6 Best Architectural Awards in 2025
September 12, 20252025 promises to be an exciting year for architecture. With new projects redefining how we live and interact with space, architectural awards provide an important platform to celebrate creativity, innovation, and impact.
For architectural firms, awards do more than recognize design excellence. They help build brand credibility, gain global exposure, and also help connect with peers and potential clients. Architectural award categories range from large-scale urban planning to residential projects, interiors, and sustainable design, so there’s something relevant to every practice.
In this guide, we highlight seven of the most prestigious architectural awards. For each, you’ll learn about their background, categories, submission details, and how winners gain visibility.
Why You Should Apply for an Award
Winning or even being shortlisted for an award can open many doors for your firm. Some of the key benefits include:
- Enhanced credibility: An award signals to clients, partners, and peers that your work meets international (or local) standards of excellence. You’re obviously being recognized as one of the best, and winning an award communicates that to potential clients.
- Increased visibility: Winners often receive press coverage in top architecture and design outlets, helping your work reach a global audience. For example, winners of AMP’s awards get mentioned in publications like rchDaily, Bustler, Interior Daily, Dexigner and Archinect.
- Stronger client trust: Potential clients see award recognition as proof that your designs deliver quality and innovation. You’re not the only one claiming that you provide great work. Someone else is too.
- Marketing advantage: Awards strengthen your portfolio, making your proposals and pitches stand out.
- Networking opportunities: Ceremonies and festivals allow you to connect with fellow architects, developers, and thought leaders. Even governing bodies may attend award events, looking for a long-term partner for their local development projects.
- Talent attraction: Ambitious architects and designers want to work with award-winning firms, improving your recruitment efforts. Think of young, hungry architects who want to make a name for themselves. They may start knocking on your door.
Best Architectural Awards in 2025
Several awards define the global conversation around architecture. Here’s an overview before we dive into full detail:
| Award | What is it? | Categories | Submission Deadline |
| Pritzker Architecture Prize | World’s most prestigious architecture prize | Lifetime achievement | N/A – nomination based |
| Architecture MasterPrize |
International award celebrating design excellence | Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape, Product Design | September 30, 2025. |
| RIBA International Prize |
Awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects |
Building of the year | Late 2026 |
| Aga Khan Award for Architecture | Recognizes architecture serving Muslim communities |
Various | 2025 awards have closed. 2026 awards TBA. |
| Holcim Awards | Focus on sustainable construction |
Gold, Silver, Bronze by region | 2025 awards have closed. 2026 awards TBA. |
| UIA Gold Medal | Highest honor of the International Union of Architects |
Lifetime contribution | September 25, 2025 |
1. Pritzker Architecture Prize
Often called the “Nobel Prize of Architecture,” the Pritzker Prize honors a living architect or architects whose built work demonstrates talent, vision, and commitment. Unlike other awards, it recognizes lifetime achievement rather than a single project.
There are no categories, as the prize focuses on overall contribution. Winners join an elite circle, with past laureates including Renzo Piano, Rem Koolhaas, and Anne Lacaton & Jean-Philippe Vassal.
Winners are announced in spring, with a formal ceremony held at a culturally significant site. The prestige and visibility are unmatched, with global media covering each announcement.
There is no set deadline for this award, as it’s completely nomination based.
2. Architecture MasterPrize
The Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) is one of the most inclusive and widely recognized awards in the industry. It celebrates the best of architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, sustainable designs, architectural product design and more.
Categories are broad, covering projects from single-family homes to large cultural and public spaces. AMP also highlights innovative materials and products that shape how spaces function.
Notable winners include firms like Zaha Hadid Architects, BIG, Tadao Ando, Sou Fujimoto, David Chipperfield, and many more. Projects that win one of AMP’s prizes often gain coverage across international design publications and are also featured on AMP’s website and annual book.
Sluishuis by Barcode Architects, BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Photo Ossip van Duivenbode
To apply, you’ll need to prepare high-quality images, detailed project descriptions, and supporting documentation (see their full submission requirements here).
Submission is online, with the final deadline on September 30, 2025.
3. RIBA International Prize
Organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects, the RIBA International Prize recognizes the world’s best new building. It emphasizes design excellence and social impact.
Categories are limited to built projects, but entries can range from housing to cultural centers and infrastructure.
Winners gain global recognition through RIBA’s media network, and past winners include Grafton Architects for their university campus in Lima.
To apply, you submit via RIBA’s platform with detailed project documentation. The deadline typically falls in spring 2025 and the next deadline is expected to be announced for late 2026.
4. Aga Khan Award for Architecture
The Aga Khan Award is unique in its focus on architecture that improves quality of life in Muslim communities worldwide. It looks at social, cultural, and environmental impact, not just aesthetics.
Categories vary but often include housing, community facilities, and restoration projects.
Past winners include projects like the Revitalization of Muharraq in Bahrain and Bangladesh’s Arcadia Education Project. Recognition is significant, as projects receive international attention for blending tradition with modernity.
Applications are accepted online, with the next deadline expected in fall of 2026.
5. Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction
The Holcim Awards spotlight innovative approaches to sustainable construction. Organized regionally and globally, the awards aim to promote ideas that tackle environmental and social challenges.
Categories include Gold, Silver, and Bronze at regional levels, as well as innovation prizes.
Notable winners include sustainable housing initiatives and infrastructure projects that address resilience and climate adaptation. Winners are featured in Holcim Foundation publications and events.
Applications can be submitted online. This year’s deadline past in February and the 2026 deadline is yet to be announced.
6. The UIA Gold Medal
Awarded by the International Union of Architects, the UIA Gold Medal recognizes lifetime contributions to the profession. It honors architects whose work has advanced humanity and society.
There are no categories, as the medal is a career recognition.
Notable recipients include Kenzo Tange and Charles Correa. The award is highly symbolic, positioning winners among the most respected figures in the industry.
Nominations are submitted through UIA member sections, with deadlines expected in September 2025.
How to Position Your Firm or Work for Award Success
Submitting to awards requires more than good design. To maximize your chances:
- Craft compelling submissions: Tell the story behind your project. Explain the problem it solves and how it improves lives.
- Show impact beyond design: Highlight sustainability, community benefit, or cultural contribution.
- Use visuals effectively: High-quality photography and drawings make your submission memorable, helping your submission stand out and increasing your chances of winning.
- Plan ahead: Track deadlines and prepare submissions early to avoid last-minute stress, and take advantage of early entry discounts.
- Leverage recognition: Once shortlisted or awarded, showcase your award throughout your marketing, website, and pitches.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Architectural awards are more than recognition; they’re strategic tools to build your firm’s reputation, win new work, and connect with the global community.
Stay updated on deadlines and future opportunities by subscribing to our newsletter. You can also create an account and make your submission directly to the Architecture MasterPrize before the September 30, 2025 deadline.