised by the jury for showing “a clear demonstration of the care, imagination and technical skill of an accomplished architect who has honed their craft and skill over decades.”
“Dugdale’s achievement is not simply sustaining a regional practice. She has shown how good architecture can change expectations of what is possible where resources are limited,” the jury said. “Dugdale is recognised for an “against the odds” architecture that is reflective of people and celebrating of place – qualities that are fundamental to fine architecture everywhere.”
The Australian Institute of Architects also announced the winners of the 2026 President’s Prize at the 2026 Australian Architecture Conference.
The celebrated projects in this year’s awards are, according to the jury chair, “optimistic, with bright outlooks onto the future.”
The new plan aims to address housing concerns by identifying the support of “infrastructure, design quality, and more social and affordable [homes]” as key priorities.
