At First Site

Polly Harbison is setting standards by following her instincts and adopting a grounded approach to projects.

- Karen McCartney

The trajectory of any successful architect’s career can be marked by pivotal moments: first major renovation, the approved design for a standalone house, a project published by a respected magazine and a first significant award.

One such award that carries great prestige and the combined weight of its rollcall of previous winners – from Harry Seidler and Glenn Murcutt to Peter Stutchbury and Durbach Block Jaggers – is the Australian Institute of Architects’ Wilkinson Award (NSW Chapter). Established in 1961, it is presented annually for a residential project – and, as there are surprisingly few women in the award’s 60-year history, this year’s winner, Polly Harbison, breaks new ground as the first practice led by a sole female director. There is, however, nothing self-congratulatory in her attitude. “Awards are so subjective,” says Polly. “There were incredibly beautiful projects in the running, and while I am delighted to win, I am aware that there are many and varied factors in that decision.”