Profile
Tzannes is a leading Australian architecture practice and design studio. We are recognised for our evidence-based creative work across the built environment, including sustainable architecture, master planning, urban design, interiors, and product design. We build strong relationships with our clients and consistently strive to deliver outstanding results for everyone.
Team
Leadership
Team
Services
Architecture
Urban Design
Interior Architecture and Design
Product and Furniture Design
Contact
Vision
Purpose
We design for enduring value
We are architects who create enduring cultural, environmental and economic value through designs of beauty and substance.
The way we work
We work collaboratively, ethically and inquisitively
Collaboration is central to our design process because we respect the contributions and knowledge of others.
Working together, we draw on diverse expertise, perspectives and experiences to generate new ideas, leading the delivery of thoughtful, integrated outcomes for our clients.
Our ethical leadership, integrity, design thinking and inquisitive approach are at the core of our practice.
Design Values
Design Values
We respond holistically to context
All of our designs start with a rigorous research-based analysis of the site, its urban environment, and its connection to Country.
This enables our design to respond to its context, including all relevant environmental, historical, cultural, social, and economic perspectives.
Through this process, we gather evidence to forecast the future evolution of the site and its surroundings. This analysis informs the design, resulting in successful outcomes for our clients.
Design Values
We advance the status quo
The client’s brief is central to our design process — we always focus on your requirements and priorities.
Our holistic life-cycle approach includes building to last, being environmentally responsible and caring for Country.
Being future-focused means we know when to apply appropriate technologies to deliver innovative solutions.
Our Green Claims Policy reflects our commitment to high standards and transparency when we communicate the environmental impacts and benefits of our designs.
Design Values
We design for beauty with integrity, utility and longevity
We create architecture that has enduring value. Our meticulous attention to detail results in highly functional designs with lasting appeal.
Careers
Workplace culture is everything to us. Our collaborative, diverse, dynamic and stimulating workplace attracts some of the industry’s most talented architects, designers and support staff.
Working with us
We offer the opportunity to work in a collaborative and ethical workplace and on a range of significant projects for clients who are recognised as some of the best in the industry. We encourage employees to contribute to the practice’s design culture and support their careers through employment incentives, continuing education and professional development opportunities and other initiatives.
Our Workplace
Remuneration and Benefits
Career Development
Flexible Work
Health and Wellbeing
Join us
We are always on the lookout for talented architects, designers and support staff. If you’re interested in becoming a part of our team, email us a brief letter of introduction, your resume and portfolio to careers@tzannes.com.au.
Awards
Our commitment to design excellence has been recognised with over 200 international, national and state awards since we began our practice in 1982. We have been honoured for our work in residential architecture, urban design, commercial buildings, sustainable timber structures, interior architecture and, street furniture design and product design.
Awards Highlights
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.
2021 / The Chicago Athenaeum / The International Architecture Award / International Architecture
2021 / The Chicago Athenaeum / Green Good Design Award / Sustainable Design
2020 / AIA (NSW) / NSW Chapter Award / Commercial Architecture
2020 / AIA (National) / Commendation / Commercial Architecture
2020 / AIA (NSW) / Commendation / Sustainable Architecture
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
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 / Good Design Award Gold Winner / Product Furniture and Lighting
2016 / Good Design Award Gold Winner / Architectural Place Design
2016 / Red Dot Product Design Award / Product Design
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 / Commercial Architecture
2019 / AIA (NSW) / Sir Arthur Stephenson Award / Commercial Architecture
Residential Design
Cementing our reputation as leaders in this field, Tzannes has been recognised with a number of awards in residential design since 1985. 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.
