Profile

Tzannes is an Australian studio and a leader in the design of the built environment. Our work spans across architecture, urban design, interiors and product design. Driven by curiosity and passion for design excellence, we are recognised for our creative work that is evidence-based and Country-focused. We establish long-lasting relationships with our clients and collaborators with whom we share a commitment to deliver sustainable and enduring design.

Approach

Design

We are committed to design excellence and a more sustainable built environment through the application of advanced science, technology and engineering. We are guided by the wisdom of Traditional Custodians, empowered by the ambitions of our clients and inspired by the places. We value the trust we have earned as architects, placemakers and product designers. Our designs have been proven to appreciate in value over time in this fast-changing world.

Photograph of a Tzannes staff exploring a physical model

Imagination

The future is what we make it. At Tzannes, we work closely with our clients to realise their objectives, to enhance the human experience and to heal Country for the sustenance of all living beings. Integrating rigorous design thinking with an inquisitive mindset, we embrace the challenges of today to shape a better future.

Photograph of Tzannes staff in a conversation

Culture

Our integrity is unwavering. From our workplace culture to our relationships with Traditional Custodians, clients, collaborators and the wider community, our actions are founded on ethical principles. Authenticity and transparency lie at the core of our practice. These characteristics empower us to stay true to our word and the values that underpin our design thinking.

Collaboration

Drawing upon diverse perspectives and experiences and through design debates and discussions, unexpected lines of enquiry emerge, new ideas and solutions are unlocked and design propositions are strengthened. The creative relationships fostered in this environment free us from silo mentalities and empower the team to achieve the best outcomes for our clients, the broader community and the places we are entrusted with.

Services

Architecture

Family Homes
Apartments
Commercial
Multi-residential
Public
Education
Hospitality
Transport Infrastructure
Institutions
Mixed Use
Property Assessment and Planning Analysis
Land and Environment Court Expert
Design Excellence Advice
Pre-purchase Advice

Urban Design

Urban Strategy
Property Assessment
Master Planning
Urban Analytics
Urban Frameworks and Design
Urban Furniture and Industrial Design
Land and Environment Court Expert
Design Excellence Advice

Interior Architecture and Design

Space Planning and Test Fits
Furniture, Fabric and Finishes
F & B Interiors
Residential Interiors
Commercial Interiors
Performance Spaces
Adaptive Re-use

Product and Furniture Design

Domestic, Commercial and Urban Furniture
Digital Signs
Acoustic Products

Team

Awards

Photograph of the award-wining DANGROVE Art Storage Facility interiors designed by Tzannes

Over the past 40 years, our commitment to design excellence has been recognised with over 200 international, national and state awards. Notable accolades include the prestigious Robin Boyd and Wilkinson Awards for residential architecture. We have also been honoured for our work in commercial buildings, sustainable timber structures, interior architecture and, more recently, the Red Dot and Good Design awards for innovation in street furniture design and product design.

Awards Highlights

Aerial photograph of the Tzannes award-wining Central Park Masterplan area

2009

Central Park

Central Park Masterplan is a successful urban renewal, awarded as a result of a competition designed in association with Cox Richardson. Central Park has become an important exemplar for urban design and master planning, winning the AIA Lloyd Rees Award for excellence in Urban Design in 2017, and in 2019 was honoured internationally at the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in the District/Masterplan Scale Category.


2017 / AIA (NSW) / The Lloyd Rees Award / Urban Design

2019 / Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat / Category Winner District/Masterplan Scale

2019 / The Urban Developer – Development of the Year Award – Urban Regeneration Winner

Photograph of award-wining

1983 – now

Residential Design

Cementing our reputation as leaders in this field, over the years Tzannes has been recognised with a number of named awards for excellence in residential design. The ‘named award’ is the first and highest award in each sector of the Australian Institute of Architecture national awards, and is given to the work judged to be the most significant for the advancement of architecture in that category. There is only one winner of the named award in each category in any year and, in a highly competitive field, Tzannes are proud to have been recognised by the industry nine times.


The Wilkinson Award (4), The Robin Boyd Award (4), The Blacket Award (1)

Photograph of the award-wining DANGROVE Art Storage Facility interiors designed by Tzannes

2019

Dangrove Art Storage Facility

Among Dangrove’s nine awards is Australia’s most prestigious honour in its category, the Australian Institute of Architects’ Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture, presented to Tzannes in 2019. The jury citation states: “Dangrove is a two-storey private facility designed specifically for the storage, evaluation and curation of one of Australia’s largest private art collections. In this masterful project, Tzannes engages complex technical pragmatics and the sublime in equal measure.”


