Recognises individuals, teams, or organisations that have demonstrated leadership in advancing placemaking. It honours those who have raised the profile of placemaking and inspired and mobilised communities through their innovative vision, dedication, and action. These leaders are role models, setting high standards and leaving a profound and lasting legacy in both their communities and the broader field of placemaking. 

Honours governance or policy models that demonstrate leadership in the sustainable management of places. It recognises initiatives that establish transparent decision-making, accountability, and strong collaboration among stakeholders. These leaders not only sustain places for the long-term benefit of all users but have also ensured that these spaces remain resilient and adaptable to future challenges. 

Celebrates initiatives that empower local communities to shape their places through participatory design and community-led planning. These leaders prioritise community voices, fostering ownership and agency while creating inclusive, vibrant, and resilient spaces that reflect local identity. By centering the community in placemaking, these initiatives strengthen social bonds, build capacity, and ensure long-term sustainability.

Recognises a specific model that has advanced excellence in the delivery and/ or management of holistic place outcomes.

Celebrates projects that excel in innovative design, transforming places into environments that are both functional and aesthetically inspiring. It recognises leaders who enhance user experience and community interaction, while establishing a strong sense of place. It honours work that integrates design excellence with practicality, creating inclusive, vibrant, and enduring places.

Recognises initiatives that have significantly contributed to local economic outcomes through placemaking. It highlights leaders who have attracted investment, supported local businesses, and turned underutilised areas into vibrant economic hubs through placemaking. The award recognises leaders who have demonstrated that placemaking can be a powerful tool for long-term economic resilience and prosperity.

Recognises leaders whose initiatives prioritised sustainability and environmental resilience in places, urban or open. It celebrates projects that integrate green infrastructure - such as parks, green roofs, and urban gardens - to promote biodiversity, reduce carbon footprints, and create healthier environments. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability for a greener future.

Celebrates leaders who have successfully integrated digital technologies to transform places into more engaging, accessible, and functional environments. It recognises the use of tools like mobile apps, augmented reality (AR), and IoT to enhance user experience, foster community interaction, and improve place management. These initiatives showcase how technology and innovation creates adaptable, inclusive, and dynamic places.

Celebrates leaders using temporary installations, pop-ups, or events to transform places. These initiatives demonstrate how short-term placemaking can activate spaces, engage communities, and test ideas for more permanent solutions. Temporary activations foster long-term community connections, social engagement, and sustainable urban development.