In recognizing the profession of Architecture, the Papua New Guinea Institute of Architects (PNGIA) is reviving its Design Excellence Awards after an eight-year hiatus, with DuluxGroup PNG returning as platinum sponsor and Hilton Port Moresby supporting the event as venue sponsor as the wards is set for October 17th at Hilton Banquet Hall.
The awards were last held in 2018 before activities were disrupted by the COVID 19 period.
PNGIA President Jordan Seladi, who is also managing director and senior architect of Seladi 85 Architecture, said strong partnerships are essential to recognizing outstanding architectural work and supporting the development of the profession in Papua New Guinea.
“We are essentially trying to put together the Dulux Design Excellence Awards, and within that activity it has been dormant for more than seven to eight years,” Seladi said.
Seladi said the 2026 awards will focus on architecture and the country's development rather than political interests.
“This will be the best event in the country. It’s not going to be anything political but will be a celebration about the country’s development and progress since its inception in 1975,” he said.
He said the awards will recognize a broad range of work across the architectural sector.
“The award captures all the activities within the architectural industry. One that exemplifies architectural excellence and the work that we do and also covers the whole range of sectors in the industry,” Seladi said.
The partnership also introduces the Dulux Colour Award for the first time the country while it has been a prestigious awards event recognizing creatives in Australia and New Zealand for 4 decades which will now recognize the use of color in creating innovative here in the country.
DuluxGroup PNG General Manager Simon Antony Barstow said the company is partnering with PNGIA as platinum sponsor of the architectural awards.
Barstow said Dulux will support PNGIA members through training and professional development programs covering colour, specification practices and protective coatings used in major infrastructure and resource projects.
He said Dulux has operated in Papua New Guinea for more than 60 years, employs more than 176 Papua New Guineans and manufactures locally. Barstow said the company is also investing in training painters and contractors as part of efforts to develop local skills and support the country's construction sector.
“We are delighted to partner with PNGIA as we help create a brighter, more colorful future for Papua New Guinea,” Barstow said.
As the proud venue sponsor Hilton Commercial Director Robbie Turner said the partnership aligns with Hilton's Travel with Purpose program, which focuses on hotels contributing to the communities where they operate.
Adding, Hilton Port Moresby General Manager David Wain said the hotel is pleased to support PNGIA and Dulux in recognizing local architectural talent.
“We are very privileged to partner with PNGIA and Dulux to be able to recognize and showcase local talent, which is important to us,” Wain said.
The awards are expected to provide architects and other professionals in the built environment sector with a platform to showcase architectural work from across Papua New Guinea.
Details for Design Excellence Award Gala Evening 2026
- Date: 17th October 2026
- Location: Hilton Banquet Hall
- Event Nature: Awards and Fundraiser
- K10,000 per table
- Contact Info: events@pngia.com.pg
