DIA GOTYA Awards finalists 2026: Highlights and pathways

As the nation’s premier graduate design awards program, GOTYA provides an important platform for graduates to gain industry recognition, receive expert feedback and build valuable professional connections.

In 2026, Billy Blue College of Design at Torrens University celebrated outstanding success in the program, with 24 nominees progressing through the competition, five finalists selected and one nominee advancing to consideration for the prestigious Madeline Lester Australian Graduate of the Year Award. The results demonstrate the calibre of creative talent emerging from Billy Blue and the strength of its industry-connected design education.

Who the DIA GOTYA Awards recognise

Established in 2003, the Design Institute of Australia’s Graduates of the Year Awards (GOTYA) recognise exceptional emerging designers from universities, TAFEs and registered training organisations across Australia. Educational institutions nominate their top graduates, with submissions assessed through a rigorous, anonymous judging process by leading industry professionals before selected finalists progress to an interview stage.

The awards provide much more than recognition. Finalists gain valuable exposure to industry leaders, mentorship opportunities, increased professional visibility and career-building connections. A unique aspect of the program is the opportunity to network directly with industry jurors and design leaders, giving graduates rare access to professionals who actively shape the future of Australian design.

GOTYA also reflects the evolving priorities of the design profession, recognising projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, accessibility, social impact and user-centred thinking. Through its category structure, the awards align closely with contemporary industry disciplines and career pathways.

The four award categories represent the breadth of modern design practice:

• Place: Interior design, exhibition and set design, retail, hospitality, healthcare, workplace and public space design
• Use: Industrial design, product design, furniture, fashion, textiles, jewellery, packaging and sustainable design
• Interact: UX and UI design, digital experiences, game design, service design, strategic design and emerging technologies
• Convey: Graphic design, branding, illustration, motion design, visual communication and information design

Together, these categories reflect the diverse ways designers influence how people experience, use, interact with and understand the world around them.

Billy Blue College of Design finalists at DIA GOTYA 2026

Billy Blue students achieved exceptional results at the 2026 awards, earning recognition across multiple states and design disciplines. The college’s nominees and winners demonstrated many of the qualities increasingly valued by the industry, including human-centred design, strategic thinking, strong research methodologies, sustainability-focused approaches and compelling visual communication.

These awards recognise much more than creative excellence. They celebrate curiosity, resilience, critical thinking and the courage to challenge conventions – all of which bodes well for employability. Our students have demonstrated that great design has the power to solve problems, create meaningful experiences and contribute positively to communities. Seeing Billy Blue graduates recognised on a national stage is incredibly rewarding for our academic team and industry partners who support them throughout their journey. Isabella’s national success, Brooke’s achievement in Western Australia, and the recognition received by our students across the country demonstrate the breadth of talent emerging from Billy Blue College of Design. We congratulate every nominee and winner on this outstanding accomplishment.

Agnes Bosanquet, Dean of Design, Torrens University Australia

National and state success for Isabella Lam

Among this year’s standout achievers was Isabella Lam, who won both the National CONVEY Award (Vocational) and the NSW CONVEY Award (Vocational) for her Diploma of Graphic Design project.

Adding to this remarkable achievement, Isabella was also one of only 13 graduates selected nationally across all four GOTYA categories for consideration for the prestigious Madeline Lester Australian Graduate of the Year Award.

Her award-winning project reimagined the Uncle Butter brand through a strategic packaging redesign informed by market analysis and brand positioning research.

The judges commented:

A rebrand of Uncle Butter grounded in a packaging audit and a close reading of the market. The jury admired the industrial discipline of the approach, and the Italian Futurist sensibility Lam brings to packaging.

Isabella’s success also highlights the value of industry engagement and employability pathways. Following a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) internship with creative agency The Key Branding, she secured employment with the company. Her employers attended the GOTYA awards presentation to celebrate her achievement, demonstrating how industry experiences can create meaningful career opportunities for graduates.

Isabella Lam at the DIA Awards Night in Sydney

Billy Blue 2026 GOTYA Winners

New South Wales

Isabella Lam
CONVEY, Vocational
Diploma of Graphic Design

Queensland

Kate Crocker
PLACE, Vocational
Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration

Jessie Short
CONVEY, Vocational
Diploma of Graphic Design

Jessie Short and Kate Crocker at the DIA Awards Night in Brisbane

To have had my work evaluated and recognised by industry professionals is an amazing opportunity, and one that I’m incredibly grateful and proud to have been a part of.

Kate Crocker

Victoria

Yumi Ito
CONVEY, Vocational
Diploma of Graphic Design

Yumi Ito at the DIA Awards Night in Melbourne

Western Australia

Brooke Till
PLACE, Higher Education
Bachelor of Interior Design (Residential) (Online)

Brooke Till was recognised as the 2026 WA GOTYA Winner for Place, reflecting the strength of her residential interior design practice and her commitment to creating thoughtful spatial experiences.

I’m immeasurably grateful to have been recognised as the 2026 WA GOTYA winner for Place. I’ve learnt how complex and multi-faceted design is during my time at Torrens, and I’m continually appreciative for the experience, knowledge, feedback, and support my lecturers have shared with me. I’m especially thankful to Daniel Staebe, who helped me polish and strengthen my work during portfolio class, and Arthur Koutoulas, who guided me through the submission process. Having their support and encouragement throughout this experience has meant a lot to me, and I’m very proud to have my work recognised in this way.

Brooke Till 

Across the winning entries, common themes included rigorous research, clear problem-solving, strong conceptual development and professional presentation. Success at GOTYA requires more than a polished outcome. Judges place significant value on the thinking behind the work, including how designers identify challenges, test ideas and communicate their rationale.

Strong portfolios often showcase the complete design journey, from research and ideation through to refinement, prototyping and final delivery. This ability to articulate design decisions and demonstrate impact is a hallmark of successful GOTYA submissions.

Pathways for aspiring entrants through Billy Blue College of Design

Billy Blue College of Design equips students with the creative, technical and professional skills needed to develop award-ready projects and portfolios.

Students can pursue study across a range of disciplines, including:

• Graphic and Communication Design
• Interior Design and Architectural Technology
• UX and Web Design
• Photography
• Media Production and Communication
• Fashion Design
• 3D Design and Animation
• Branded Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing

Throughout their studies, students receive support in portfolio development, helping them curate and present work that showcases both creative outcomes and the design thinking behind them. Industry-focused assessments and real-world projects provide opportunities to tackle authentic design challenges while developing professional communication skills.

Students also benefit from opportunities to engage with practising designers through guest lectures, exhibitions, showcases, industry projects and Work-Integrated Learning experiences. These connections help bridge the gap between study and employment while building confidence and industry awareness.

For students aspiring to enter future GOTYA programs, several strategies can strengthen a submission:

• Conduct thorough research and support design decisions with evidence.
• Clearly document the design process, including discovery, testing and development stages.
• Use prototyping and iteration to demonstrate refinement and problem-solving.
• Present work professionally with strong visual storytelling.
• Clearly communicate the project’s purpose, audience and intended impact.
• Understand the anonymous judging process and ensure the quality of the work speaks for itself rather than relying on personal reputation or credentials.

The 2026 GOTYA results highlight the impact that strong design education, industry engagement and creative ambition can have on emerging careers. For Billy Blue students, the awards provide a powerful platform to demonstrate their capabilities, build professional networks and take the next step towards becoming the future leaders of Australia’s design industry.

Hero image: Isabella Lam receiving her awards