2010 / RAIA (NSW) / Wilkinson Award / Single Housing / Bigola Residence
1998 / RAIA (NSW) / Blacket Award / Residential Architecture – New Houses / Kronenberg House
1997 / RAIA (NSW) / Robin Boyd Award / Housing / Snelling House
1989/ RAIA (NSW) / Wilkinson Award / Residential Architecture / Kinsella House
1988 / RAIA (NSW) / Robin Boyd Award / Outstanding Domestic Architecture / Henwood House
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
Year
Project
Award
2025
39 Martin Place
AIA (NSW) / Sir Arthur G Stephenson Award / Commercial Architecture
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) Award / Best Tall Building by Region, Oceania
Martin Place Metro Precinct Urban Design Framework
Australian Urban Design Awards (AUDA) Award / Strategic Design & Policy
2024
Houseman Side Table
Good Design Australia / Good Design Award Winner / Product Design (Furniture and Lighting)
Judith Neilson Table
Good Design Australia / Good Design Award Winner / Product Design (Furniture and Lighting)
Opera Residences
Australian Apartment Advocacy / NSW Apartment Award for Excellence / Luxury
2023
Bistro Moncur
Eat Drink Design Awards / Hall of Fame / Hospitality
Opera Residences
AIA NSW / Commendation / Lord Mayors Prize (NSW)
AIA NSW / Commendation / Urban Design
2022
Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas
The Chicago Athenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / The International Architecture Award / Commercial Architecture
Ecoustic Neilson Acoustic Tile
Good Design Australia / Good Design Award Winner / Hardware and Building
Opera Residences
The Chicago Athenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / Honorable Mention / Multi-Residential
2021
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
Daramu House
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies / Green Good Design Sustainability Awards / Green Architecture
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies / The International Architecture Award / Commercial Architecture
2020
Daramu House Art Wall
Good Design Australia / Good Design Award Winner / Architectural Design / Interior Design
Daramu House
Wood Solutions Australian Timber Design Awards / Excellence In Timber Design / Public or Commercial Building
AIA National / Commendation / Commercial Architecture
AIA NSW / Commendation / Sustainable Architecture
AIA NSW / Chapter Award / Commercial Architecture
2019
Dangrove Art Facility
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies / The International Architecture Award / Museum & Cultural Buildings / Public Architecture
NSW Master Builders Association / Excellence in State Award / Construction (Commercial) / Industrial Buildings
AIA NSW / Sir Arthur G Stephenson Award / Commercial Architecture
AIA NSW / Award / Commercial Architecture
AIA NSW / Award / Interior Architecture
AIA National / Harry Seidler Award / Commercial Architecture
IDEA Award / Overall Winner / Interior Design
IDEA Award / Best Public Space / Interior Design
International House Sydney
Property Council of Australia / Rider Levitt Bucknall NSW Development of the Year / Large Projects
Day Street Apartments
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies / The International Architecture Award / Multi-Family Housing
Central Park Sydney by Tzannes and Cox Richardson and Foster + Partners
The Urban Developer / Development of the Year / Urban Regeneration
The Urban Developer / Excellence in Sustainability Award / Sustainability
Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) / Category Winner / District Masterplan Scale
2018
Day Street Apartments
AIA NSW / Award / Urban Design
Dangrove Art Facility
Australian Institute of Steel / Excellence Award / Commercial Architecture
International House Sydney
World Architecture Festival / Best Use of Certified Timber / Commercial Architecture
AIA NSW / Sir Arthur G Stephenson Award / Commercial Architecture
AIA National / National Award for Commercial Architecture
AIA NSW / Milo Dunphy Excellence Award for Sustainable Development / Commercial Architecture
Urban Task Force / Excellence Award for Sustainable Development / Commercial Architecture
Urban Development Institute / Excellence in Commercial Development / Commercial Architecture
Master Builders Association / Outstanding Construction Award / Commercial Architecture
2017
Point Piper Residence
Point Piper Residence / World Architecture Festival / Finalist / Residential
Central Park Sydney by Tzannes and Cox Richardson and Foster + Partners
AIA National / The David Oppenheim Award / Sustainable Architecture
AIA NSW / Award / Sustainable Architecture
AIA NSW / The Lloyd Rees Award / Urban Design
International House Sydney
Australian Timber Design Awards / Excellence in Timber Design / Public or Commercial Building
Australian Timber Design Awards / Excellence in Timber Design / Sustainability
Australian Timber Design Awards / Excellence In Timber Design / People's Choice /
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies / The International Architecture Award / International Architecture
Sydney Harbour YHA
UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage for Culture / Commendation / Innovation in Heritage / Culture Heritage Conservation Program
2016
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
The Brewery Yard, Central Park
