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AWARDS CATEGORIES & FEES
2026 CATEGORIES
Professional Design Awards - $295 per entry until June 19 ($350 after June 20)
Commercial / Institutional
New Construction (over and under 15,000 SF)
Projects submitted in this category will include a broad range of types such as Commercial, Educational, Multifamily, Institutional, or Faith-based Architecture.
Submissions in the New Construction category will be entered into two subcategories based on project gross square footage: under 15,000 square feet and over 15,000 square feet.
Special Projects
Projects submitted in this category include construction, objects, works of environmental art or architectural design under 1,000 square feet.
Substantial Renovation
Projects submitted in this category primarily focus on renovating previously built projects. Renovations, additions, and projects that are within the scope of a larger project are eligible, but project scope must be clearly and accurately presented through graphics and written descriptions
Residential
One & Two Family
Projects submitted in this category will include single family residential projects of no more than two (2) units.
Submissions in this residential category will be entered into two subcategories based on project gross square footage; Under 3,500sf and over 3,500sf.
Substantial Renovation
Projects submitted in this category primarily focus on renovating previously built projects. Renovations, additions, and projects that are within the scope of a larger project are eligible, but project scope must be clearly and accurately presented through graphics and written descriptions
Affordable *NEW*
In consideration of one of the nation’s most significant issues, affordable housing, as well as the AIA strategic plan with a priority on equity, this award Recognizes architecture that demonstrates excellent design responses to the needs and constraints of affordable housing at a variety of scales.
This category recognizes exceptional design in single-family or multi-family residential projects that prioritize affordability and dignity for residents. Projects may be 100% affordable or mixed-income developments.
Eligibility:
To qualify, a project must meet at least one of the following:
- Income Threshold: A minimum of 20% of units are reserved for households at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI).
- Financing: The project utilized recognized affordable housing subsidies (e.g., LIHTC, HOME funds, or local housing trusts).
Required Submission Narratives:
Submissions must include a concise response addressing the following:
- Quality of Life: Describe how the design improves the daily lives of residents with limited budgets. For mixed-income projects, explain how the design ensures "tenure-blind" equality between affordable and market-rate units.
- Operational Affordability: Detail specific strategies used to reduce energy and maintenance costs. Focus on how these choices lower the long-term financial burden on both the tenants (utilities) and the building owners (upkeep).
- Affordability Metrics: State the specific AMI levels served, and the primary funding mechanisms used.
Design Partners *NEW*
Interior Design + Architecture
Projects in this category recognize excellence for both architecture and interior; specifically, how they uniquely relate to each other. Both the Interior Design Firm and the Architecture Firm will receive the award.
Landscape Design + Architecture
Projects in this category recognize excellence for both architecture and the landscape; specifically, how they uniquely relate to each other. Both the Landscape Design Firm and the Architecture Firm will receive the award.
Design Excellence Awards
COTE. *NEW*
This award recognizes well-designed projects that exemplify the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence and the COTE Measures of Sustainability. ASPIRE COTE award applicants should include a narrative aligned with the 10 principles of the Framework for Design Excellence, along with appropriate supporting graphics, that highlights key design concepts, building systems, and site elements that demonstrate concepts of sustainability, resilience, and equity in the built environment. Selection favors well-designed solutions that exhibit an integration of natural systems and appropriate technology quantifying features, when possible (using suggested metrics), verification through building systems modeling, analysis, and best practices.
Urban Design/Master Planning
Projects submitted in this category include municipal master plans, civic improvements, private development plans, campus plans, environmental programs, redevelopment projects, and transportation plans that have a significant urban design or master planning component. Urban Design/Master Planning projects should not be individual buildings. Projects that involve changes to existing context are eligible, but project scope must be clearly and accurately presented through graphics and written descriptions.
Historic Preservation
This category honors projects of any type that thoughtfully reimagine existing buildings or sites through renovation, expansion. Submissions may include projects within designated Historic Districts or listed on Historic Registers, with recognition and significance clearly noted, as well as undesignated projects that demonstrate meaningful historical value. The award celebrates inspired interventions that create a dynamic dialogue between past and present, where preservation and innovation coexist. Routine maintenance does not qualify.
Unbuilt
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. Unbuilt projects are eligible for Merit Awards only.
Unbuilt Landscape
Master plans, visionary proposals, competition entries, research-driven design, community-based planning frameworks, pilot prototypes, or phased landscapes not yet constructed.
Unbuilt entries must demonstrate feasibility through clear implementation logic (phasing, governance, stewardship, maintenance, cost realism, or policy pathway).
Student Design Awards - $35 per entry
Projects submitted in the Student Design Award category should be the work of students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate architecture/ interior design / landscape design degree program, or those who have graduated after January 1st, 2026. Projects must have been completed in pursuit of a degree or academic credit. Entrants must be sponsored by a professor at their university. Group projects are eligible for recognition and will be considered as a group submission. All group members should be credited with roles clearly identified on the submission form. Student projects are entered into either the Undergraduate Student or the Graduate Student subcategory. Multiple entries are permitted; however, individual rooms or spaces within the same project are considered a single submission.
ARCHITECTURE:
Submissions should reflect principles of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, such as Design for Integration, Design for Well-Being, and Design for Resources, and align with the AIA Materials Pledge through thoughtful selection of healthy, low‑carbon, and responsibly sourced materials. It is recommended to include three (3) of the ten (10) focus components to show integration of theory to design.
DESIGN:
Projects submitted in the Non-Architectural (Interior Design / Landscape Design). While not needing to follow the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, submissions should reflect Design for Integration, Design for Well-Being, and Design for Resources, and align with thoughtful selection of healthy, low‑carbon, and responsibly sourced materials.
Jury’s Choice | Design Excellence
The Jury will select one overall winner from all submissions* that represent the very best of the design excellence for design for climate, people, and communities. (*NOTE: All submissions are automatically considered by the jury in this category).
DESIGN AWARDS JURY
The 2026 Aspire Design Awards Jury Chair is Steve Raike, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C; Partner, Lake Flato Architects
The jury is a diverse and highly qualified group that is keenly aware of the Southern Vernacular, building in this climate and strongly values the AIA environmental, resilience and carbon initiatives. |
DESIGN AWARDS SCHEDULE
May 18, 2026 Registration opens at https://aiaaspire.secure-platform.com/site
June 19, 2026 Early bird discount registration ends.
July 17, 2026 Submissions must be uploaded no later than 11:59PM EDT
DESIGN AWARDS FEES
$295 per submission until June 19 ($350 after June 19)
STUDENT DESIGN AWARDS FEES
$35 per submission until July 19
REFUND POLICY
No refunds will be issued for Design Awards or Student Design Awards registration fees.
QUESTIONS
Please direct all inquiries to Robert Harrahill, AIA SC Executive Director. robert@aiasc.org