New Zealand interior plantscape design studio Outside In has received eight awards across multiple categories at the 2026 International Plantscape Awards (IPA) in Florida.

The awards position the studio among the world’s leading practitioners in biophilic design, a concept used to connect occupants of a space to nature.

The Diamond Award, the IPA’s highest honour, was awarded to Outside In for its atrium and garden planting design at B:HIVE+, marking the firm’s third time receiving the top award.

The landmark project at Smales Farm integrates more than 600 living plants throughout a triple-height atrium, creating moments of calm, connection and sensory relief within a high-density work setting.

Ryan McQuerry, co-founder and creative director of Outside In, says biophilic design is emerging as a critical response to changing expectations of work environments, becoming essential not just for how spaces look, but for how they support wellbeing, connection and everyday use.

“Our work is grounded in the belief that people function better when they are connected to nature,” says McQuerry. “The B:HIVE+ project showcases how nature-led design can improve the human experience and reimagines what large-scale commercial environments can offer the people who use them every day.”

McQuerry says access to nature is not an aesthetic add-on, but a key contributor to wellbeing and productivity.

“To have this approach recognised globally is incredibly affirming for our team and our ambition to deliver projects like this across the world,”

Four further projects were recognised, with the studio receiving a Platinum Award for its plantscape design at Orewa Sands, two Gold Awards for its Bishop Ranch project in California, a Gold Award for Secruitease in Wellington, and a Silver Award for the Moss Wall at Olia Bar, Cordis Hotel.

The Technician Recognition Award was presented to Will Zelensky King for his role in maintaining some of Outside In’s most technically complex sites, including Westfield Newmarket.

“To be recognised with these awards is a huge honour and showcases the depth of knowledge, technical expertise and design capability across our team and project partners that is required to deliver projects of this calibre,” says McQuerry.

Presented at the Hilton Marina Fort Lauderdale Hotel in Florida, the International Plantscape Awards recognise excellence in interior planting design, innovation and technical execution across projects worldwide.