PEDDLE THORP DEDICATES TOP DESIGN AWARD TO LATE FOUNDER GREG RUDANI

BY JORDON VELA

MORE than 12 years after the vision for the Waigani National Court Complex began, Peddle Thorp Asia Pacific has scooped the top honour at the 2026 DuluxGroup Design Excellence Awards, held at the Hilton Hotel and Residences in Port Moresby over the weekend.

The win carried special significance for the firm’s late founder, Greg Rudani.
Accepting the award, Peddle Thorp director Rita Karaie acknowledged the project team and paid tribute to Rudani, who died on Sept. 16, 2025, two days after the complex was officially opened.

Karaie said she believed Rudani would have been proud to share the moment with the team. She thanked the PNG Institute of Architects, DuluxGroup and the judging panel, and congratulated the other winners.

The Waigani National Court Complex won the overall award, along with the Civic and Community/Urban Design Award and the Dulux Colour Award.

Karaie acknowledged the National Judicial Staff Services, the Office of the Chief Justice, the project management team, China Railway Group and the engineering consultants for their roles in delivering the complex.
She described the complex as a landmark for Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea after more than a decade of planning and collaboration.

Rudani’s architectural legacy includes the National Parliament House and the Waigani National Court Complex, one of his final contributions. Peddle Thorp has also recognised his role in growing the firm and mentoring Papua New Guinean architects.

The overall winner is also set to receive a fully funded trip, including airfares and accommodation, to attend the DuluxGroup Colour Awards in Australia.