AIA Philadelphia 2026 Design Awards 

The AIA Philadelphia Design Awards Program celebrates the best contemporary architecture.

Each year, colleagues from other AIA chapters bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the discussion. We rely on their time, insight, expertise, and perspective to assess the submissions and select those projects that, in the eyes of the jury, represent and demonstrate Design Excellence.

The jury evaluates entries based on how successfully projects have met their individual requirements. All projects must advance the discussion of design in architecture, including a sense of place and purpose, of ecology and environmental sustainability, and of equity and history.

More specifically, the jury also evaluates entries relative to the AIA Framework for Design Excellence (F4DE). While submitted projects do not have to excel in all ten measures, they do need to highlight how they perform in this context and highlight relevant narratives and metrics when applicable. AIA Philadelphia considers design excellence within the measures of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence (F4DE). Submitters are strongly encouraged to consider their submission materials in this context.

Since 2019, AIA Philadelphia has been incorporating the Framework for Design Excellence as the set of guidelines and requirements to assess project design and performance. Climate action requires a holistic approach addressing the interdependence among people, buildings, infrastructure, and the environment. The Framework for Design Excellence provides the elements that support this vision during project evaluation by the jury.

All built projects are required to submit sustainability information using the AIA Philadelphia Form that incorporates the F4DE. It is up to the jury to include a review of this information as they consider the design merits of the submissions, and to use this information in their final determination of which projects are worthy of awards in each category, at their discretion. In addition, if the jury feels any project in any category achieves an exemplary sustainable design outcome, they may elect to award a special Sustainability Design Award in addition to or separate from other awards granted.

To adhere to AIA National's submission guidelines, built projects submitted for the design competition must have been completed within the last five years.

  It is within the jury's discretion to select any built project from any built category for consideration for the Gold Medal. Likewise, it is also in the jury's discretion to select any unbuilt project for the Silver Medal.     

The jury process must remain blind, so do not include any identifying information on any slides, including on your title slide. Identifying information includes:

• Firm Name or Address
• Principal or Employee Names
• Company Logo
• Corporate Tagline

   This year's Design Awards celebration will be held Thursday, November 12, 2026. For more information about the Design Awards, please visit the AIA Philadelphia Design Awards program page. 

Submission Fees

• Built Project Categories $225
• Unbuilt Project Categories $225
• Divine Detail Submissions $75

Submission Process Step 1: Create Profile 

• Create a new username and password. If you are submitting more than one entry, you will be prompted for a payment at the end of each submission. 
• Your contact information will pre-populate in each new entry you begin. Click Save Address and Continue to begin your first entry.

Step 2: Submit Your Entry

• Check the boxes indicating you agree to and meet the eligibility requirements.
• Describe your firm's role in the project.
• Enter the names of your collaborating firms and their roles, if applicable.
• Enter then names for each of your project team members, and their contact information, where applicable.
• Enter your Firm Name, Contact Name, Job Title, Email Address, and Phone Number.
• Complete the firm demographic information. 
• Select your project subcategory.
• Check the box indicating that your project has been completed after January 1, 2021.
• Enter your Project Title.
• Enter your Project Description. If selected for an award, this description will be read aloud at the Design Awards Celebration.
• Select YES or NO from the dropdown menu indicating whether or not you would like your project to be included in the exhibition. Please note: we will be using the 40x40 board template, with grommets in each corner. Firms are responsible for logistics, printing, and shipping of boards. Please visit the Design Awards program page on the AIA Philadelphia website for more information.

Step 3: Uploads

• Project Submission - PDF File Only (File Size Limit 10MB). This is the file that will be reviewed by the jury. Please submit one PDF File Only. The submission file is limited to 17 pages total. Your project submission should be: 1 cover page + 12 page project submission + 4 page Framework for Design Excellence form, for a total of 17 pages in ONE PDF. All project categories will be automatically considered for the Sustainability Recognition Award.
• Framework for Design Excellence (F4DE) form - PDF Files Only
• Project Team Information Page - PDF Files Only
• Design Awards Presentation Slide - JPG Files Only. The Design Awards presentation slide will be used during the awards ceremony. We are collecting slides from everyone, regardless of whether your project is selected for an award. Please save the PPT file as a JPG.
• Photo upload - JPG Files Only. Please upload 10 hi-res images of your project.
• Name of Photographer   

Upload templates can be found here. 

 Step 4: Design Awards Entry Authorization

By entering your name, you agree to comply with the Design Awards submission criteria.

Additional information and FAQs can be found here.

 Late entries cannot be accepted. Thank you for your cooperation.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Competition | John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship in Architecture 

The Community Design Collaborative, in partnership with the John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship in Architecture, is thrilled to announce its inaugural Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Competition! Recognizing the pivotal role ADUs play in diversifying housing options and enhancing affordability, this competition aims to ignite innovative design solutions that foster equitable and sustainable communities. We invite students and architects to showcase their creativity and contribute to addressing Philadelphia's housing challenges. 

Competition Goals

• Raise Awareness: Educate the public on the benefits of ADUs and their potential impact on diverse communities. 
• Encourage Innovation: Inspire architects and designers to develop creative solutions for the city's housing needs. 
• Showcase Skills: Provide a platform for participants to demonstrate their expertise in housing design. 
• Inspire the Public: Present imaginative designs that motivate the community to envision new housing possibilities. 
• Encourage Critical Examination of ADU Regulations: Promote thoughtful evaluation and constructive critique of existing ADU codes and specifications to identify opportunities for improvement. 

This initiative seeks to foster sustainable, affordable, and accessible housing solutions for all residents. It is made possible through the generous support of AARP, contributing to making Philadelphia a vibrant and inclusive city for residents of all ages.  

Important Dates: 

Saturday April 19, 2025: Final dates to submit entries. Projects must be submitted before 11:59 PM EST.  

Early June 2025: Notifications of award.  

Late August 2025: Results announced.  

Wednesday, October 1, 2025: Competition winners will be showcased during DesignPhiladelphia Festival. 

*This is an idea-only competition and has no affiliation with the development of the project area related to the competition. 

Scoring Criteria & Rubric

The Jury will use the following scoring criteria to assess design submissions, ensuring alignment with our community's goals and values. 

Inclusive & Accessible Living (30%) 

Designs should prioritize accessibility and inclusivity by incorporating universal design principles that accommodate individuals of all abilities and needs. Submissions are encouraged to support adaptable living arrangements that evolve with residents over time, enabling aging-in-place and fostering long-term comfort and independence. 

Creative & Aesthetic Excellence (30%) 

Submissions should present ADU designs that captivate visually, thoughtfully balance scale, and highlight distinctive solutions through innovation and creativity. We seek designs that creatively address contemporary living needs for diverse residents, both now and in the future. Proposals should incorporate imaginative use of space, inventive storage strategies, and groundbreaking concepts that push creative boundaries. We also welcome creative responses to limitations posed by regulations. 

Sustainable & Resilient Design (25%) 

Submissions should highlight innovative approaches to energy efficiency, water conservation, and hazard resilience. Designs are encouraged to use sustainable materials, adopt waste reduction strategies, and minimize environmental impact. Flexibility for future technologies, such as solar panels and EV charging, should also be thoughtfully integrated. 

Economic Feasibility & Cost Efficiency (15%) 

Designs should emphasize financial practicality by addressing construction expenses, maintenance requirements, and operational costs. Creative solutions that reduce costs while promoting long-term affordability are highly encouraged.

Acknowledgments 

This competition is made possible by the Community Design Collaborative, AIA Philadelphia, DesignPhiladelphia, the John Stewardson Memorial Competition, and AARP.