Dino Vrynios

2021 National Emerging Architect Prize Winner
Dino Vrynios has continuously and passionately engaged himself in all aspects of architecture and the community, tirelessly searching for and achieving his studio motto, “Make better.” After graduating from the University of South Australia, he quickly established a high-responsibility career within practice, while determinedly contributing to many new initiatives within the Australian Institute of Architects as well as the broader local community. Dino’s dedication to work outside his practice is exemplary, including: co-founding the Festival of Architecture and Design (FAD) and undertaking the role of creative director; developing and expanding the Future Forum initiative in partnership with the South Australian chapter of the Institute; creating the 20 Minute City Podcast in collaboration with Citymag; researching modular construction and co-founding commercial organizations Escapod and MDLR; and sitting on the board of directors for Tutti Arts, a disability arts not-for-profit. Dino’s tireless work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit have seen him receive the Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship (2015), Indaily’s 40 Under 40 award (2020) and multiple state architectural awards within his previous practice. After a frank acknowledgement of the toll a heavy workload can have on individual wellbeing, Dino re-evaluated his direction and established Das Studio with his partner in 2019. The practice has grown rapidly and become a “home” for a group of mostly young graduates and recently registered architects in which knowledge sharing, mentoring and wellbeing are a focus. Dino has proven himself to be an influential and entrepreneurial leader as he continues to spread his enthusiasm about architecture and its capacity to create a better world.

Ben Sheridan & Jacqui Alexander

2021 VIC Emerging Architect Prize Winners
With an expanded approach to practice, Jacqui and Ben have pursued design excellence, engaged with complex contemporary ideas, and been valuable mentors and educators in practice, academia, and the Institute. Seeking to contribute to and enhance the discourse of architecture, their research and projects have been widely published and exhibited locally and internationally. Jacqui has made a significant contribution to education as Former Director of the Bachelor of Architecture Programme at Monash University, whilst Ben has shared his experience of practice through teaching positions at the University of Melbourne and involvement with the Robin Boyd Foundation. Jacqui and Ben have demonstrated design excellence through their sustained contribution to numerous award-winning projects in senior roles at Australia’s leading architectural of offices and more recently as Alexander & Sheridan Architecture. Bringing this exceptional work and experience together, Jacqui and Ben demonstrate a brilliant dexterity in moving between practice, academia, and research to tackle significant ideas through architecture. Both Jacqui and Ben’s professional experience complement and speak volumes about the strength of an integrated approach to architectural practice.

Their passion and devotion to education and bringing architectural discourses to a broad audience is evident in a wide range of publications and speaker engagements including POST magazine, Process, writing for numerous books and publications, and roles on committees within the Institute. As important emerging voices their passionate and generous contributions have made the culture of Victorian architecture richer.