6 Best Retail Architecture Awards

January 29, 2026

In today’s retail landscape, architecture does more than house products. It shapes brand identity, influences customer journeys, and transforms physical spaces into memorable brand experiences. Whether it’s a flagship store that immerses shoppers in storytelling or a mall that doubles as a civic hub, retail architecture plays a critical role in how consumers connect with brands.

From mixed-use developments to pop-up boutiques, retail design blends functionality with emotion. Awards that honor excellence in this space recognize not only aesthetic quality but also innovation, sustainability, and impact on the customer experience. 

In this guide, we explore the most significant retail architecture awards in 2026, the standout winners from recent years, and what makes these programs worth your attention.

Esteemed Award Winners in Retail Architecture

Recent years have showcased groundbreaking examples of retail architecture that blur the line between commerce and culture.

The Google Store – Mountain View Flagship

The Google Store by Aidlin Darling Design is part of the new Google headquarters. Designed to activate curiosity, the store features spine-like sculptural installations that wind through the space. The inspiration from the store’s designs comes from its surrounding environment. Namely, the San Francisco Bay estuaries. 

QUILICOT

Designed by DKA, Quilicot’s new building combines a distribution center, boutique and head office into one space. The design offers the spaciousness of a department store while maintaining the look and feel of your local bike shop. Inside, 42 bicycles are hung throughout the store utilizing a grid lighting system.

NOWSEE

NOWSEE, by Informal Design is envisioned as both a social and retail destination. One of the goals of lead designer Sheng Wang was to help provide visitors with a break from the urban concrete jungle. This has been achieved by making NOWSEE an integrated part of the community by creating a communal hub that brings together neighborhood living, retail, art exhibitions, and family-friendly experiences.

Other Recent AMP Winners

The Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) continues to honor outstanding retail environments worldwide. Recent winners include the UNIQLO Tokyo Flagship Store by Herzog & de Meuron and the Muji Shenzhen Bay Store by Yuko Nagayama & Associates. Both have been recognized for blending minimalist design with experiential retail. These projects have been showcased across Designboom and ArchDaily, reinforcing AMP’s global visibility for awardees.

Best Retail Architecture Awards in 2026

1. International Property Awards (Retail Categories)

The International Property Awards recognize outstanding achievements in real estate and architecture, including dedicated retail categories. Projects are judged on innovation, functionality, and sustainability, with entries divided by region and then elevated to an international stage.

 

Winners have included the Dubai Mall Zabeel Extension by RMJM Dubai and the Apple Store Marina Bay Sands by Foster + Partners. For retail designers, this award offers both global recognition and networking with developers and investors.

2. Architecture Masterprize (Retail Interior Category)

The Architecture MasterPrize celebrates design excellence in architecture globally. 

Part of their commercial awards, the retail interior category recognizes projects that enhance brand identity, user experience, and spatial innovation. The award covers categories such as flagship stores, shopping centers, and mixed-use developments.

Recent award winners include the Marisfrolg Showroom and In the Depths of the Bamboo Grove: A Collective Store, both winners in the Retail Interior category.

 

 

What makes AMP’s award unique is their international reach and focus on design impact. Award winners gain exposure through AMP’s online platform, annual publication, and global press coverage on global outlets.

3. Creative Retail Awards

The Creative Retail Awards celebrate excellence in retail design, visual merchandising, and store innovation. Organized by Shop! Association and the Retail Design Expo, these awards spotlight projects that merge creativity with measurable business success.

 

Recent winners include Harrods Beauty Halls (London) by Virgile + Partners and Nike Concept Stores in Europe, both recognized for using storytelling and sensory design to enhance the customer journey. Winners are featured in Retail Focus and Design Week.

4. ICSC Global Design & Development Awards

The ICSC Awards celebrate the best retail and mixed-use developments that redefine the shopping experience. Judging criteria emphasize economic performance, community impact, and design innovation.

 

The recent Grand Award went to the Lovi Center in Xi’an, China, while previous winners include Hudson Yards (New York) and ICONSIAM (Bangkok). These projects were featured in ICSC Exchange and Forbes for their visionary urban integration.

5. Asia Pacific Property Awards (Retail Projects)

Part of the International Property Awards, the Asia Pacific Property Awards highlight the region’s best commercial developments. The retail category celebrates projects that advance regional architecture while maintaining cultural integrity.

 

Recent winners include The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi and Seoul Starfield COEX Mall by Gensler + Associates. Winners are published in Asia Property Review and receive international exposure through gala events.

6. RIBA Awards (Retail Buildings)

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Awards include retail buildings that demonstrate design excellence and community contribution.

 

The NOMA Block Redevelopment in Manchester by Sheppard Robson and Coal Drops Yard in London by Heatherwick Studio were recognized for blending heritage structures with contemporary retail. These projects appeared in Architects’ Journal and The Guardian as examples of adaptive reuse done right.

What Judges Look for in Award-Winning Retail Architecture

Judges evaluate projects based on several key aspects. Customer flow and spatial efficiency determine how comfortably and naturally visitors navigate the space. Brand storytelling is vital, as successful retail design translates a brand’s identity into form, light, and materials.

Technology and experiential design also play a growing role, with interactive displays, augmented reality, and responsive lighting creating immersive environments. Sustainability is increasingly central, as judges favor adaptable designs using recycled materials or energy-efficient systems. Finally, urban and contextual relevance matters, especially in city centers, where retail projects often double as public gathering spaces.

How to Maximise Your Chances of Winning

Success in award submissions starts with strong presentation. Use professional photography that shows how people interact with the space. Provide performance metrics, such as increases in footfall, dwell time, or sales growth, if available.

Tailor each entry to match specific award criteria. For example, highlight brand storytelling for AMP or sustainability for ICSC. Always include a clear description of the client’s goals and explain how the design elevated the brand experience.

Lastly, plan ahead. Early submissions often benefit from reduced entry fees and better media timing, especially for global awards that align with annual design festivals.

Conclusion

Retail architecture continues to evolve, blending commerce, culture, and community. Winning awards not only validates your creative vision but also strengthens your brand’s credibility in a rapidly changing market.

Competitions like the Architecture MasterPrize and ICSC Awards provide global recognition for firms pushing boundaries in design and experience. As you plan for 2026, review your past projects and identify which awards align best with your aspirations for visibility, growth, and recognition.