An eight-storey university campus in Darwin has been announced as one of the best recent projects to be delivered across Australia’s built environment.

And eight other award category winners have been recognised.

Winners of nine award categories were announced at the Built Environment Awards gala dinner that was hosted in Melbourne by the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors May 30.

The awards celebrate outstanding project delivery and contribution to the built environment across the country.

Taking out the RIB Outstanding Project Award was quantity surveying and cost consulting firm QS Services for its work on the Charles Darwin University Danala Education and Community Precinct.

Opened in October 2024, the $250 million precinct – officially named Danala – brings together research, education and community space in the Darwin CBD.

The building houses CDU’s Asia Pacific College of Business and Law, Information Technology disciplines, the International College, and the College of Indigenous Futures, Education and the Arts.

On level two, the building also houses the Northern Territory Library and Archives.

Specifically, the building features:

  • An eight-storey academic and community building featuring two 22-meter-high internal atriums.
  • Public gathering areas, art studios, an art gallery, maker spaces, and Territory FM radio.
  • A two-level basement providing 231 car parks.

From a design viewpoint, features include.

  • A striking, sloping façade. This was engineered to ensure that a heritage-listed Boab tree on-site receives adequate sunlight and is not overshadowed.
  • Tropical architecture including a 40-meter-high facility that uses a layered facade with horizontal aluminum louvres, green walls, and shaded terraces to actively manage heat load and sun exposure without compromising natural light.
  • An inverted atrium layout that creates sheltered external areas on each level and fosters a permeable, welcoming space that connects internal and external public areas.
  • A vertical campus concept which divides into distinct levels to cater to different audiences. These include students and teaching (mid levels), faculty staff (upper levels) and member of the public at street level.
  • Inclusive design strategies. The campus prioritises neurodiversity inclusion, comprehensive wayfinding and accessible outdoor spaces featuring Indigenous-themed public art and tactile landscaping.

From a quantity surveying viewpoint, QS Services were engaged across the whole project for a 40-month period.

During the early contractor involvement phase, this included weekly cost plan alignment, review and comment on monthly contractor ECI contractor estimates.

During the subsequent phases, the work included review and assessment of progress claims and provisional sum submissions.

Commenting on the project, judges praised the careful planning and execution.

“Charles Darwin University’s Danala Education and Community Precinct was recognised for delivering a complex, culturally significant, and highly sustainable public infrastructure project,” the judges said.

“Despite major challenges, it achieved exceptional value through rigorous cost control and collaboration, setting new benchmarks for climate-responsive, culturally inclusive design while creating a vibrant community and education hub.”

The awards were sponsored by RIB (Platinum), Swinburne (Gold), Wilde and Wollard (Gold), PCMG (silver), CPB (silver) Strata Finance (Silver), Invictus (Silver) and Rider Levett Bucknall (Silver).

Judges includedDonna Wheatley, Partner at Gray Puksand; Mark Chappe, ex-Director at Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) and ex-President of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS); Alison Scotland, CEO of Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) and Quoc Pham, Senior Business Consultant at Autodesk

Sourceable was the media partner for this event.

(image: QS Services)

 

Other award winners

Other award winners are as follows.

 

Outstanding Regional Project Award Winner:

Roebourne District High School Precinct (ADCO)

The Roebourne District High School redevelopment was recognised for delivering a culturally inclusive, sustainable, and high-value education facility.

Achieving outstanding outcomes in safety, cost, programme management, and community engagement, the project embedded Aboriginal culture, supported local employment and businesses, and set a benchmark for regional educational infrastructure through collaboration and innovation. 

(image source: ADCO)

RIB Individual Excellence in Quantity Surveying Award Winner:

Jessica Ling MAIQS CQS 

Jessica was recognised for her exceptional contribution to the quantity surveying profession through technical excellence, leadership, education, and industry service.

As Associate Director at Wilde and Woollard and a lecturer at Curtin University, she has mentored future professionals, modernised education, and inspired emerging quantity surveyors while advancing the profession’s future.

 

Swinburne University of Technology Project Innovation Award Winner:

Werribee Open Range Zoo Expansion (Development Victoria)

Werribee Open Range Zoo was recognised for delivering a world-class elephant habitat through innovative, conservation-focused infrastructure.

The project combined sustainable reuse of materials, advanced utility solutions, and internationally informed animal welfare design. Delivered on time and on budget, it achieved outstanding environmental, social, and economic outcomes while creating a lasting legacy.

(image: Development Victoria)

 

CBP Contractors Sustainable Project Award Winner:

Oran Park Leisure Centre (Hunter Scott)

The Oran Park Leisure Centre delivered an outstanding community-focused project, creating an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable civic hub for a rapidly growing community.

Delivered on time and under budget, it generated significant social and economic benefits while setting a benchmark for public infrastructure through innovative sustainability, strong community engagement, exceptional design, and long-term operational efficiency.

(image source: Oran Park Leisured Centre)

 

Wilde & Wollard Excellence in Cost and Commercial Management Award Winner:

WT

WT was recognised for exceptional cost management and advisory services on the Hawthorn Football Club Kennedy Community Centre project.

Through complex site conditions and market volatility, WT maintained strict budget control, provided strategic procurement advice, managed risks proactively, and delivered innovative solutions. Strong collaboration and communication helped successfully realise this landmark community and sporting facility.

 

PCMG Quantity Surveying Advocacy Award Winner:

Dr Jeremy Wu MAIQS

Jeremy has been recognised for outstanding advocacy and leadership in promoting the quantity surveying profession across industry, academia and government.

Through roles at Curtin University and AIQS, Jeremy championed the integration of quantity surveying services within procurement models, strengthened professional development opportunities for AIQS members, and increased industry recognition of the strategic value quantity surveyors bring to project delivery, risk management and commercial governance.

Jeremy’s influence has significantly advanced the visibility, capability and future direction of the quantity surveying profession.

 

 

RLB Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award Winner:

CPB Contractors 

CPB Contractors has been recognised for its industry-leading commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through practical initiatives delivering lasting change across the built environment.

Programs supporting women in construction, migrants, refugees, Indigenous partnerships, and veterans, including the world’s first all-women tunnel boring machine crew, have achieved significant workforce outcomes.

 

Emerging Professional Award Winner:
Sophie Ly MAIQS, CQS

Sophie has been recognised for outstanding contributions to the quantity surveying profession and the broader built environment through technical leadership, industry advocacy, and a strong commitment to mentoring emerging professionals.

Across major Victorian Government projects, Sophie demonstrated exceptional capability in cost management, risk mitigation, and program governance under challenging market conditions.

Sophie has actively promoted the quantity surveying profession through lecturing at universities, industry engagement, mentoring, and providing thought leadership.

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