The Australian Institute of Architects 2025 Barry McNeill Graduate Prize was announced on 27 November at an exhibition showcasing the work of shortlisted graduating students from the University of Tasmania's Master of Architecture program.
This year, the panel awarded Jack Rose with the Barry McNeill Graduate Prize. Their citation commented, "Jack has an intuitive design sensibility backed up by an analytical, enquiring mind. His mature design considerations find solutions beyond the obvious, as evidenced by his consistent portfolio."
Having assessed entrants according to a number of criteria, including academic performance, presentation of a portfolio of work, interview performance, degree of preparedness for entry into professional practice and development potential - the jury commented, "Jack's openness to conversation, his communication skills and clearly evident design potential, coupled with the desire to practice, make him a worthy recipient of the Barry McNeill Graduate Prize."
A commendation was awarded to Jacob Tripp, who's projects the jury said "reflect a design confidence underpinned by academic rigour." The other shortlisted students included Luke Pendergast, Shannon Terry, Zachary Tregenza and Lachlan Sutton.
This year, the prize jury consisted of Scott Verdouw of Jaws Architects; Josh Mulcahy from Vos Construction; Leigh Woolley of Leigh Woolley Architects; Cath Hall of 1 Plus 2 Architecture; and Nicky Adams of Mana Architects.
The evening also included the announcement of Jacob Tripp as the recipient of the Board of Architects of Tasmania's 2025 Prize in Professional Studies recipient as Jacob Tripp. Presented by Cath Hall, a member of the Board of Architects Tasmania, this prize recognises excellence in Professional Studies in the Master of Architecture course at the University of Tasmania.
An exhibition of the shortlisted student work is on display at the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects until 4 December.
