Guess who won a golden ticket to the awards! Thanks to a recently departed colleague I found myself at the Perth Concert Hall with the creme de la creme of WA architecture this past Friday night. No surprise, the big winners were –

Brookfield Place (Hassell)
– URBAN DESIGN
– COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE
– HERITAGE

Perth Arena (CCN & ARM)
– PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE
– STEEL ARCHITECTURE
– GEORGE TEMPLE POOLE AWARD (the big one!)

See the full list at http://wp.architecture.com.au/news-media/striking-icon-a-winner-in-wa-architecture-awards-2/

Sadly, although it was mentioned numerous times in the opening speeches, Forest Place did not even receive a commendation in the Urban Design category. Brookfield Place was certainly a given. It was the Old Port of Arthur Head Reserve Upgrade by Donaldson+Warn Architects that caught me by surprise for the runner up award in this category. And the Commendation went to the West Kimberley Regional Prison by TAG Architects iredale pedersen hook architects Architects in Association. Tough competition!

Event-wise, I found the Perth Concert Hall on St Georges Terrace a good central location. The hour and a half of formal proceedings had me engaged and entertained even without (or perhaps due to the lack of) food and beverages. With rockstar style speeches, boyband and jedi-esque award recipients, surround sound voice-overs, explosions, cofetti, streamers, and not to mention an array of architectural excellence on display, I was completely inspired. After a hard week feeling chained to my desk, being at the awards was a resonating reminder of why I love architecture. Witnessing – and more so being a part of – the change in my local urban fabric is what gets me up every morning. It was such an uplifting feeling to be surrounded by others who share this passion! What a timely moral boost and a realisation of how important these events are. In addition to recognising excellence in the field, I feel the awards are an ideal opportunity for team building. I believe that success is infectious and even the slightest taste of it can fuel the strongest motivation. When I eventually run a firm, I will ensure that all employees be provided the opportunity to attend these awards. I will make it an integral company policy, while presidential bling and appearances by the Dulux dog will be highly encouraged. (Photos: Matthew Tompsett http://www.watoday.com.au/photogallery/entertainment/about-town/wa-architecture-awards-in-pictures-20130706-2pic2.html?selectedImage=0)