Commercial spaces are an extension of a company’s brand and a key part of customer experience. And a well-designed office or retail space can significantly shape how people perceive a brand and how they feel within the environment.
Today’s best commercial architecture embraces innovation, sustainability, and community impact through cohesive and inviting design principles.
In this guide, we highlight some of the top commercial architecture awards, helping you identify competitions where you can benchmark your work against the very best in the industry. We’ll also cover what judges typically look for in award-winning commercial projects, and share tips on how you can maximize your chances of success.
Let’s dive in.
TL;DR: The best awards for commercial architecture are:
1. International Property Awards (Commercial divisions)
2. Commercial Architecture MasterPrize by AMP
3. RIBA Awards (Commercial Buildings)
4. Dezeen Awards (Commercial and Retail projects)
5. SBID International Design Awards (Commercial interiors)
Before we get into detail about each of the awards we’ve listed above, let’s discuss what makes these competitions so important.
Firstly, award winners send signals to clients, developers, and investors that their work meets the highest industry standards.
Next, winning drives significant media visibility as competitions like AMP’s Commercial Architecture awards have extensive media partner networks.
The commercial architecture market is crowded and winning an award helps you distinguish yourself amongst the crowd.
Finally, awards are great motivators and help lift the standard of work that your team produces. Also, attending award events are great networking opportunities through which you may get to know other industry professionals, local governing bodies and other stakeholders.
Now let’s get stuck into the top commercial awards in architecture.
The International Property Awards is a long-running program that recognizes excellence in real estate development and architecture worldwide. This award covers a wide range of categories, among which are its commercial categories such as Best Office Architecture, Best Retail Development, Best Commercial Renovation.
Recent award winners include TSLAW Tower which won the Office Category at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2025. Also the AURAFANTASY cinema project by Alexander Wong Architects.
The International Property Awards (IPA) are unique for their two-tier judging process and global scale. A project that wins in, say, the Asia Pacific Property Awards (the regional competition) might then go on to contend for the international title against winners from Europe, the Americas, and other regions.
Submission deadlines for this competition vary by region, and it’s best to check their website for full details.
AMP’s Commercial Architecture MasterPrize is one of the most respected awards for commercial design. The annual competition attracts thousands or yearly entries from multiple countries each year and stands out for its truly international scope, esteemed judging panel, and the high calibre of projects it attracts.
Recent winners of the Commercial Architecture Masterprize include Kansas Restaurant by Carla Bechelli Arquitectos, Montagne du Parc by Baumschlager Eberle Architekten and Kaizen Campus by ASPA KST.
This award provides entrants with the opportunity to be featured on the world stage. Alongside evaluating how beautiful a building is, the award also places an emphasis on innovation and sustainability in design.
The Commercial Architecture Masterprize is an excellent award competition for architects and developers who have completed a commercial project that pushes boundaries or exemplifies excellence.
The submission deadline for the 2025 awards closes on September 30.
Given by the Royal Institute of British Architects, The RIBA Awards are among the most prestigious architectural accolades in the United Kingdom. Despite not being exclusively dedicated to commercial projects, they routinely honor some of the best commercial architecture as part of their annual program.
Recent award winners of the commercial building category include 8 Bleeding Heart Yard by GROUPWORK, London College of Fashion by Allies and Morrison, as well as Soho Place by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.
The awards structure includes RIBA Regional Awards across various UK regions, National Awards, and the RIBA Stirling Prize for the best building in the UK each year. There’s also the RIBA International Awards.
The RIBA awards criteria emphasize not just looks, but how a building serves its users and community. That means commercial buildings that improve their occupants’ experience and neighborhood have a good shot of winning.
Entries for the RIBA UK Awards 2026 opened on October 17, 2025. Though, submission dates depend on the exact competition you’re applying for, so it’s best to check their website for full details.
A relatively new award, the Dezeen Awards are run by a leading online design magazine that covers architecture, interior design, and design products, with an international outlook. Among their many award categories, they’ve reserved several spots for commercial spaces as well.
Recent award winners include Aesop Diagonal by Mesura (small retail interior of the year) and Pavillon Jardins by Atelier du Pont (workplace project of the year).
The Dezeen Awards stand out for their emphasis on cutting-edge design, as well as for their media platform. Since Dezeen is a publication, winning (or even being shortlisted) often means that projects get published to a wide global audience of design enthusiasts and professionals.
Dezeen Awards are open globally to architects and designers of all levels. Small studios, big firms, and even self-employed designers enter.
The 2025 awards have been finalized, and the 2026 awards are yet to be announced. Based on the 2025 schedule, we can expect that entries for the 2026 awards will open in February.
Organized by the Society of British and International Interior Design, the SBID International Design Awards focus primarily on interior design across various sectors, with a strong representation of commercial interior categories.
