Housing Choices Australia (HCA) is delighted to congratulate James Henry, our Executive Group Director, Business Strategy and Corporate Services, on recently receiving the 2025 Victorian Social and Affordable Housing Prize. The award recognises James’ leadership, his commitment to design excellence and sustainability, and the impact he continues to make across the community housing sector.
A recognition that reflects purpose, people and impact
The Victorian chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects recognised James for his leadership in advancing social and affordable housing. They highlighted his commitment to design quality, sustainability and tenant wellbeing, and the role he has played in embedding best practice design principles across our project pipeline.
James says the recognition speaks to something bigger than a single project or achievement. For him, housing is a stabilising force and a platform from which we live our lives. He brings a strong belief in good design that is cost-effective and built to last, and in housing equity – fairness, belonging, and the ability for people to afford a decent home in a community where they feel they belong.
James also notes that community housing in Australia is at a critical turning point. After many years of underinvestment, the Federal Government is investing at scale in new housing. He sees this as an opportunity to reshape the system, and believes architects and community housing providers need to be right at the centre of that.
A career shaped by community and lived experience
Early in his career, James worked as an architect in remote Aboriginal communities. That experience shaped how he thinks about housing and place. He saw firsthand how homes need to evolve with the people who live in them, and how design decisions can either support or limit daily life over time.
“Housing exists well beyond the handover of a building,” he says. “It’s a lifecycle, and lived experience should inform how we design, upgrade and rebuild.”
This understanding eventually drew him into community housing. James wanted to contribute earlier in the process, before briefs are set and decisions are locked in, and work in a sector where tenants sit at the centre of every decision.
“I wanted to be as impactful as possible,” he says. “Community housing allows that.”
He says this is because community housing creates space to influence key decisions from the outset.
“Often when an architect receives a brief, many significant decisions have already been made,” he says. “I was drawn to a sector where tenants are central from the start.”
Design that supports people and places
James’ focus on design quality is grounded in how people actually live. He notes that many HCA residents spend long periods at home, which makes efficiency, comfort and flexibility essential rather than optional.
“Homes should support people to age in place, adapt to changing needs and feel genuinely comfortable,” he says. “That’s what good design does. It enables dignity and brings joy.”
This people-centred view of design continues to guide James’ approach.
The Australian Institute of Architects highlighted James’ influence on many highly awarded projects. They noted his ability to integrate strong architectural design, social outcomes and environmental sustainability within tight commercial constraints. They also recognised his skill in bringing together residents, architects, financiers, builders and communities to create homes that respond to local needs.
Beyond the award
We caught up with James about the award and what it means for him and for HCA. James spoke about how much he values collaboration across our organisation and the way every project comes together through shared effort. The nomination took him by surprise, and he was touched by the thought that his colleagues put into it.
“It was genuinely unexpected,” he says. “And it says a lot about the people I get to work with.”
He also reflected on the variety of work across HCA, from Hobart to Wonthaggi to Busselton. This includes everything from retrofits to new developments, and he said this breadth keeps the work meaningful.
“We care about people – our tenants – and the quality and longevity of our homes and communities.”
When we asked what meaningful work looks like, James said it comes back to two things: creating homes that last, and ensuring housing equity so people feel they belong. James sees those principles reflected across HCA in how we design, partner and support residents and communities over time.
Recognising James’ leadership and impact
James is a committed and inspiring design professional. Under his care and guidance thousands of Victorian families have gained access to not only safe and affordable shelter, but in quality settings demonstrating that good design need not come at heavy cost. With extensive networks, he has built enduring relationships with the design community and the wider property industry which have endured over many years and in multiple projects. James is unquestionably worthy of recognition by his peers. – Michael Lennon, Interim Chief Executive Officer
James Henry makes dreams come true. I dreamed of helping my family and others like mine who suffer when a loved one can’t find stable housing. I had secured well located sites, developed concepts with award-winning architects, and completed feasibilities with experienced and progressive developers which demonstrated these projects presented good value for money, but I couldn’t get funding and had all but given up.
Enter James Henry. Not only did he take on the projects, but he also brought me into the team to help deliver them. Thanks to his support, the projects are now funded and being delivered, creating secure homes for 75 households in regional communities for generations to come. – Timothy Price, Acting Development Manager
Looking ahead
James believes Australia now has a genuine opportunity to create a long-term national housing strategy that responds to place and community. With major Federal investment underway, he sees the coming years as a pivotal moment for the sector.
“It’s time to deliver,” he says.
James encourages more architects to explore working in community housing, whether in design, policy or leadership roles.
“We need people who understand design, who care about longevity, and who want to work directly with communities.”
James often reflects on a lesson that guides his approach:
“It’s hard to make good housing, and it’s hard to make it fast and affordably. But it’s not much harder to make it good, and to make it last. And we are up for this delivery challenge.”
Story: Ali Crowe