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies / The International Architecture Award / International Architecture
UNESCO / New Design in Heritage Contexts / Cultural Heritage Conservation
2015
2014
Yatte Yattah Residence
AIA NSW / Commendation / Sustainable Architecture
Cranbrook Junior School
AIA NSW / Award / Public Architecture
OLMC Janet Woods Building
AIA NSW / Award / Public Architecture
2013
Bellevue Hill Residence
AIA NSW / Commendation / Residential Architecture Houses (Alterations & Additions)
2012
Stonecutters and Knox on Bowman, Jacksons Landing
AIA NSW / Award / Residential Architecture / Multiple Housing
2011
Queen Street Residence
AIA NSW / Commendation / Residential Architecture / Houses
Woollahra Council Heritage Conservation Award / Joint Winner Category B1 Conservation Area: Alterations & Additions
Glebe Residence
Master Builders Association NSW / Award / Excellence in Housing (Best Use of Steel)
Paddington Corner Terrace
Woollahra Council Heritage Conservation Awards
The Royal Apartments
AIA NSW / Commendation / Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Hillingdon Ascham School
AIA NSW / Public Architecture
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
2010
Bilgola Residence
RAIA NSW / The Wilkinson Award / Single Housing
Roof Pavilion Point Piper
RAIA NSW / Commendation / Small Project*+
Paddington Corner Terrace
HIA CSR NSW Housing Awards / Renovations/Additions Project over $800,000
Kirribilli Residence
Master Builders Association NSW / Housing Award Contract Houses $1.5-2.5m
The Royal Apartments
Master Builders Association / Excellence in Building Award Apartment Developments over $10m
Sydney Harbour YHA
Planning Institute of Australia / Planning Excellence Award
Urban Taskforce / Development Excellence Award for Tourism Development
Moncur Street Commercial
RAIA NSW / Commendation / Commercial Architecture
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
Golden Sheaf Hotel
Australian Liquor Industry Award / Best Gaming Venue
2009
Woollahra Hotel & Bistro Moncur
RAIA NSW / Award Commercial Architecture
Sydney Harbour YHA + The Big Dig Education Centre
Australiasian Society for Historical Archaeology / Best Historical Archaeology Report
Golden Sheaf Hotel
Australian Liquor Industry / Best Venue Renovation in Australia
Macquarie Street Apartment
RAIA NSW / Award / Interior Architecture
Parsley Bay Residence
RAIA NSW / Award / Residential Architecture New Houses
2008
Macquarie Street Apartments
Master Builders Association (NSW) Home Unit Renovation / Home Unit Renovation $1.5m and over
2007
Sherman Studio
RAIA NSW / Award / Conservation and Adaptive Reuse
Isabell Hall Wing, St Catherine's School
RAIA NSW / Commendation / Public Architecture
RAIA NSW / Commendation / Sustainable Architecture
2006
Sherman Studio
RAIA National / Commendation / Heritage
Woollahra Municipal Council / Conservation Award
Australian Steel Institute / Architectural Domestic & Studio Award
2005
Weisener Residence
RAIA NSW / Award / Single Housing New
The York and North Wing Apartments
RAIA NSW / Award / Multiple Housing
2004
Weisener Residence
Master Builders Association (NSW) / Excellence In Housing Contract House $1.5-2.5m
2003
St Catherine's Sport Centre
RAIA NSW / Commendation / Public Buildings
Federation Drive
Australian Timber Design Award / Recognizing Excellence in Timber Design Landscape and Exterior Structures
2002
Anzac Parade Street Lighting Canberra
ANZ International Lighting Awards / Commendation
2001
Fort Denison
RAIA NSW / Award / Conservation and Adaptive Reuse
RAIA National / Commendation / Heritage Buildings
National Trust Heritage Awards / Heritage
Anzac Parade Street Lighting Canberra
The Institute of Engineers / Excellence in Engineering and Innovation in Engineering
2000
Aria Restaurant
Timber Development Association / National Interior Design Award
490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
RAIA NSW / Award / Commercial Buildings
1998
Centennial Hotel
RAIA NSW / Award / Interior Architecture
RAIA National / Commendation / Interiors
Kronenberg House
RAIA NSW / Blacket Award / Residential Architecture New Houses
RAIA NSW / Award / Residential Buildings
1997
Snelling House
RAIA NSW / Robin Boyd Award / Housing
RAIA NSW / Wilkinson Award / Residential Architecture
Nursey House
RAIA National / Robin Boyd Award Finalist / Housing
RAIA NSW / Award / Architecture
1994
Gungahlin Town Centre (with ACTPA)
Royal Australian Planning Institute / Award / Planning Excellence
AILA / National Project Award / Planning
Bistro Moncur and Woollahra Hotel
Australian Hotels Association of NSW / Award / Excellence for Best Restaurant & Best Redeveloped Hotel (Metropolitan)
1991
Kinsella House
Steel Profile / Architecture of the Decade
1990
Holmes Townhouse
RAIA NSW / Award / Architecture
1989
Kinsella House
RAIA National / Robin Boyd Award / Outstanding Domestic Architecture
RAIA NSW / Wilkinson Award / Residential Architecture
1988
Henwood House
RAIA National / Robin Boyd Award / Outstanding Domestic Architecture
RAIA NSW / Wilkinson Award / Residential Architecture
Federation Pavilion, Centennial Park
RAIA NSW / Award / Architecture
Society of Illuminating Engineers / Commendation
Master Builders Federation / Commendation
1985
Langton Lee Guest House
The Woollahra Awards / Residential Alterations and Additions