Categories span retail design, office design, restaurant and bar design, hotel design, public space interiors, and anything that covers any sort of interior design. That includes commercial spaces as well, of course.
Recent award winners include Ixchel by The Nanu Group & Behind The Door Designs (Global Winner), Control Room B, Battersea Power Station by Ellis Design Studio (UK Winner) and 144 Oxford Anglo American by Paragon (Office Design over 2,000 SqM).
SBID’s awards are known for their robust judging process and a bit of public engagement as well. They employ expert judging panels (made up of industry leaders, press, and business figures in design) to score entries, combined with a public vote component.
The submission period for the 2026 SBID International Design Awards has not yet opened, and no specific deadlines have been announced. Based on the schedule for previous years, entries are likely to open in March 2026.
Every award has its own set of criteria, but there are common themes in what judges tend to value in commercial architecture entries.
If you’ve completed a commercial project that you believe in, don’t hesitate to throw your hat in the ring and enter one of the award competitions we’ve discussed above. Winning a commercial award will help shine a spotlight on your business and earn you international, regional and local recognition.
All the awards that we’ve mentioned share the same core principle: that great design can transform commercial spaces into something much more than mere real estate.
With its international reach and reputation for honoring visionary work, the AMP Commercial Architecture MasterPrize is a great place to earn international exposure. Submission deadlines for the 2025 competition close on September 30, so get in quick.
Landscape design goes far beyond creating visually appealing outdoor spaces. Well-designed outdoor spaces shape how communities live with nature, interact with cities, and experience public environments. From ecological restoration projects to innovative urban parks, landscape design has a lasting impact on quality of life.
Awards play an important role in recognizing these contributions. Celebrating innovation, sustainability, and design excellence, they give professionals and firms a platform for industry wide recognition. In this article, you’ll learn why landscape awards matter, discover ten of the most important competitions in 2025, and understand what judges look for in successful submissions.
Let’s dive in.
Whether you’re an individual architect or representing a firm, winning an award competition is quite a compelling achievement. Recipients of the top prize automatically have a better reputation, receive more exposure, and can use their awards to secure new projects.
We go into each of these benefits in a little more detail below:
The WLA Awards, organized by World Landscape Architecture magazine, highlight built and conceptual works from across the globe.
Winners gain significant visibility since their projects are published online and in the WLA annual eBook. In 2024, winning projects included large-scale waterfront redevelopments in Canada and community-focused parks in China.
This year’s winners have also been announced, and they are Surfacedesign Inc’s The Beach at Elliot Bay (Expedia HQ) for Commercial Landscape Design; Vladimir Djurovic and his Gulbenkian Foundation Garden Extension for Institutional Landscape Design; as well as The Opera Park by Cobe for Large Public Space Landscape Design.
The next awards are expected to be announced in early 2026. A call for submissions is expected around that time as well.
The IFLA Awards celebrate global leadership in landscape design, with categories ranging from built projects to climate-responsive initiatives.
Winners are announced at the IFLA World Congress and featured in publications such as Topos and World Landscape Architecture. In 2024, standout projects included green infrastructure designs in Singapore and cultural landscape restorations in Africa.
Recent winners include James Corner (2024 winner) and YoungSun Jung (2023 winner). Submissions for the 2025 awards (being held in September and November 2025) have closed, and the 2026 awards are yet to be announced.
Urban Design of the Year 2024: QIN LAKE PARK:FROM CULTURE TO NATURE by Grasp Earth Architecture & Landscape Design Co., Ltd.
The Landscape Design MasterPrize (LDMP) celebrates creativity, sustainability, and innovation in landscape architecture worldwide. It covers projects ranging from public parks and gardens to large-scale ecological and urban interventions.
What makes LDMP unique is its exclusive focus on landscapes, unlike broader architecture awards. Winners are featured in AMP’s annual book, showcased across international design media, and included in press releases distributed globally.
In 2024, winning projects included urban renewal landscapes in Europe and sustainable waterfront developments in Asia, with coverage in ArchDaily and Designboom. Submissions for 2025 close on September 30.
The SBID Awards include a subcategory for landscape and urban outdoor projects. Winners gain recognition from both a jury and public vote, and projects are featured in the annual SBID Global Interior Design coffee-table book.
In 2024, winners included residential landscape designs in the UK and mixed-use urban courtyards in Europe, with coverage in SBID’s Global Interior Design publication. The 2025 winners are to be announced during October.
As for the 2026 awards, no official date has yet been set.
The AILA Awards are the leading recognition for landscape design in Australia, covering categories such as civic landscapes, parks, and small projects.
