Aurecon Design Academy named Best in Class at Australian Good Design Awards
Aurecon Design Academy wins Best in Class at the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards, celebrating the company's decade-long investment in developing its people.
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Asia Pacific design, engineering and advisory company Aurecon has been recognised with six Consult Australia 2024-25 Awards for Excellence including the prestigious President’s Award and Champions of Change award for current Chief Executive Officer William (Bill) Cox.
The accolades recognise Cox’s long-term contribution to Consult Australia and the consulting industry and for his exceptional leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion (D&I) across Aurecon and the design, engineering and advisory industries.
Aurecon also won two Gold Awards and two Highly Commended Awards for its projects, celebrating Aurecon’s ongoing commitment to innovation, client service and planning for digital futures. The full list of award projects and people is as follows:
Aurecon’s Incoming Chief Executive Officer Louise Adams said,
“We are delighted to have received such widespread recognition of the impact and critically important role that designers, engineers and advisors play in solving the complex problems of our time.
“Whether in the boardroom or on-site, Bill's passion and vision have shaped the future of our industry profoundly. This award is a well-deserved testament to his unwavering commitment, relentless pursuit of excellence and the positive change he’s driven across the sector over three decades.
“These awards also cement Bill’s reputation as a champion of diversity and inclusion, exemplifying the transformative power of leadership in creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. His vision has not only reshaped Aurecon but inspired widespread change.
“We are also very proud of the accolades received for our excellence in innovation, client service and planning for digital futures, made possible by the strong partnerships we have formed with clients to bring their ideas to life. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists,” Adams said.
Consult Australia’s annual awards celebrate outstanding achievements of consulting companies with clients and communities, with 2025 marking 15 years of recognition for Aurecon in the prestigious awards program.
Since becoming Aurecon’s CEO in 2019 William ‘Bill’ Cox has pioneered initiatives that championed equal and equitable opportunities for all employees, positioning D&I as a core strength and competitive advantage for Aurecon.
Under Cox’s leadership, Aurecon achieved significant progress in D&I, including improving gender equality, amplifying the voices of First Nations people, and promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Cox’s influence extends across the consulting industry and broader community where his work with external company advocates for structural changes to remove barriers to inclusion beyond Aurecon.
Cox said, "Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential ingredients to Aurecon’s success as a sustainable and growing business, delivering on our aspiration and purpose. Investing in D&I builds a strong workforce and culture, deep client relationships and project outcomes that are more innovative, intrinsically designed for diverse user experiences and support positive social and environmental impact."
In addition to the Champions of Change – Diversity & Inclusion Award, Cox has been recognised with the President’s Award, which recognises the individual who has contributed to Consult Australia and/or the industry over a number of years.
Aurecon-GHD Joint Venture’s (AGJV) innovative work in delivering significant upgrades to the Sydney Metro Central Station earned them the Innovation for Excellence Award.
AGJV designed a 230-metre-long metro box basement structure, linking existing intercity platforms to new tunnels 27 metres underground. AGJV engineered a top-down construction methodology, allowing simultaneous work on the metro box and the ongoing tunnel boring operations.
This innovative approach ensured the Devonshire Street Tunnel, where the metro box traversed, remained operational, providing uninterrupted access for commuters.
Liam Wythes, Major Projects Director said, “The complexity of this project not only reflects our commitment to efficiency but also underscores our innovative approach to enhancing vital infrastructure for future generations.”
Aurecon received the Client Service Excellence Award for its exemplary service in managing the Australian Catholic University (ACU) – Saint Teresa of Kolkata Building project.
Aurecon collaborated with ACU to project manage the design and construction phases of the new building amidst COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and incorporate a substantial number of design changes during construction. With staff from 10 faculties now co-located across five new office floors, collaboration thrives in the campus hub.
Hayley Wardrop, Industry Director, Health, Education and Research – Australia, Aurecon, said that collaboration with the client was key to the success of the project.
“Recognising the importance of open and transparent partnerships, our team led collaborative design workshops to explore unique designs and construction solutions. It was an honour collaborating with the ACU team to bring the vision of their newest campus building to life."
Aurecon air®, a digital platform revolutionising the future of environmental reporting, received a High Commendation in the Planning for a Digital Future category.
The platform redefines Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) by transforming traditional, static reports into interactive digital formats that enhance stakeholder engagement and understanding. Aurecon air® has already proven successful in supporting major energy infrastructure projects like the HumeLink transmission project.
Sumaya Osman, Environmental Planning and Approvals Manager, Transgrid, said, "Aurecon air® has contributed to successful engagement outcomes for the HumeLink environmental assessment process. It encouraged people to engage with us on one of Australia's most critical energy infrastructure projects.”
Group Director, Brand, Marketing & Communications
Aurecon Design Academy wins Best in Class at the 2026 Australian Good Design Awards, celebrating the company's decade-long investment in developing its people.
Aurecon wins multiple honours at Engineers Australia's state and territory Excellence Awards, including Project of the Year for Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
Aurecon recognised in AFR's Sustainability Leaders List 2026 for its innovative Environmental Planning Digital Ecosystem designed for complex infrastructure.
