A moody basement restaurant in Brisbane has claimed Australia’s most prestigious interior design award, showcasing how bold hospitality design can transform the dining experience.
Central, designed by J.AR Office, took home the Premier Award for Australian Interior Design at the 2025 Australian Interior Design Awards, held at Melbourne’s Sofitel.
The restaurant also secured a trio of accolades, winning Best of State Commercial for Queensland and the Hospitality Design Award.
The judges praised Central as a “highly inventive project” that was “executed with a level of cleverness that uses constraints to its advantage.” The theatrical basement space exemplifies what the jury called “emotive interior design, creating a space for fun, raucous nights out.”
The win highlights a growing trend in Australian hospitality design where venues are prioritising immersive experiences over conventional aesthetics. According to the awards jury, the strongest projects this year “place human experience at the forefront, creating immersive spatial environments that educate, bring joy, nurture and inspire.”
The Australian Interior Design Awards, now in its 22nd year, evaluates projects across multiple categories, including hospitality, retail, and residential design.
This year’s hospitality category also recognised several other notable venues as commendations, including:
- Song Bird by Acme in collaboration with Caon Design Office in New South Wales
- Good Luck Restaurant Bar by Akin Atelier in New South Wales
- Coopers Brand Home by Studio Gram in South Australia
- Melbourne Place by Kennedy Nolan in Victoria
- Palace Coffee by Kerry Kounnapis Architecture Practice in Victoria
For the full gallery of venues in the hospitality category, click here.
