Dominika Richards wins AIA QLD Emerging Architect Prize

We are so proud of Dominika Richards, who has been awarded the 2026 AIA Emerging Architects Prize for Queensland!!

See the Institute’s citation below:

The jury commends Dominika for significant contributions to architectural practice, education, and advocacy, and for her contribution to sustainable, community focussed, project outcomes.

Dominika’s work in sustainability and associated advocacy is well established and of high quality. Her leadership in this field demonstrates that emerging architects can make a positive impact working within an established practice. Dominika’s efforts to affect change provide a guide for emerging architects on how they might represent their values in action.

Dominika’s passion for sustainability is further evidenced through her committee membership with the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Climate and Sustainability Action Group, Architects Climate Action Network Australia, and Architects Declare.

Dominika’s leadership in the profession is evidenced by her curation of the AIA Living Design Series webinars and presentations at the Passivhaus Australia National Conference, and Learning Environments Australia events.

Her leadership in practice is evidenced through her establishment of a Sustainability Action Plan within Deicke Richards Architects.

As an emerging architect Dominka is dedicated to community focussed projects such as flexible training facilities and affordable housing, projects that become ecological, social, and economic assets.