Winners are promoted across Australian design publications and celebrated at an annual gala. In 2024, projects such as the Barangaroo Reserve in Sydney gained national attention. Winners were announced across multiple categories including Civic Landscape, Community Contribution, Cultural Heritage, Gardens, Infrastructure and more.
Submissions are currently closed and the next award winners are expected to be announced in October. 2026 dates haven’t been announced.
The European Garden Award highlights the best contemporary gardens and landscape projects across Europe. Categories include innovative concepts, historic garden management, and public engagement.
Winners are celebrated at Schloss Dyck in Germany and covered by Landscape Architecture Europe. 2024 winners were announced across three categories, being: Management or Development of a Historic Park or Garden; Design or Concept of a Contemporary Park or Garden; and, Climate Adaptation Measures in Parks and Gardens.
The winners of each award were Promenades de Reims, Reims, France; Opera Park, Copenhagen, Denmark; and, Warsaw Uprising Mound Park, Warschau, Poland.
As for the 2026 awards, you may keep a lookout for their announcement via the European Garden Award’s official website to which we’ve linked you below.
The Asia Landscape Design Awards celebrate innovation across Asia, recognizing projects that balance tradition with modernity.
Winners gain strong regional exposure and are featured in exhibitions and Asian design publications. In 2024, awardees included large-scale urban parks in China and sustainable resorts in Southeast Asia.
2025 award submissions are no longer being accepted, and the winners will be announced in November. The 2026 awards are set to be held in Vietnam and submission deadlines are in February, 2026.
Alongside appearance, judges evaluate five other core areas. They include sustainability, community impact, artistic vision, functionality and integration with architecture. We discuss each in more detail below.
Landscape design awards offer professionals the chance to gain recognition, showcase their projects, and highlight their contribution to both community and ecology. Winning provides credibility, media visibility, and opportunities to connect with clients, city planners, and peers worldwide.
Whether your focus is on sustainable urban parks, cultural landscapes, or innovative garden design, the awards we’ve presented in this guide represent the best platforms to elevate your work.
Browse the website of each, and pick a few awards to submit to that are best suited to you. We’d like to suggest our own Landscape Design MasterPrize, as submission deadlines are right around the corner, being September 30, 2025.
Residential design reflects not only aesthetics but also how people live, connect, and experience home. From single-family houses to large-scale housing developments, awards play a key role in recognizing excellence in residential architecture.
In 2025, a number of international, national, and specialized awards continue to set benchmarks in innovation, sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and affordability. We’ve curated 6 of the most prestigious residential design awards this year and discuss what makes each unique, who should enter, recent winners, and important deadlines.
Residential design awards are a great way to build credibility and trust with homeowners, developers, and communities. Winning an award signals that your project or firm has met high standards and helps clients feel confident in commissioning you for their next project.
Another benefit of winning an award is that they help you achieve media visibility through architectural publications, exhibitions, social media and more. For firms, winning distinguishes them in an already competitive sector.
There’s more to residential design awards than material gains. They encourage innovation like sustainability, affordability, and cultural sensitivity design, as the projects that push boundaries and address real human and environmental needs are those that commonly end up winning.
Below are some of the top awards in residential architecture.
The Outstanding Property Award, London (OPAL Award) honors exceptional work in architectural design, interior design, and property development on an international stage.
Projects are judged on how they reduce environmental impact via thoughtful design, embrace innovation in materials or methods, and deliver positive social outcomes.
Recent winners include Casa AV by Rafael Pardo Architects, a project that won the architectural design of the year prize. Also, Lor Calma and Partners won the residential single home award for their project, Pfleider Residence.
The 2025 Opal Awards are currently open for submissions.
AMP’s residential design awards in architecture are dedicated to bringing forward the best designs across a number of categories spanning from traditional residential architecture (multi-unit / single-family) to social housing.
The judging panel at AMP evaluates entries based on more than just aesthetics. They also look at the project’s context, functionality, sustainability, innovation, and how well the design responds to the residents’ lives and the environment. Worth noting, a single residential project can be submitted across multiple categories of AMP’s residential design award.
The Residential Architecture Design Awards by Architecture MasterPrize are well suited for architects, designers, and developers working on projects such as custom single-family homes, multi-unit dwellings, social housing, or residential interior work. You’re able to enter whether you’re an established practitioner or an emerging designer. Your project just needs to be recent (within five years) and well documented. Also, there’s a separate dedicated award for students as well.
The 2024 winner of AMP’s residential design awards was LL House by RA!. This project stood out for its thoughtful integration with its rugged site, sculptural forms, and how it balanced views, privacy, and the environment. Another is Canvas House by PARTISANS, which highlights contemporary residential design excellence under AMP.
For 2025, the final deadline for residential and all AMP categories is September 30, 2025. Earlier deadlines offer discounted entry fees.
