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AIA COLUMBIA 2026 DESIGN AWARDS
INTRODUCTION
AIA Columbia’s Design Awards program is designed to encourage and recognize distinguished architectural achievement; to honor the architectural team, their clients and consultants who work together to improve the built environment; to demonstrate the breadth of services architects provide; and to raise public consciousness of the Architect’s role in shaping the quality of life through design excellence.
ELIGIBILITY
All entries shall be projects executed and designed by AIA Columbia members, or project teams consisting of at least one AIA Columbia member in good standing. Projects may have been executed anywhere in the United States or abroad and must have been substantially completed after January 1, 2021. The number of entries submitted by a firm or individual is not limited. Projects that have previously won an AIA Columbia award are not eligible in that category. All projects, regardless of size, budget, style, building type, or location, are eligible. Entries are welcomed and encouraged from both established and new practitioners at any size firm.
DESIGN AWARD CATEGORIES
Projects can be submitted under any of the following categories:
- New Construction/Substantial Renovation Award
- Under 5,000 SF
- Over 5,000 SF
- Adaptive Reuse/Historic Preservation Award
- Interior Architecture Award
- Unbuilt Project Award
Projects, excluding Unbuilt entries, may be executed anywhere in the United States or abroad and must have been substantially completed after January 1, 2021.
New Construction/Substantial Renovation (over and under 5,000 SF)
Projects submitted in this category will include a broad range of types, such as Commercial, Educational, Multifamily, Housing, Institutional, or Faith-based Architecture. Renovations and addition projects are eligible, but the project scope must be clearly and accurately presented through graphics and written descriptions. Projects eligible for an Adaptive Reuse/Historic Preservation Award are not eligible for this category.
Submissions in the New Construction category will be entered into two subcategories based on project gross square footage: under 5,000 SF and over 5,000 SF.
Adaptive Reuse/Historic Preservation
Projects submitted in this category may be of any project type (Commercial, Educational, Residential, etc.) but should include either a renovation within an existing building or a new construction that expands an existing structure or site. Projects that have been recognized for historical value through inclusion in Historic Districts or listing on Historic Registers should identify the type and reason for recognition in the written project description. Projects that do not have official recognition or designation are also eligible and should outline the historical significance in the project description. The intent of this award is to recognize thoughtful interventions or restorations that create a synergy between old and new construction. Routine maintenance, such as painting or reroofing, is not considered restoration work for the purposes of this award. Projects eligible for a New Construction award are not eligible for this category.
Interior Architecture
Projects submitted in this category should illustrate outstanding building interiors created by architects. These projects may include new construction or renovations of existing construction. Multiple entries may be submitted, but individual rooms or spaces within the same project shall be considered as one project.
Unbuilt Project
Projects submitted in this category may be unbuilt architectural designs of any project type or conceptual design studies that investigate a specific topic or project type for research purposes. Unbuilt client-sponsored projects (commercial or residential buildings, interiors, transportation, infrastructure, monuments, etc.) are eligible for recognition. Projects under construction or otherwise apparently assured of construction are not eligible. Project descriptions for Unbuilt Projects shall include a brief statement on the purpose of the project (competition, unrealized project for a client, theoretical investigation, etc.), and for client-sponsored projects include information describing why the project will remain unbuilt (lack of funding, change of design direction, etc.). All client-sponsored projects must submit a release from the owner. Projects cannot have been undertaken for academic credit or as a non-commissioned design competition entry.
FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Developed by members of the AIA, the Framework for Design Excellence represents the defining principles of good design in the 21st century. It’s intended to be accessible and relevant for every architect, every client, and every project — regardless of size, typology, or aspiration. The 10 measures that make up the Framework are intended to inspire progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment.
Entrants in the AIA Columbia Design Awards are required to provide a description of how their project addresses at least 1 of the 10 measures, listed below with optional prompts, in no more than 800 words.
- Design for Integration: What is the big idea behind this project and how did sustainability inform the design concept?
- Design for Equitable Communities: How does this project contribute to creating a walkable, human-scaled community inside and outside the property lines?
- Design for Ecosystems: In what ways does the design respond to the ecology of its place?
- Design for Water: How does the project relate to the regional watershed?
- Design for Economy: How does the project efficiently meet the program and design challenges and provide “more with less”?
- Design for Energy: Is the project energy-efficient and sustainable while improving building performance, function, comfort, and enjoyment?
- Design for Wellness: How does the design promote the health of the occupants?
- Design for Resources: How did the design team optimize the amount and makeup of material used on the project?
- Design for Change: Is the building resilient, and able to easily accommodate other uses in 50-100 years?
- Design for Discovery: What lessons for better design have been learned through the process of project design, construction, and occupancy, and how have these been incorporated in subsequent projects?
Click here to learn more about the Framework.
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