Why Architecture Awards Matter

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:

  • What is the biggest award for architects?
  • Which architecture competitions matter most?
  • What are the most prestigious architecture prizes in the world?

What Is the Biggest Award for Architects?

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.

  • Established: 1979 by the Pritzker family (Hyatt Foundation)
  • Awarded: Annually
  • Notable Winners: Zaha Hadid, Tadao Ando, David Chipperfield, Frank Gehry, Francis Kéré

Top Architecture Awards List: The Most Prestigious Design Prizes

Here are the five top architecture awards recognized for their excellence, influence, and global reach:

1. Pritzker Architecture Prize

  • The most prestigious architecture prize globally
  • Honors lifetime achievement and profound impact on the built environment

2. RIBA International Prize

  • Recognizes buildings that make a significant contribution to society globally
  • Awarded biennially by the Royal Institute of British Architects

3. AIA Gold Medal

  • The highest honor from the American Institute of Architects
  • Celebrates individuals whose work has had a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture

4. Venice Architecture Biennale – Golden Lion

  • Awards conceptual, experimental, and visionary work
  • Reflects cultural and architectural innovation at a global scale

5. Architecture MasterPrize (AMP)

  • Recognizes excellence in architecture, interior, and landscape design
  • Celebrates innovation, aesthetics, and sustainable design
  • Open to both emerging talents and established professionals
  • Visit the homepage of the AMP Architecture Awards

Awards for Young or Emerging Architects

For early-career professionals and smaller practices, several awards provide excellent exposure:

  • Young Architects Program (MoMA PS1)
  • World Architecture Festival (WAF)

These architecture competitions help foster new talent and often serve as launching pads for future recognition.

FAQ: Architecture Awards & Competitions

What awards do architects get?

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.

What are the most prestigious architecture awards?

  • Pritzker Architecture Prize
  • RIBA International Prize
  • AIA Gold Medal
  • Venice Biennale – Golden Lion
  • Architecture MasterPrize (AMP)

Are there awards for sustainable architecture?

Yes, many awards now feature sustainability categories, including AMP, Holcim Awards, and WAF. These recognize ecological responsibility and innovation in sustainable design.

Where can I find international architecture competitions?

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.

Unlock the AMP 2024 Book of Winners

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Why You’ll Love It

  • Global Inspiration
    See 2024’s best entries from over 80 countries.
  • Real-World Impact
    Meet the first-ever Social Impact Project of the Year—a Spanish social housing model that lifts communities.
  • Earth-Smart Design
    Discover how winners use local, renewable materials to blend with nature.
  • Expert Curation
    Handpicked by a jury of top architects, designers & scholars.

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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AMP Winners Book 2024 cover with featured project thumbnails

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.

A Global Benchmark for Architecture and Design

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.

  • Social Impact Project of the Year
    2024 marks a historic moment for AMP with the introduction of the Social Impact Project of the Year award. Its first recipient, a social housing project in Spain, exemplifies how thoughtfully designed low-cost housing can transform lives and communities.
  • Sustainability at the Core
    Across all categories, winners embraced environmentally conscious approaches, using local and renewable materials and working in harmony with natural surroundings. These projects respond to today’s urgent challenges while charting a responsible, resilient vision for tomorrow.
  • An International Jury
    Our respected jury of architects, designers, curators, and academics reviewed each submission with thoughtfulness and expertise, ensuring that every project in the Book of Winners sets new benchmarks for what architecture can achieve.

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.

Get Your Copy

AMP Winners Book 2024 cover with featured project thumbnails

Architecture Photography MasterPrize 2024 Winners Book

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.

Architecture Photography MasterPrize 2024 Book cover on dark background

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.

Call for Entries: AMP 2025

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.

ENTER AMP 2025

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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.

The 2024 Architecture MasterPrize Awards Winners Include:

  • Architectural Design of the Year:
    Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center by Rockwell Group (USA)
  • Interior Design of the Year:
    Nobu by Cuaik CDS (Mexico)
  • Social Impact Project of the Year:
    54 Social Housing in Inca, Mallorca, Balearic Islands by Fortuny-Alventosa, Morell Arquitectes (F-AM Arquitectes) (Spain)
  • Landscape Architecture of the Year:
    Qin Lake Park: From Culture to Nature by Grasp Earth Architecture & Landscape Design Co., Ltd. (China)
  • Architecture Firm of the Year:
    Dominique Coulon & Associés (France)
  • Interior Design Firm of the Year:
    Omar Gandhi Architects (Canada)
  • Landscape Architecture Firm of the Year:
    James Corner Field Operations (USA)
  • Product Design of the Year:
    MykoFoam by Mykor (UK)
  • Exterior Architecture Photographer of the Year:
    Albrecht Voss (Germany)
  • Interior Architecture Photographer of the Year:
    Franco Casaccia (Argentina)

Architecture MasterPrize 2024 Winners - showcasing award-winning projects from the global architecture industry

Best of Best Award

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:

  • Small Architecture:
    MPavilion 10  by Tadao And
  • Cultural Architecture:
    Istanbul Museum of Modern Art     by Renzo Piano Building Workshop –   
  • Educational Buildings:
    UCL East Marshgate     by Stanton Williams –  
  • Residential Architecture:
    Canvas House     by PARTISANS – 
  • Cultural Architecture:
    The New Museum of Ethnography, Budapest     by NAPUR Architect Ltd. – 
  • Hospitality Architecture:
    Lakeside Teahouse      by Domain Architects
  • Residential Interior:
    The Ravine     by A Work of Substance – 
  • and more


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.