The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Awards are among the most prestigious based in the UK. They recognize outstanding residential design through the UK-focused RIBA House of the Year award; affordable housing through the Neave Brown Award; and the RIBA International Awards highlight exceptional residential projects globally.
RIBA has a long history and high profile, especially in architectural excellence, craftsmanship, sustainability, and contribution to the built environment. Winning a RIBA award brings prestige, rigorous scrutiny by peer practitioners, and often public recognition.
Architects working internationally, especially with high-design, high-impact residential projects, or projects that show strong environmental performance or design innovation. Projects that engage with their cultural, social, or environmental context tend to fare well.
Recent winners of the House of the Year Award include Six Columns by 31/44 Architects (2024 winners) and Green House by Hayhurt & Co (2023 winners).
Submission deadlines for the 2026 awards are set for November 2025.
The Asia Housing Awards honor residential design and housing projects across Asia. They recognize projects that combine design with functionality, affordability, sustainability, and local culture.
They focus specifically on housing/design in the Asian context. That means climate, cultural traditions, materials, community participation, local constraints, and innovation in low-cost or climate-responsive housing are particularly valued when judging.
The awards are open to designers, architects, developers, NGOs working in Asia with residential/housing projects. Projects that address affordable housing, sustainable materials, community, or climate adaptation are particularly encouraged.
There isn’t one single deadline for all “Asia housing awards” as multiple award programs exist
World Architecture News (WAN) Awards spotlight a range of architectural work globally, including residential, interiors, and public projects. They often highlight experimental design, sustainability, or creative responses to challenging briefs.
WAN tends to favor projects that push boundaries whether through unusual materials, bold form, or novel social/environmental strategies. They often publish in WAN’s media channels, giving visibility to the architectural discourse as well as design.
Architects or designers with projects that are ambitious, conceptually strong, or that address pressing design issues are encouraged . Ideal for architects who want both critical recognition and publication.
Recent winners included Red Rock by Faulkner Architects and Durham Modular Transitional Housing.
Entries for the 2026 awards have closed and the next competition is yet to be announced.
This is an award program focused specifically on interior design, including residential interiors. The Best of Year Awards recognizes excellence in interior aesthetics, functionality, materials, and creativity.
It homes in on interior environments, not architectural shells only. Judges pay attention to how spaces feel, how they function for residents, material choices, craftsmanship, and styling. For residential interiors this is especially relevant.
Interior designers, architects with interior-design capability, and firms focused on renovation, luxury interiors, bespoke fittings, or stylish living spaces commonly compete for this award. Projects that carefully balance aesthetics and liveability are well suited.
2024 Residential winners, like the honorees Osprey House by Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects and Ima House by Desai Chia Architecture
Final submission deadlines for 2025 have closed and 2026 deadlines are TBA.
You might have already gotten an idea of criteria that’s important to judging panels for residential design.
Firstly, there’s functionality and livability. Judges look for how well a space supports comfort, daily activities, and the residents’ lifestyle.
Innovation is also highly valued, and projects using new materials, construction techniques, or design concepts have greater chances of winning.
Next, sustainability weighs heavily as well. Energy efficient projects that use eco-friendly materials, climate resilience, and often carbon footprint are favored.
Aesthetics and form are also important, especially how the design responds to its surrounding environment.
Finally, cultural and community values go a long way, and projects that reflect local building traditions, serve social needs, or engage with community identity often stand out.
To improve your odds of winning any of the competitions we’ve mentioned above, focus on combining strong design innovation with solid functionality. Be sure to showcase your sustainability credentials with measurable data (energy, water, materials). Use professional photography and clear storytelling in your submission. Highlight how your design enhances clients’ lifestyles or benefits the community. And finally, tailor your entry to match the specific criteria of each award.
Residential design awards offer more than recognition. They push design forward, encourage new thinking, and help align architecture with human, social, and environmental goals.
If you aspire to gain recognition, choose the awards whose values align with your project best. Document everything with high quality visuals, tell your story clearly, and ensure your project ticks the boxes for innovation, functionality, sustainability, and context.
Sustainable architecture has moved from being a niche interest to a defining force in the built environment. Today, clients, governments, and communities expect architects to prioritize climate resilience, energy efficiency, and ecological balance. Awards play an important role in this shift. They recognize forward-thinking firms and highlight projects that set new standards for sustainable design.
If you are an architect, designer, or developer, these awards can do more than validate your work. They can amplify your reputation, build trust with clients, and place your projects on a global stage. This guide explores the most respected architecture sustainability awards in 2025, with a special spotlight on the sustainability categories within the Architecture MasterPrize (AMP).
Awards dedicated to sustainability matter for several reasons. First, they act as independent proof of a firm’s commitment to environmental responsibility. In competitive bidding, that credibility can set you apart.
