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23 April 2026
By Clémence Carayol
Rather than building a self-titled studio centred on personal recognition, Jean Graham set out to translate the quiet, introspective and site-specific qualities of winter, the season, into an architectural dictum. The result is a practice grounded in restraint, rigour and responsiveness.
From modest budgets to complex site constraints, Winter Architecture has opened the door to clients who may once have felt architecture was beyond their reach. By embracing diverse project scales and empowering those who wish to build themselves, the practice has redefined accessibility without compromising on sustainability or design integrity.
Operating as a multi-disciplinary team collaborating remotely across Australia, Winter Architecture challenges the conventions of the traditional studio. Its online model fosters agility, broad geographic engagement and a rich diversity of perspectives, all united by a commitment to regenerative, responsible design.
As a past Emerging Winner of the Sustainability Summit and Awards, winner of the 2018 edition, Graham reflects on the profound impact this recognition had on her confidence, leadership and the evolution of her practice. In the interview below, she shares how the award elevated Winter Architecture’s profile, strengthened its sustainability agenda and opened doors to new opportunities within the national community.
Architecture & Design: As a past Emerging Winner, what did receiving this recognition mean to you personally and professionally at that stage in your journey?
Jean Graham: Receiving the Emerging Architect of the Year award in 2018 was an extraordinary moment for me. Having established Winter Architecture in 2016, we were still in the early stages of defining who we were as a practice.
To be recognised nationally so soon after founding the studio was both a huge honour and a profound encouragement.
The awards event itself was incredibly inspiring. It was an opportunity to connect with fellow winners, meet sponsors, and feel part of a broader community committed to meaningful change.
That recognition became a proud accolade for our practice. It strengthened our profile and gave clients confidence in our vision. Since then, we have been fortunate to receive a number of project awards across both our commercial and residential work, and each acknowledgement has reinforced our commitment to thoughtful, sustainable architecture.
How did the Sustainability Summit and Awards help elevate your work or open new opportunities within the sustainability community?
The Sustainability Summit and Awards, along with the subsequent national press coverage, brought our work to a much wider audience. It generated significant interest and respect among our peers and within the broader sustainability community.
Importantly, it gave our team confidence to lead the change we want to see in architectural practice. Following the award, we were invited to speak at various architectural and sustainability events across the country.
These opportunities allowed us to share our values and our unique approach to design and delivery. We hope that by sharing our journey openly, we have encouraged other practices to take bold steps toward more regenerative and responsible outcomes.
Looking back, what impact did the award have on your confidence, leadership, or ability to scale your sustainability initiatives?
The award had a significant impact on my confidence as a leader. It validated not only the quality of our work, but also our direction that sustainability could sit at the heart of a commercially viable practice.
That affirmation enabled us to scale our ambitions.
We became more deliberate in embedding sustainable principles into every project, regardless of scale. It also strengthened our internal culture; our team felt proud to be part of a practice recognised for leadership in sustainability.
That collective confidence has allowed us to pursue more ambitious projects and to advocate more strongly for environmentally responsible outcomes with our clients.
From your experience, what makes the Sustainability Summit and Awards unique compared to other industry recognitions?
The national scope of the Sustainability Summit and Awards, combined with its clear and focused commitment to sustainability, makes it truly unique. The awards celebrate not only design excellence but leadership, innovation and measurable impact.
What I particularly value is the diversity of entries from small residential projects to large commercial developments, representing practices from across Australia. It creates a rich and varied community united by a shared purpose. The summit itself fosters meaningful conversations and genuine connection, rather than simply being a ceremony. It feels like a platform for collective progress.
With this year’s edition of the Sustainability Awards,, what would you say to emerging leaders or organisations who are considering applying but may be unsure?
Entering awards can feel daunting, especially when your primary focus is delivering outcomes for clients and managing the day-to-day demands of practice. However, I would strongly encourage emerging leaders and organisations to apply.
The process of reflecting on your work articulating your values, your impact, and your vision is incredibly valuable in itself. Recognition can open doors you may not yet see: new collaborations, speaking opportunities, and a stronger voice within the industry.
Most importantly, sustainability leadership deserves to be visible. By entering, you are contributing to a broader narrative of positive change. That visibility not only benefits your own organisation it strengthens the entire community committed to a more sustainable future; to further enhances the value of the project for your clients and for your future clients to see your work.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the Sustainability Awards is Australia’s longest-running and most prestigious program recognising excellence in sustainable design and architecture.
Entries are evaluated by an expert judging panel, with winners across multiple categories announced at the annual Sustainability Awards Gala on 12 November 2026 in Sydney. For updates on entry openings or to enquire about remaining sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
Image: Jean Graham / supplied
