Images by TRIM Photography and Timothy Kaye
The 2025 Australian Interior Design Awards revealed the industry’s best in class, and a South Australian organisation has ranked amongst the very best.
Held in style at Melbourne’s Sofitel, the awards brought together designers and architects to honour the best of the best in the business. Celebrating its 22nd year, the Australian Interior Design Awards, a collaboration between the Design Institute of Australia and InteriorsAu, champions interior design excellence, both nationally and internationally, and this year’s showing did not disappoint.
While Brisbane’s Central by J.AR Office took out the Premier Award for Australian Interior Design, South Australia’s very own Cox Architecture stood out with their beautifully crafted Adelaide Studio, being named Workplace Design of the Year and Best of State – SA (Commercial).
“It’s incredibly special. The Australian Interior Design Awards represent the highest standard in our industry, so to be recognised on a national stage—among such exceptional work—is deeply meaningful,” shared Zoe King, COX Director.
“What makes this award even more rewarding is that it recognises not only the quality of design, but the values that underpin our practice: sustainability, cultural respect, and the wellbeing of people. This is a win for our entire Adelaide team and for the broader national studio that supported the vision.”
Located in the heart of the city, Cox’s Adelaide Studio is a celebration of culture, place, and wellbeing. Collaborating closely with Aboriginal elder Rosalind Coleman and Kaurna artist Tony Wilson to acknowledge Country with local Kaurna names, the space features natural materials, creating a refined yet grounded environment.
“This project was a rare opportunity—to design a workplace for ourselves. That came with a deep sense of responsibility. We didn’t just want to create a beautiful studio; we wanted a space that truly reflected who we are, how we work, and what we value.
“Wellness became a guiding principle early on, not as an add-on but as a core design driver—how can space support calm, choice, and connection every day? Collaboration with First Nations Elders was fundamental from the outset. We are on Kaurna Country, and it was important that the design acknowledged and responded to that fact with humility and authenticity. COX partnered Aboriginal elder Rosalind Coleman and Kaurna artist Tony Wilson to acknowledge Country with local Kaurna names for rooms and a five-metre piece of art that represents COX Architecture’s RAP commitment,” shared Zoe.
Another South Australian group that was featured among the winners was Brompton-based Studio Gram. They received a commendation in the Hospitality Design category for their work on the Coopers Brand Home. Studio Gram is known for their playful designs and continues to make waves on the national scene. Their nod at this year’s awards only adds to their well-earned reputation.
Across the country, the awards highlighted a strong sense of narrative and emotion in interior spaces. The jury behind the awards shared that “this year’s awards are an opportunity for our industry to stand back, take it all in and genuinely celebrate the quality of interior design being produced in Australia today. We can give ourselves a collective pat on the back as we continue to produce work that is inventive and sophisticated.”
For South Australians, this recognition is a reminder that great design is happening right here at home. It’s in the places we work, the cafes we frequent, and even the schools our kids attend (Studio Gram’s work at Pembroke Middle School also earned a Public Design commendation). And as our local firms continue to innovate, collaborate, and push creative boundaries, the rest of the country is clearly taking notice.
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