About the Architecture MasterPrize (AMP)

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.

architectureprize.com

View and Download Press Kit:
2024 Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) Awards Winners Announced

On November 18, 2024, the architectural world gathered at one of the most iconic buildings—the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao—for an unforgettable celebration of creativity and innovation. The 2024 Architecture MasterPrize (AMP) Awards Ceremony brought together over 300 distinguished guests from around the globe, including visionary designers, emerging talents, and industry leaders, to honor the exceptional winners of the 2023 and 2024 programs.

For nearly a decade, the AMP has celebrated global excellence in architecture, recognizing luminaries such as Tadao Ando, Zaha Hadid Architects, Elora Hardy of IBUK, and Sir David Chipperfield. This year’s ceremony continued that legacy, shining a spotlight on visionary projects that are shaping the future of the built environment.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Frank Gehry’s architectural masterpiece, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the event was a vibrant celebration of design innovation. Attendees were treated to an inspiring evening filled with immersive presentations, heartfelt acceptance speeches, exquisite dining, and live entertainment. The museum’s dynamic forms and world-renowned art collections provided a fitting stage for the architectural visionaries who are redefining their disciplines.

Highlighting Innovation Across Categories

With thousands of submissions from 81 countries, the ceremony brought together a remarkable group of winners, showcasing exceptional talent and groundbreaking projects celebrated at the 2024 AMP Awards Ceremony, including:

These distinguished architects, designers, and photographers were among the many celebrated for their visionary projects, which continue to expand the boundaries of architectural excellence.

Looking to the Future

This year’s celebration reinforced AMP’s mission to inspire innovation and recognize excellence across all architectural disciplines. By honoring a diverse array of talent—from established icons to rising stars—the AMP cultivates a global community where creativity, sustainability, and collaboration thrive.

The AMP team extends its heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants, whose exceptional work not only elevates the standards of design but also inspires a future where architecture serves as a driving force for positive global change.

For a complete list of winners and exclusive event images, visit the official AMP website at architectureprize.com.

Winners of the 2024 Architecture MasterPrize pose during the photo call at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, celebrating their achievements.

 

About Architecture MasterPrize(AMP) 

The mission of the AMP is to advance the appreciation of quality architectural design worldwide. Celebrating creativity and innovation in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, product design and architectural photography, the prize is open to submissions worldwide, accepting entries from architects all around the globe. 

Winners are selected by the esteemed jury of architects and leaders in the architecture world and will receive the AMP trophy and extensive publicity showcasing their designs to a worldwide audience, plus more.

architectureprize.com

The event celebrating the winners of the 2022 Architecture MasterPrize was held at Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain, on November 24, 2022.

As one of the most important events of the year in architecture, over 200 guests from over 70 architectural and design companies enjoyed the culinary creations of Michelin star chef Josean Alija from Nerua Restaurant, after the Winners Ceremony in the Guggenheim Auditorium where winners received their trophies on stage.

Photos from the event can be found here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/nNiCkmBDQTuAMhSQ9

 

The event celebrating the winners of the 2022 Architecture MasterPrize will return to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain, on November 24, 2022.

Please stay tuned for more details, in the meantime enjoy some pictures from the Winners Gala in 2019:

As one of the most important events of the year in architecture, almost 300 guests from 150 architectural and design companies enjoyed the culinary creations of Michelin star chef Josean Alija from Nerua Restaurant, while Architectural Designs, Products and Firms of the Year winners received their trophies on stage.

All photos from the event can be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHHJEAf

List of companies that attended the Gala.

 

 

The event celebrating the winners of the 2018 and 2019 Architecture MasterPrize has taken place at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain, on October 14, 2019.

As one of the most important events in architecture this year, almost 300 guests from 150 architectural and design companies enjoyed the culinary creations of Michelin star chef Josean Alija from Nerua Restaurant, while Architectural Designs, Products and Firms of the Year winners received their trophies on stage.

All photos from the event can be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHHJEAf

List of companies that attended the Gala.

 

 

Save the Date for the 2019 Architecture MasterPrize Gala!

The event celebrating the winners of the 2018 and 2019 Architecture MasterPrize will take place at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Spain, on October 14, 2019.

This is a great opportunity to meet and network with some of the winners, jury members, and the AMP Team.

Be one of the 2019 winners, enter your best projects today and join us in October to celebrate innovation and creativity in architecture.

More details will be revealed soon, stay tuned.

The AAP was originally assembled by Farmani Group with a core mission to advance the appreciation of quality architectural design worldwide, and it has come a long way in the 3 years since its inception. Its influence in the field of architecture has grown exponentially as thousands of architects from all over the world have entered their work. The greatest projects have been distinguished and awarded by the illustrious international jury, and garnered recognition from the global media for their innovative and groundbreaking designs.

We are thrilled with the way AAP has been received by the architectural community and beyond, and we believe that it is time for our name to reflect the global vision — to bring together the best and brightest in architectural design from all corners of the world and shine a spotlight on the greatest achievements.

Therefore, AAP has now been reborn as Architecture MasterPrize. We believe this name represents the mastery, excellence, creativity and innovation exhibited in all the visionary works that have been entered to win this prize from all over the world.

Architecture MasterPrize stands for the same core values that brought AAP to the global forefront in this arena:
– To advance the appreciation of quality architectural design around the world,
– To celebrate the greatest achievements in architecture, interior design and landscape design,
– To showcase the world-class talent and visionaries in these fields.

The MasterPrize recognizes those individuals and teams who push boundaries and set new standards; who turn the ordinary into the truly extraordinary and inspire others, today and for generations to come.

The 2018 program is open for entries now, register here.

The sister program of AMP is also launching soon, the INT Interior Design Awards, the most comprehensive international interior design award program.

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