Second, awards often attract media coverage and industry recognition. Winning or even being shortlisted can open doors to publications, exhibitions, and speaking opportunities. This visibility strengthens your position as a leader in sustainable design.
Finally, sustainability awards often provide practical benefits. They can support funding applications, help secure planning approval, and reassure clients that your projects meet the highest ecological standards. For firms aiming to showcase both design excellence and environmental stewardship, these awards are strategic tools as much as they are accolades.
The Holcim Awards for Sustainable Construction are among the world’s most prestigious honors for sustainable design. Organized by the Holcim Foundation, the awards recognize projects that combine architectural excellence with strong environmental, social, and economic performance. Submissions are judged on innovation, scalability, and measurable sustainability outcomes, from reducing carbon footprints to improving community resilience.
With a global reach and regional competitions, the Holcim Awards highlight projects of all scales, from experimental prototypes to large urban developments. Winning an award not only demonstrates leadership in sustainable construction but also provides international visibility and credibility within the architecture and design community.
The Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) has built a global reputation for celebrating excellence across all design disciplines. Within AMP, the Green and Sustainability categories recognize projects that successfully merge architectural creativity with environmental responsibility.
What makes AMP’s sustainability recognition unique is its dedicated focus. Unlike broader awards where sustainability is only a subcategory, AMP ensures that ecological innovation takes center stage. Entries span diverse project types, from residential housing to urban-scale developments, and the award welcomes submissions from both established practices and emerging firms.
In 2024, the Architecture MasterPrize introduced the Social Impact Project of the Year award for the first time, further emphasizing the importance of sustainable building practices and projects that deliver significant social value. The inaugural award was presented to F-AM Arquitectes for their outstanding work on “54 Social Housing in Inca, Mallorca.”
Social Impact Project of the Year award-winner: 54 social housing in Inca, Mallorca, Balearic Islands by F-AM Arquitectes (photo by José Hevia)
The RIBA International Prize Sustainability Recognitions honor projects that exemplify both design excellence and environmental responsibility on a global stage. Awarded by the Royal Institute of British Architects, these recognitions highlight buildings that demonstrate measurable progress in areas such as carbon reduction, energy efficiency, material innovation, and community benefit. Sustainability is integrated into RIBA’s judging process, ensuring that projects are evaluated not only for aesthetics but also for their contribution to a more resilient future. Being recognized by RIBA provides worldwide prestige, media attention, and validation from one of the most respected institutions in architecture and sustainable design.
Beyond the large global prizes, several niche awards recognize specialized achievements:
The Passive House Awards celebrate projects that achieve outstanding performance in energy efficiency and comfort using the Passive House standard. Organized by the Passive House Institute, the awards recognize buildings that minimize energy demand through advanced insulation, airtightness, and passive design strategies such as solar gain and natural ventilation. Submissions range from residential homes to large-scale public and commercial projects, all demonstrating how sustainable design can be practical, affordable, and aesthetically compelling. Winning a Passive House Award signals leadership in ultra-low-energy architecture and highlights a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving occupant well-being, and setting new benchmarks for sustainable construction.
The Living Building Challenge Awards honor projects that achieve the most rigorous standard of sustainable design: the Living Building Challenge. Administered by the International Living Future Institute, these awards recognize buildings that go beyond efficiency to deliver regenerative outcomes. Winning projects often generate more energy than they consume, harvest and recycle their own water, and use non-toxic, locally sourced materials. Submissions must also show positive cultural and community impact, reflecting the program’s holistic vision of sustainability. Earning recognition in the Living Building Challenge Awards positions architects and developers as pioneers in regenerative design and champions of a truly sustainable future.
The AIA COTE Top Ten Awards are the American Institute of Architects’ highest honor for sustainable design. Organized by the Committee on the Environment (COTE), the awards recognize projects that achieve a balance of design excellence, environmental performance, and social impact. Each year, ten winning projects are selected based on metrics such as energy use, carbon footprint, water efficiency, wellness, and community contribution. Submissions are judged on how well they integrate sustainability into every stage of design and operation. Winning a COTE Top Ten Award positions architects as leaders in climate-responsive design and demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainable architecture.
The BREEAM Awards celebrate projects, organizations, and professionals who set new benchmarks in sustainable building practices using the BREEAM certification standard (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). As one of the world’s longest-established sustainability frameworks, BREEAM assesses buildings on energy, water, materials, health, pollution, and ecological impact. The awards highlight exceptional certified projects that go beyond compliance to deliver measurable environmental and social value. Categories span new builds, refurbishments, and infrastructure. Recognition in the BREEAM Awards signals leadership in sustainable development, enhances international credibility, and showcases a commitment to creating buildings and communities that are resilient, efficient, and future-ready.