2019 / The Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture | Dangrove | Tzannes | NSW

Photograph of the award-wining street bench by Tzannes for City of Sydney

2016

Street Furniture

In 2016, street furniture by Tzannes for the City of Sydney was recognised nationally and internationally with, among others, two Red Dot and two Good Design Australia awards in the categories of product design, furniture and lighting and urban design. Tzannes are thrilled to have been honoured in this competitive field among such outstanding designers and products.


2016 / Red Dot Awards / Urban Design / Product Design

2016 / Good Design Award / Furniture and Lighting / Urban Design and Public Spaces

Photograph of award-wining

2021

Timber in Commercial Projects

With a combined total of 20 industry awards including the Milo Dunphy Award for Sustainable Architecture and the Australian Timber Design Awards Excellence in Timber Design, International House Sydney and Daramu House have ignited the world’s interest in the latest tall building timber design technology.


2018 / AIA (NSW) / Milo Dunphy Award for AIA Sustainable Architecture Commercial Architecture / International House Sydney

Photograph of exteriors of the awarding-wining Daramu House designed by Tzannes

2021

Daramu House

Daramu House has received a 2021 International Architecture Award in the Commercial Architecture category, given by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. The International Architecture Awards are dedicated to the recognition of excellence in architecture and urbanism from a global point-of-view.


The World’s Foremost International Distinguished Building, Landscape Architecture, and Urbanism Awards Program

Year

Project

Award

Category

2023

2022

Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas

The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / The International Architecture Award

Commercial Architecture

Ecoustic Neilson Acoustic Tile

Good Design Australia / Good Design Award

Hardware and Building

Photograph looking up the fluid façade of Opera Residence designed by Tzannes

Opera Residences

The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / Honorable Mention

Multi-Residential

2021

Photograph of the award-wining Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas interiors designed by Tzannes

The Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas

Australian Timber Design Award / Excellence in Timber Products / Timber Veneers

Australian Timber Design Award / Excellence in Timber Applications / Furniture & Joinery

AIA NSW / Commendation Heritage Architecture Creative Adaptation

Commercial Architecture

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining Daramu House designed by Tzannes with International House Sydney in the background

Daramu House, Barangaroo

The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / Green Good Design Awards / Green Architecture

The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / The International Architecture Award / Commercial Architecture

Commercial Architecture

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

Photograph of the award-wining street bench by Tzannes for City of Sydney

City of Sydney Street Furniture

Good Design Award / Urban Design & Public Spaces

Good Design Award / Furniture & Lighting

Red Dot Product Design Awards / Red Dot / Urban Design

Red Dot Product Design Awards / Red Dot / Product Design

Product & Furniture

Aerial photograph of the award-wining Brewery Yard in Central Park designed by Tzannes

The Brewery Yard, Central Park

The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies

UNESCO / New Design in Heritage Contexts Cultural Heritage Conservation

Public Architecture

2015

2014

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining Yatte Yattah Residence designed by Tzannes

Yatte Yattah Residence

AIA NSW / Commendation / Sustainable Architecture

Single Residential

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining Cranbrook Junior School designed by Tzannes

Cranbrook Junior School

AIA NSW / Award / Public Architecture

Education

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining OLMC Janet Woods Building designed by Tzannes

OLMC Janet Woods Building

AIA NSW / Award / Public Architecture

Education

2013

Photograph of the award-wining Bellevue Hill Residence designed by Tzannes

Bellevue Hill Residence

AIA NSW / Commendation / Residential Architecture Houses (Alterations & Additions)

Single Residential

2012

Photograph of the Tzannes award-wining Stonecutters and Knox on Bowman development at Jacksons Landing

Stonecutters and Knox on Bowman, Jacksons Landing

AIA NSW / Award / Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

Multi-Residential

2011

Street view photograph of the award-wining Queen Street Residence designed by Tzannes

Queen Street Residence

AIA NSW / Commendation Residential Architecture – Houses

Woollahra Council Heritage Conservation Award / Joint Winner Category B1 Conservation Area: Alterations & Additions

Single Residential

Photograph of the living space in the award-wining Glebe Residence designed by Tzannes

Glebe Residence

Master Builders Association NSW / Award / Excellence in Housing (Best Use of Steel)

Single Residential

Photograph of formal living space with new steel and timber staircase in the Paddington Corner House designed by Tzannes

Paddington Corner Terrace

Woollahra Council Heritage Conservation Awards

Single Residential

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining Royal Apartments designed by Tzannes

The Royal Apartments

AIA NSW / Commendation / Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

Multi-Residential

Photograph of the award-wining Hillingdon Ascham School designed by Tzannes

Hillingdon Ascham School

AIA NSW / Public Architecture

Education

Photograph of the award-wining Sydney Harbour YHA interiors designed by Tzannes

Sydney Harbour YHA

UNESCO Commendation for Innovation in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation Program

