Australian Institute of Architects: Emerging Architect Prize
Australian Institute of Architects: Emerging Architect Prize
An intimate look at the work and philosophy of Jennifer McMaster. Through three distinct residential projects, the film reveals how Trias approaches architecture as a balance of craft, sustainability and deep respect for place.
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Mini-Documentary
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Optimism over Obstacles. Documenting Jennifer McMaster’s Path to the 2024 Emerging Architect Prize.
There’s a rare kind of thrill that comes with documenting architects whose ideas not only shape spaces, but also expand conversations about the role of architecture in society. Our recent film project with Jennifer McMaster - founding director of Sydney-based Trias - was precisely that. It wasn’t just an opportunity to capture a practitioner’s work; it was an invitation to explore architectural optimism, sustainability, craft, and the account of an emerging leader being recognised at the 2024 Australian Institute of Architects National Emerging Architect Prize.
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An Award with Depth: What the Emerging Architect Prize Represents
At its heart, the National Emerging Architect Prize recognises architects or architectural collaborations making significant contributions across multiple fronts - from design excellence to research, education and community engagement. It’s not purely about buildings; it’s also about the influence the architect brings to the profession and wider public realm. In 2024, the Australian Institute of Architects bestowed this honour on Jennifer McMaster - a recognition that reflects both her design leadership and her broader commitment to shaping architecture’s future.
Our film set out to go beyond the trophy. We wanted to capture the ideas and ethos that make McMaster and Trias meaningful in today’s architectural discourse.
One of the recurring themes in her work - and one that emerged strongly in our interviews - was what Jennifer describes as “sophisticated sustainability.” This isn’t sustainability as a buzzword, but as a disciplined design approach: buildings that are solid, simple, elegant - and environmentally responsible at their core. In her practice, sustainability is not an add-on; it’s a first principle.
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A Broader Architectural Moment
What made this story richer still was Jennifer’s dual role as both practitioner and educator. As a Professor of Practice at the University of Sydney, she actively bridges research and built work, inviting the next generation to think critically about embodied carbon, regenerative materials and design responsibility. In the film, these conversations emerged as more than commentary. They became a reflection of architectural leadership as a practice of generosity, a cultural shift that values openness, mentorship and collective growth as much as individual accomplishment. Jennifer’s recognition is not just a milestone in her career; it reflects a wider architectural moment in Australia — one where sustainability is integral to design, where education and practice intermingle, and where leadership is measured by generosity as much as by accolades.
More Works
2026
Australian Institute of Architects: Emerging Architect Prize
An intimate look at the work and philosophy of Jennifer McMaster. Through three distinct residential projects, the film reveals how Trias approaches architecture as a balance of craft, sustainability and deep respect for place.
Branded Content
Mini-Documentary
Know More
Optimism over Obstacles. Documenting Jennifer McMaster’s Path to the 2024 Emerging Architect Prize.
There’s a rare kind of thrill that comes with documenting architects whose ideas not only shape spaces, but also expand conversations about the role of architecture in society. Our recent film project with Jennifer McMaster - founding director of Sydney-based Trias - was precisely that. It wasn’t just an opportunity to capture a practitioner’s work; it was an invitation to explore architectural optimism, sustainability, craft, and the account of an emerging leader being recognised at the 2024 Australian Institute of Architects National Emerging Architect Prize.
Know More
An Award with Depth: What the Emerging Architect Prize Represents
At its heart, the National Emerging Architect Prize recognises architects or architectural collaborations making significant contributions across multiple fronts - from design excellence to research, education and community engagement. It’s not purely about buildings; it’s also about the influence the architect brings to the profession and wider public realm. In 2024, the Australian Institute of Architects bestowed this honour on Jennifer McMaster - a recognition that reflects both her design leadership and her broader commitment to shaping architecture’s future.
Our film set out to go beyond the trophy. We wanted to capture the ideas and ethos that make McMaster and Trias meaningful in today’s architectural discourse.
One of the recurring themes in her work - and one that emerged strongly in our interviews - was what Jennifer describes as “sophisticated sustainability.” This isn’t sustainability as a buzzword, but as a disciplined design approach: buildings that are solid, simple, elegant - and environmentally responsible at their core. In her practice, sustainability is not an add-on; it’s a first principle.
Know More
A Broader Architectural Moment
What made this story richer still was Jennifer’s dual role as both practitioner and educator. As a Professor of Practice at the University of Sydney, she actively bridges research and built work, inviting the next generation to think critically about embodied carbon, regenerative materials and design responsibility. In the film, these conversations emerged as more than commentary. They became a reflection of architectural leadership as a practice of generosity, a cultural shift that values openness, mentorship and collective growth as much as individual accomplishment. Jennifer’s recognition is not just a milestone in her career; it reflects a wider architectural moment in Australia — one where sustainability is integral to design, where education and practice intermingle, and where leadership is measured by generosity as much as by accolades.
More Works
2026
Australian Institute of Architects: Emerging Architect Prize
An intimate look at the work and philosophy of Jennifer McMaster. Through three distinct residential projects, the film reveals how Trias approaches architecture as a balance of craft, sustainability and deep respect for place.
Branded Content
Mini-Documentary
Know More
Optimism over Obstacles. Documenting Jennifer McMaster’s Path to the 2024 Emerging Architect Prize.
There’s a rare kind of thrill that comes with documenting architects whose ideas not only shape spaces, but also expand conversations about the role of architecture in society. Our recent film project with Jennifer McMaster - founding director of Sydney-based Trias - was precisely that. It wasn’t just an opportunity to capture a practitioner’s work; it was an invitation to explore architectural optimism, sustainability, craft, and the account of an emerging leader being recognised at the 2024 Australian Institute of Architects National Emerging Architect Prize.
Know More
An Award with Depth: What the Emerging Architect Prize Represents
At its heart, the National Emerging Architect Prize recognises architects or architectural collaborations making significant contributions across multiple fronts - from design excellence to research, education and community engagement. It’s not purely about buildings; it’s also about the influence the architect brings to the profession and wider public realm. In 2024, the Australian Institute of Architects bestowed this honour on Jennifer McMaster - a recognition that reflects both her design leadership and her broader commitment to shaping architecture’s future.
Our film set out to go beyond the trophy. We wanted to capture the ideas and ethos that make McMaster and Trias meaningful in today’s architectural discourse.
One of the recurring themes in her work - and one that emerged strongly in our interviews - was what Jennifer describes as “sophisticated sustainability.” This isn’t sustainability as a buzzword, but as a disciplined design approach: buildings that are solid, simple, elegant - and environmentally responsible at their core. In her practice, sustainability is not an add-on; it’s a first principle.
Know More
A Broader Architectural Moment
What made this story richer still was Jennifer’s dual role as both practitioner and educator. As a Professor of Practice at the University of Sydney, she actively bridges research and built work, inviting the next generation to think critically about embodied carbon, regenerative materials and design responsibility. In the film, these conversations emerged as more than commentary. They became a reflection of architectural leadership as a practice of generosity, a cultural shift that values openness, mentorship and collective growth as much as individual accomplishment. Jennifer’s recognition is not just a milestone in her career; it reflects a wider architectural moment in Australia — one where sustainability is integral to design, where education and practice intermingle, and where leadership is measured by generosity as much as by accolades.
More Works
2026