While criteria vary, several themes consistently emerge across sustainability awards. Understanding these priorities allows you to tailor submissions so they resonate more strongly with juries.
Here’s what judging panels usually look for:
Criteria | What It Means | What Judges Expect | Examples |
Energy Efficiency | Reducing energy demand and integrating renewables. | Demonstrated performance data (kWh/m²/year, renewable % of energy supply). | Passive design strategies, solar PV integration, net-zero energy buildings. |
Material Choices | Using low-impact, recycled, or sustainable materials. | Evidence of lifecycle assessment, sourcing transparency, and carbon footprint reduction. | Reclaimed timber, low-carbon concrete, cradle-to-cradle certified products. |
Climate Resilience | Designing for future climate risks. | Strategies addressing flooding, heat stress, drought, or extreme weather events. | Green roofs for stormwater management, shading systems for heat resilience. |
Human Wellness | Prioritizing occupant health and comfort. | Features that improve indoor air quality, natural light, acoustics, and connection to nature. | Biophilic design, WELL-aligned standards, operable windows for ventilation. |
Community & Social Value | Ensuring designs benefit society and local communities. | Projects that foster inclusivity, accessibility, cultural relevance, and social equity. | Affordable housing, community centers, designs co-created with local stakeholders. |
Innovation & Scalability | New approaches that can influence the broader industry. | Designs that showcase replicable models or technologies with industry-wide impact. | Modular net-zero homes, AI-driven energy optimization, regenerative urban developments. |
Design Excellence | Aesthetics and form complementing sustainability. | Architecture that is not only sustainable but also visually compelling and culturally resonant. | Landmark sustainable museums, civic buildings, or mixed-us |
Success in sustainability awards requires more than just strong design. Here are some ways to increase your chances:
For the Architecture MasterPrize, this combination of artistry and responsibility is at the heart of what the award seeks to celebrate.
Several trends are shaping how sustainability awards evaluate projects:
These shifts show that sustainability in architecture is broadening beyond technical performance into cultural, ecological, and social dimensions.
Sustainability awards are far more than trophies. They are markers of leadership in a world where the built environment plays a pivotal role in addressing climate change. Winning recognition in this space signals to clients, partners, and communities that you are serious about shaping a responsible future.
The Architecture MasterPrize’s sustainability categories stand out because of their global reach and dedicated focus on ecological innovation. They highlight projects that not only perform well but also inspire through design.
If you are preparing submissions this year, consider how your projects can demonstrate measurable impact, strong storytelling, and design excellence. Doing so will not only increase your chances of recognition but also strengthen your practice in the eyes of the world.
Interior design shapes the way people live, work, and interact with their surroundings. Homes to offices, retail spaces and cultural institutions all directly influence mood, productivity, and quality of life.
In 2025, interior design awards remain one of the most effective ways for architectural practices and architects to gain recognition, connect with clients, and showcase their expertise.
In this guide, you’ll discover ten of the most important interior architecture and design awards. We’ve chosen a mix of global competitions, architecture-focused programs with strong interior categories, and respected national awards.
For each, you’ll learn what makes them unique, how winners are recognized, and when to apply.
TL;DR: Awards and their deadlines:
Award winners enjoy several benefits that positively influence their professional reputation with perhaps the most important one being global recognition. Below, go through why you should enter an award competition in more detail:
Run by the Society of British & International Interior Design, the SBID International Design Awards are one of the UK’s most respected competitions. It covers both residential and commercial interiors and welcomes entries from across the world.
One of the award’s distinguishing features is its judging process, which involves both expert panels and public voting. This dual approach ensures that winners gain validation from industry leaders and recognition from wider audiences.
Winners receive trophies, attend an awards ceremony in London, and benefit from strong media coverage across leading design outlets. Recent winners include Franzhulo’s House Of Arts which won the global prize, but also regional winners like the Freed Hotel & Residences by DesignAgency & Pureblink (Americas) and Thailand Contemporary Residence by SIWA Interior (Asia).
The SBID interior design award is great for architects looking to build credibility both on a global and regional scale.
The 2025 competition has been finalized. We’re awaiting announcement for 2026 deadlines.
The Interior Design MasterPrize (IDMP) stands as one of the most significant awards dedicated exclusively to interior architecture and design. The award covers a wide range of categories, from residential and commercial spaces to cultural and public interiors.
Recent winners include Nobu by Cuaik CDS from Mexico City (2024 winner). You may find the full project here.
Nobu, Mexico City, interior by Cuaik CDS (Photo by Zaickz)
Winners of the IDMP award receive recognition in AMP’s annual book, gain exposure through international design media and benefit from global press releases.