AIA NSW / Commendation / Commercial Architecture

Hostelword / Best Hostel In Oceania

Property Council of Australia / Innovation and Excellence Awards / Best Heritage and Adaptive Re-Use

Property Council of Australia / Best Heritage and Leisure Development

National Trust of Australia NSW / Tourism Projects Corporate/Government

National Trust of Australia NSW / Award Education – Corporate / Government

BPN / Sustainability Award

Hospitality / Commercial Architecture

2010

Photograph of the award-wining Bilgola Residence designed by Tzannes

Bilgola Residence

RAIA NSW / The Wilkinson Award / Single Housing

Single Residential

Photograph of the award-wining Roof Pavilion Point Piper designed by Tzannes

Roof Pavilion Point Piper

RAIA NSW / Commendation / Small Project*+

Single Residential

Photograph of formal living space with new steel and timber staircase in the Paddington Corner House designed by Tzannes

Paddington Corner Terrace

HIA CSR NSW Housing Awards / Renovations/Additions Project over $800,000

Single Residential

Photograph of the award-wining Kirribilli Residence designed by Tzannes

Kirribilli Residence

Master Builders Association NSW / Housing Award Contract Houses $1.5-2.5m

Single Residential

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining Royal Apartments designed by Tzannes

The Royal Apartments

Master Builders Association / Excellence in Building Award Apartment Developments over $10m

Multi-Residential

Photograph of the award-wining Sydney Harbour YHA interiors designed by Tzannes

Sydney Harbour YHA

Planning Institute of Australia / Planning Excellence Award

Urban Taskforce / Development Excellence Award for Tourism Development

Urban Design

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining Moncur Street Commercial designed by Tzannes

Moncur Street Commercial

RAIA NSW / Commendation / Commercial Architecture

Commercial Architecture

Photograph of the award-wining Sydney Harbour YHA interiors designed by Tzannes

Sydney Harbour YHA

Hostelbookers Awards for Excellence / Top 3 Rated Hostel in Oceania by Customer Ratings

Qantas Australian Tourism Awards / Best New Tourism Development in Australia

Hostelling International / Best Hostels in the World-Most Comfortable Hostel

NSW Tourism / Best New Tourism Development

Urban Taskforce/ Development Excellence for Tourism Development

Hotel, Motel & Accommodation Association / Best Backpacker Accommodation

Australiasian Society for Historical Archaeology / Best Public Archaeology Initiative

NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water / Community Sustainability ‘Green Globe’ Achievement Award

NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water / Business Sustainability ‘Green Globe’ Achievement Award

Master Builders Association / Hospitality Buildings $10-15m

Property Council of Australia / Innovation and Excellence Heritage and Adaptive Re-use

National Trust of Australia / Highly Commended for Heritage Development

Hospitality

Photograph of interiors of the award-wining Golden Sheaf Hotel designed by Tzannes

Golden Sheaf Hotel

Australian Liquor Industry Award / Best Gaming Venue

Hospitality

2009

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining Woollahra Hotel & Bistro Moncur designed by Tzannes

Woollahra Hotel & Bistro Moncur

RAIA NSW / Award Commercial Architecture

Hospitality

Photograph of the award-wining Sydney Harbour YHA interiors designed by Tzannes

Sydney Harbour YHA + The Big Dig Education Centre

Australiasian Society for Historical Archaeology / Best Historical Archaeology Report

Hospitality

Photograph of interiors of the award-wining Golden Sheaf Hotel designed by Tzannes

Golden Sheaf Hotel

Australian Liquor Industry / Best Venue Renovation in Australia

Hospitality

Photograph of bedroom of the award-wining Macquarie Street Apartment (Quay Grand Apartment East Circular Quay) interiors designed by Tzannes

Macquarie Street Apartment

RAIA NSW / Award / Interior Architecture

Interior

Photograph of the award-wining Parsley Bay Residence designed by Tzannes

Parsley Bay Residence

RAIA NSW / Award / Residential Architecture New Houses

Single Residential

2008

Photograph of bedroom of the award-wining Macquarie Street Apartment (Quay Grand Apartment East Circular Quay) interiors designed by Tzannes

Macquarie Street Apartments

Master Builders Association (NSW) Home Unit Renovation / Home Unit Renovation $1.5m and over

Interior

2007

Photograph of the award-wining Sherman Studio designed by Tzannes

Sherman Studio

RAIA NSW / Award / Conservation and Adaptive Reuse

Commercial Architecture

Photograph of the award-wining Isabell Hall Wing of St Catherine's School designed by Tzannes

