A talented team and plenty of terrain to cover, we are grateful to our local judges and international judge for their time and expertise. Ahead of the shortlist announcement, we are delighted to introduce you to the jury. 

Andrea Bell, Convenor

Andrea Bell (FNZIA) is the director of bell + co architecture, a Dunedin-based practice that she started in 2013. With a commitment to creating fine architecture, Andrea's award-winning work stretches from Northland to Otago, across urban design, master planning, public, commercial, education and residential. Andrea's longstanding involvement in education has included roles as teacher, external assessor and committee member for Unitec School of Architecture, Auckland University and Otago Polytechnic. Andrea has been a juror for the Regional and National awards, and served the Institute as a branch committee member, board member and as deputy president. Andrea received a President's Award in 2022 in recognition of her service.

Jane Rooney

Jane Rooney (FNZIA) is a principal at Architectus’ Ōtautahi Christchurch studio, with three decades of architectural experience spanning New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Guided by an investigative approach to typology, context and culture, Jane has contributed to a diverse portfolio of Regional and National award-winning projects, including Te Aratai College (2023 Ted McCoy Award for Education) and St. Andrew's College Centennial Chapel (2018 John Scott Award for Public Architecture). Jane has previously served as jury convenor for the Canterbury Architecture Awards and juror for the Auckland Architecture Awards.

Daniel Smith

Daniel Smith is a director at Edwards White Architects, with experience spanning commercial, urban design, hospitality, and residential architecture. Known for his ability to draw the practical and aesthetic threads of a project into a cohesive whole, Daniel’s award-winning work includes projects such as Hamilton Gardens Visitor Precinct (2025 Local Architecture Awards), Te Ara Pekapeka Bridge (2025 New Zealand Architecture Awards), and Hills Residences (2024 Sir Ian Athfield Award for Housing). Daniel is the current Waikato & Bay of Plenty branch chair and served as a member of this year’s Canterbury Architecture Awards jury.

Jon Clements

Jon Clements is a founding director of Jackson Clements Burrows Architects (JCB), an Australian-based practice with studios based in Melbourne and Brisbane. Delivering a diverse range of projects in Australia and internationally, JCB has been recognised with more than 60 awards in the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards programme since the practice was established in 1998. Jon was appointed National President of the AIA in 2015, after previously serving as President of the Victorian Chapter. Jon has served as both a member and chair of various AIA and industry award juries.

The nationwide jury tour will begin in August. Follow along at @nziarchitects