AMP’s Interior Design MasterPrize is open to both established firms and emerging designers. The submission deadline is September 30, 2025.
The IIDA Awards are a series of programs that include the Global Excellence Awards and the Interior Design Competition. Each program focuses on forward-thinking interiors that balance functionality with innovation.
Recent winners include 13&9 for the Fractal Chapel at State Hospital Graz in Austria, as well as YANG for the Xi’an Silk Road International Conference Center in China.
IIDA winners are featured on the IIDA website, as well as across renowned publications like the Interior Design magazine. They’re also honored across events like the “Revel in Design” gala in Chicago.
This award is great for firms and individuals who want to position themselves as industry leaders and innovators. Submissions for 2025 have closed, and the next deadline is in March 2026.
The IDA recognizes and promotes exceptional design worldwide across several disciplines, including their prestigious annual “Interior Design of the Year” award.
Awards for the Interior Design of the Year award are broken into multiple categories, including commercial (for workspace design, smart office design, retail, shopping centers etc), cultural/community (e.g., theaters, auditoriums, galleries, museums, healthcare facilities, libraries), residential (such as luxury living, affordable homes, small living spaces), and other (including conceptual projects, temporary and pop-up structures).
Recent winners of the Interior Design of the Year award include Hangzhou M2 Art Center by SpActrum, Emerald Bay by Dina Marciano Design and Switch Bahrain by Karim Rashid Inc. Winners of the IDA’s award receive the coveted IDA trophy and are also published across all their social media channels.
The deadline for the 2025 competition is 13th October, which has been extended from the regular deadline of August 4th.
Dedicated specifically to interior design, encompass a broad range of interior projects across three main categories (residential, commercial and public interior design) and 85 subcategories.
Initial entry into the competition is free and submissions are reviewed by the INT team to ensure only high quality projects are selected as part of the longlist. Winners of the INT award receive widespread global recognition thanks to the brand’s expansive network, as well as in their annual INT Book of Interior Design.
2025 award winners include Watertown Exploratory Labs (WELL) by Elkus Manfredi Architects (commercial), Aux Mille-Voix High School by TLA + UN + NEUF (public interior of the year), and Walkway House by FGMF (residential).
Watertown Exploratory Labs (WELL) by Elkus Manfredi Architects (Photo by Eric Laignel)
Entry dates for the 2026 awards have been announced with final submissions accepted until May 31, 2026.
The RIBA Awards, organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects, primarily celebrate architecture, but they also recognize outstanding interior architecture projects.
These awards are unique because of their strong emphasis on design quality and impact, particularly within the UK.
The Stirling Prize is given to each year’s award winner who represents the UK’s best architect for that given year. Recent winners of the Stirling Prize include:
Winners are recognized through RIBA’s prestigious network, featured in exhibitions, and highlighted in official RIBA publications.
For UK-based firms, a RIBA award for interiors carries significant weight in both professional and client-facing contexts.
Submissions for the 2026 competition close December 11, 2025.
The AIA Interior Architecture Awards, run by the American Institute of Architects, highlight excellence in US-based interior projects. They emphasize designs that enhance the human experience and elevate everyday spaces.
2025 winners include:
Winners are celebrated at the AIA’s annual national conference, and their projects are published in AIA’s print and online platforms. For firms working in the United States, this award offers credibility and strong professional recognition.
The deadline to enter the 2026 competition closes on August 28, 2025.
When evaluating projects, judges look for more than just beautiful interiors. They want designs that feel original, serve a clear purpose, and leave a lasting impression. Here are some of the qualities they pay closest attention to:
Winning an interior design is your chance to strengthen your reputation, gain visibility in the global design community, and show clients that your work stands out in a competitive field.
Awards also open doors to new collaborations and put your projects alongside the best in the industry.
By understanding what judges look for and preparing submissions carefully, you can position your work for success and make the most of these opportunities.
We hope our guide has helped introduce some new interior design awards to you, both in your region and globally.
Explore images that capture light, mood and the soul of space.
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Top architecture awards play a crucial role in celebrating innovation, cultural relevance, and sustainability in the built environment. For architects and firms, these awards validate ideas, elevate reputations, and open new doors professionally.
This guide highlights the most prestigious, globally respected architecture awards administered by foundations, institutes, or professional associations. Our focus is on honors that emphasize quality and public benefit, not popularity contests or media-driven recognition.
We answer key questions such as:
The Pritzker Architecture Prize is widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the field. Often called “the Nobel Prize of architecture,” it honors a living architect whose built work demonstrates consistent and significant contributions to humanity.
Here are the five top architecture awards recognized for their excellence, influence, and global reach:
For early-career professionals and smaller practices, several awards provide excellent exposure:
These architecture competitions help foster new talent and often serve as launching pads for future recognition.