Isabell Hall Wing, St Catherine’s School

RAIA NSW / Commendation / Public Architecture

RAIA NSW / Commendation / Sustainable Architecture

Education

2006

Photograph of the award-wining Sherman Studio designed by Tzannes

Sherman Studio

RAIA National / Commendation / Heritage

Woollahra Municipal Council / Conservation Award

Australian Steel Institute / Architectural Domestic & Studio Award

Commercial Architecture

2005

Photograph of the award-wining Weisener Residence designed by Tzannes

Weisener Residence

RAIA NSW / Award / Single Housing New

Single Residential

Aerial photography of the award-wining York and North Wing Apartments designed by Tzannes

The York and North Wing Apartments

RAIA NSW / Award / Multiple Housing

Multi-Residential

2004

Photograph of the award-wining Weisener Residence designed by Tzannes

Weisener Residence

Master Builders Association (NSW) / Excellence In Housing Contract House $1.5-2.5m

Single Residential

2003

Photograph of interiors of the award-wining St Catherine's Sport Centre designed by Tzannes

St Catherine’s Sport Centre

RAIA NSW / Commendation / Public Buildings

Education

Photograph of the award-wining Federation Drive designed by Tzannes

Federation Drive

Australian Timber Design Award / Recognizing Excellence in Timber Design Landscape and Exterior Structures

Public Architecture

2002

Photograph of the award-wining Anzac Parade Street Lighting Canberra designed by Tzannes

Anzac Parade Street Lighting Canberra

ANZ International Lighting Awards / Commendation

Public Architecture

2001

Photograph of the award-wining Fort Denison designed by Tzannes

Fort Denison

RAIA NSW / Award / Conservation and Adaptive Reuse

RAIA National / Commendation / Heritage Buildings

National Trust Heritage Awards / Heritage

Public Architecture

Photograph of the award-wining Anzac Parade Street Lighting Canberra designed by Tzannes

Anzac Parade Street Lighting Canberra

The Institute of Engineers / Excellence in Engineering and Innovation in Engineering

Public Architecture

2000

Photograph of the award-wining Aria Restaurant interiors designed by Tzannes

Aria Restaurant

Timber Development Association / National Interior Design Award

Interior

Photograph of the award-wining 490 Crown Street commercial building designed by Tzannes

490 Crown Street, Surry Hills

RAIA NSW / Award / Commercial Buildings

Commercial Architecture

1998

Photograph of the award-wining Centennial Hotel interiors designed by Tzannes

Centennial Hotel

RAIA NSW / Award / Interior Architecture

RAIA National / Commendation / Interiors

Interiors

Photograph of the award-wining Kronenberg House designed by Tzannes

Kronenberg House

RAIA NSW / Blacket Award / Residential Architecture New Houses

RAIA NSW / Award / Residential Buildings

Single Residential

1997

Photograph of kitchen area of the award-wining Snelling House designed by Tzannes

Snelling House

RAIA NSW / Robin Boyd Award / Housing

RAIA NSW / Wilkinson Award / Residential Architecture

Single Residential

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining Nursey House designed by Tzannes

Nursey House

RAIA National / Robin Boyd Award Finalist / Housing

RAIA NSW / Award / Architecture

Single Residentials

1996

1995

1994

Hand sketch of the award-wining Gungahlin Town Centre design by Tzannes (with ACTPA)

Gungahlin Town Centre (with ACTPA)

Royal Australian Planning Institute / Award / Planning Excellence

AILA / National Project Award / Planning

Urban Design

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining Woollahra Hotel & Bistro Moncur designed by Tzannes

Bistro Moncur and Woollahra Hotel

Australian Hotels Association of NSW / Award / Excellence for Best Restaurant & Best Redeveloped Hotel (Metropolitan)

Hospitality

1991

Photograph of the award-wining Kinsella House by Tzannes

Kinsella House

Steel Profile / Architecture of the Decade

Single Residential

1990

Photograph of exteriors of the award-wining Holmes Townhouse designed by Tzannes

Holmes Townhouse

RAIA NSW / Award / Architecture

Single Residential

1989

Photograph of the award-wining Kinsella House by Tzannes

Kinsella House

RAIA National / Robin Boyd Award / Outstanding Domestic Architecture

RAIA NSW / Wilkinson Award / Residential Architecture

Single Residential

1988

Photograph of interiors of the award-wining Henwood House designed by Tzannes

Henwood House

RAIA National / Robin Boyd Award / Outstanding Domestic Architecture

RAIA NSW / Wilkinson Award / Residential Architecture

Single Residential

Photograph of the award-wining Federation Pavilion in Centennial Park designed by Tzannes

Federation Pavilion, Centennial Park

RAIA NSW / Award / Architecture

Society of Illuminating Engineers / Commendation

Master Builders Federation / Commendation

1985

Aerial photograph of the award-wining Langton Lee Guest House designed by Tzannes

Langton Lee Guest House

The Woollahra Awards / Residential Alterations and Additions

Single Residential