Why Designers Enter: Inside the Australian Good Design Awards as Entries Close Soon
With entries for the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards closing soon, past winners share why entering matters – and how to put your best work forward.
With less than a week to go, entries for the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards are closing soon – and the message from past winners is clear: entering is worth it.
For more than six decades, the Awards have recognised design that shapes industries, influences behaviour and improves lives. Under this year’s theme, “Design that Leads,” the focus is on work that goes beyond execution to deliver meaningful impact.
But what actually motivates designers to enter? And what do they gain from it?
Recognition That Carries Weight
Recognition through the Australian Good Design Awards carries real industry credibility – a signal of rigour, leadership and excellence.
For Soren Luckins, Founder of Buro North, winning a Best in Class Award was about more than the accolade itself.
“The Australian Good Design Awards carry serious industry credibility – they are respected by peers, collaborators and partners we deeply admire,” he says.
“The process forces a moment of pause… to reflect on the rigour, collaboration and care that went into the work.”
It’s this combination of reflection and recognition that makes the Awards meaningful – not just as a milestone, but as part of an ongoing design practice.
Visibility and Market Advantage
Winning an Award doesn’t just celebrate a project – it amplifies it.
From small teams to large organisations, recipients consistently point to increased visibility, stronger stakeholder confidence and clearer positioning in competitive markets.
Bonnie Shaw from the Municipal Association of Victoria describes the Award as a “megaphone”:
“With a small team and limited budget, this Award helps raise our profile and reach a wider audience… to inspire more transformative work.”
Similarly, Eleanor Pratt from Boost Design highlights the commercial impact:
“It provides new clients with an immediate shorthand for excellence – a third-party ‘tick’ of approval.”
Connection, Community and Momentum
Beyond recognition, the Awards create opportunities to connect.
From the judging process to the Awards Ceremony, entrants become part of a broader design community – one that spans disciplines, industries and geographies.
Martin Rowland, Founder of GX Outdoors, describes the experience as energising:
“Hearing directly from other recipients about their challenges, ideas and impact was incredibly motivating… it reinforced the sense of being part of a design collective raising the bar.”
For many, entering also creates space to step back from the pace of practice and reconnect with the purpose behind their work.
Feedback That Moves Your Practice Forward
The Awards are not just about winning – they’re about learning.
The judging process provides valuable feedback, helping designers refine their thinking, strengthen their approach and elevate future projects.
Matteo Salval, Project Director at JPW, notes:
“The process is rigorous yet accessible… it reinforces that the Awards are part of a broader design advocacy mission rather than a purely competitive exercise.”
Tips for a Strong Entry
If you’re considering entering, the advice from past winners is consistent:
- Focus on impact, not just aesthetics
- Be clear about the problem you’re solving
- Show the thinking behind the outcome
- Demonstrate real-world results where possible
Strong entries tell a story – one that connects design decisions to meaningful outcomes.
Still Thinking About Entering?
With the deadline approaching, it’s easy to feel like time has run out – but don’t let that stop you.
If you need more time to complete your submission, the Good Design Awards team encourages you to contact them at awards@good-design.org. Extensions may be available, and the team can help guide you through the process.
The goal is simple: to ensure great work is not left unseen.
Key Dates
Entries Deadline: Friday 24 April 2026
Judging: May – July 2026
Awards Ceremony: Friday 9 October 2026, ICC Sydney
Be Part of Design that Leads
The Australian Good Design Awards remain Australia’s highest international design accolade – recognising work that sets new benchmarks for innovation, quality and impact.
Whether you’re a first-time entrant or a returning studio, this is your opportunity to share your work on a global stage.
Start your entry now – and take your place among those leading by design.
For detailed information on fees and submission guidelines, see Timeline and Fees.