Architects may receive lifetime achievement honors (like the Pritzker or AIA Gold Medal) or project-specific awards (like AMP or RIBA) depending on their career stage and contribution.
Yes, many awards now feature sustainability categories, including AMP, Holcim Awards, and WAF. These recognize ecological responsibility and innovation in sustainable design.
You can explore platforms like Bustler or check the official sites of award programs such as AMP or WAF for open calls.
Being recognized by the top architecture awards can transform an architect’s career, expand their network, and bring visibility to impactful design. Awards like the Pritzker and AMP don’t just reward beauty—they honor work that contributes meaningfully to society.
For architects focused on excellence, innovation, and impact, entering these prestigious design prizes is a strategic step toward global recognition.
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We are proud to present the 2024 winners of the Architecture MasterPrize. These projects reflect a deep commitment to creativity, sustainability, and social value. Join us in applauding these exceptional contributions to the world of architecture, interior, and landscape design.
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The Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) is delighted to present its Book of Winners, a definitive showcase of the 2024 AMP laureates and their transformative projects. This beautifully designed volume captures a decade of AMP’s commitment to celebrating ingenuity in architecture, interiors, landscape, product design, and photography, with submissions this year arriving from over 80 countries, reflecting the global design community’s vibrancy, diversity, and constant evolution.
In this year’s edition, we celebrate another remarkable chapter in architectural creativity and innovation. The Architecture MasterPrize continues to be a place where design is recognized not only for its beauty but also for its impact on communities, the environment, and the future.
We are proud to present the 2024 winners of the Architecture MasterPrize. These projects reflect a deep commitment to creativity, sustainability, and social value. Join us in applauding these exceptional contributions to the world of architecture, interior, and landscape design.
A celebration of the art and impact of architectural photography – this volume honors images that do more than document buildings, they tell stories, capture atmosphere, and invite us to experience spaces we may never set foot in.
Join us in celebrating the best in architectural design and photography.
Order your copies today or download for free to explore the ideas that are shaping our built world.
Registrations for AMP 2025 are now open, and entries are accepted until the final deadline, September 30, 2025. We look forward to showcasing the next wave of groundbreaking projects at AMP.
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The Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) is proud to announce the winners of its 2024 edition, honoring visionary projects that are redefining the built environment across a broad range of disciplines.
This year’s AMP celebrates exceptional projects from around the globe, confidently showcasing architectural works from both renowned figures and emerging talents, including Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Tadao Ando, SOM (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill), KieranTimberlake, Sir Terry Farrell, and many others. Following an extensive evaluation process, the 2024 winners have distinguished themselves as leaders in the field, earning well-deserved international attention.
The awarded projects span a diverse array of categories, each making a profound impact on the trajectory of modern architecture and shaping the future of the industry. Notably, this year’s highly celebrated Architectural Design of the Year title was awarded to a project that masterfully transformed a historic museum into a dynamic, state-of-the-art university, breathing new life into a cherished landmark. This transformation reinforces the power of architecture to inspire meaningful change, blending heritage with forward-thinking design.
In a historic moment, the Social Impact Project of the Year award was introduced for the first time in AMP’s history. It was presented to a social housing project in Spain, praised for its immense social value and transformative impact on the local community, serving as an exemplary model for low-cost housing.
AMP is also proud to name James Corner as the 2024 Landscape Firm of the Year, recognizing his visionary approach to urban spaces. His innovative work continues to shape major cities, offering solutions to environmental challenges while enhancing the human experience.
The AMP remains committed to its mission to highlight exceptional projects across all architectural disciplines, celebrating both established icons and rising talents. This year’s winners stand as exemplars of creativity and technical brilliance, showcasing the vital role that architecture plays in shaping the world.
In a remarkable display of architectural excellence, a select group of projects—representing the top 5%—has earned the Best of Best title, recognizing their exceptional design and influence on the industry. Notable projects include:
The 2024 AMP winners represent the very best in architectural innovation and creativity, solidifying their place among the industry’s leaders.
The awards ceremony will take place at the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao on November 18, 2024, where both the 2023 and 2024 winners will be celebrated. This highly anticipated event promises to continue AMP’s tradition of honoring the groundbreaking achievements of the world’s most talented architects and designers.
For a complete list of the 2024 AMP winners and more information, please visit the official AMP Winners website. The AMP team and jury panel extend their congratulations to all winners and express their deep appreciation to all participants for their outstanding contributions to the field of architecture and design.
The Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) stands as a beacon in the architectural world, honoring exceptional design talent globally. Its mission aligns with the pursuit of sustainability and innovation, making the AMP a platform that not only showcases architectural excellence but also inspires a future where design and sustainability go hand in hand.
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2024 Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) Awards Winners Announced