Building Connections Beyond the Dulux Study Tour

The Dulux Study Tour is much more than a journey. It is the beginning of lasting professional relationships, shared experiences and lifelong connections across Australia’s architecture and design community.

Each year, the Dulux Study Tour Alumni Event provides past and present participants with an opportunity to reconnect, exchange ideas and celebrate the relationships created through one of Australia’s most respected architecture and design programs.

This year, alumni from across Australia gathered in Sydney for two inspiring days featuring exclusive architectural project tours, industry conversations and the formal induction of the 2026 Dulux Study Tour winners into the alumni community.

Exploring Sydney’s evolving-built environment

The experience began with guided tours through the award-winning Quay Quarter precinct.

Led by Dulux Study Tour alumni, Mel Bright and Shaun Carter the tours explored the transformation of heritage buildings, public spaces and contemporary commercial architecture. Highlights included the revitalisation of Hinchcliff House and the new buildings and public realm that have reshaped Sydney’s harbour edge.

The tours provided an opportunity to hear directly from architects involved in the projects, while encouraging conversations between alumni from different generations of the program. This exchange of ideas and experience reflects the culture of learning and knowledge-sharing that sits at the heart of the Dulux Study Tour.

An evening celebrating architecture and community

Following the Quay Quarter tours, alumni gathered at Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art for an exclusive exhibition experience and the annual Alumni Dinner.

With views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the setting provided a memorable backdrop for celebrating the longevity and strength of the Dulux Study Tour community.

A significant moment of the evening was the formal induction of the 2026 Dulux Study Tour winners. Surrounded by past participants, the newest winners were welcomed into a network of peers, mentors and industry leaders that extends well beyond the tour itself.

The evening also included a presentation from Dulux Study Tour Andrew Donaldson, who shared the story behind the redevelopment of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Speaking within the building he helped shape, Andrew reflected on the project’s journey and the influence the Dulux Study Tour has continued to have throughout his career.

Continuing the architectural conversation

The following day, alumni received exclusive access to new Sydney Fish Market, attendees heard from the project architects at 3XN and BVN and gained valuable insights about the ideas and design considerations behind the major civic and waterfront development.

A community that continues to inspire

The enduring value of the Dulux Study Tour lies not only in the tour itself, but in the community that continues long after participants return home.

Alumni events provide architects from across generations of the program with opportunities to reconnect, share knowledge and continue the conversations that began during their Study Tour experience.

Through its continued support of the Dulux Study Tour and its alumni community, Dulux is helping foster meaningful professional relationships and celebrate the people and ideas contributing to Australia’s built environment.