PhotoGRAPHY Competition
PHOTOGRAPH: Oliver Shearer – ‘Water and Glass, a Framed Reflection’ (2024)
Thank you to EVERYONE WHO ENTERED THE 2025 GCOH Photography competition.
photographers were able to enter in five categories, and all entries went into the running to win the Overall Prize.
WITH THANKS TO GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY
DISCOVER THE 2025 WINNERS
MEET THE JUDGES
Dan Preston
Filmmaker & Photographer, Dan Preston Studio
Dan Preston is an Australian based filmmaker and photographer drawn to documenting architecture and the built environment. Dan aims to convey the aspirations of architects and designers, revealing their intentions in his photographic process and cinematic aesthetic, resulting in the documentation of award-winning projects featured locally and internationally.
His film and photography services encompass every aspect of pre and post-production, including editing, color grading, graphics, and sound design.
🌐 www.danpreston.com.au
📸 @danpreston_1
Emeritus Professor Paul Burton
Urban Management & Planning, Griffith University
Paul Burton is Emeritus Professor of Urban Management and Planning and former Director of the Cities Research Institute at Griffith University — proud sponsor of this year’s Gold Coast Open House Photography Competition. The Institute was one of Australia’s largest concentrations of urban researchers, spanning architecture, planning, civil engineering, and environmental economics.
Paul led the Gold Coast Futures research group, strengthening Griffith’s long-standing partnership with the City of Gold Coast and exploring the city’s evolving urban identity, design, and livability. His research and advocacy continue to inform sustainable and inclusive approaches to city-making across the region.
Allen Lucini
Architect
Allen Lucini is a registered architect and design thought leader with a passion for innovative architectural and urban design. His work explores the intersection of art and architecture, balancing creativity with practical design solutions. As Director and founder of LuciniArchitecture, Allen has led a range of complex and diverse projects, from detailed design solutions to major master planning initiatives. Beyond his architectural practice, Allen has also exhibited as an artist in the renowned SWELL Sculpture Festival, bringing a uniquely creative perspective to his understanding of public space and design.
Melissa Hoedel GAICD CPM
Executive Director, Gold Coast Open House | Photographer
Melissa Hoedel is Executive Director of Gold Coast Open House and Managing Director of Taybian Group, a boutique marketing, communications, and events agency. With over two decades shaping cultural and architectural programs across Queensland, she is passionate about connecting communities with great design. Melissa works closely with event partners — including Griffith University, sponsor of the 2025 Photography Competition — to foster opportunities that celebrate architecture and design across the Gold Coast. Returning to her first creative love — photography — Melissa has recently reignited her practice, capturing artisans and architectural stories through a documentary lens. She has attended and enthusiastically photographed numerous Open House events, continuing her mission to celebrate place, heritage, and design through visual storytelling.
Gold Coast Open House proudly acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our events are held, the Kombumerri and Yugambeh Language Group families of the Gold Coast. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters, wildlife and extended communities throughout South East Queensland.
