The 2023 AIA International Design Awards

Winners ANNounceD!

SubmiSSIOns Closed FRIDAY 18 August, 2023, 5:00PM EASTERN US TIME

(L-R) Marcio Kogan; Hon FAIA, Redux House; 2014 Honor Award / SOM; Park Hotel India; 2014 Honor Award / Henning Larsen, Nordea Bank HQ; 2018 Honor Award

Eligibility

1. All Architect and International Associate members in good standing of AIA International are eligible to submit entries for projects located anywhere in the world. (Note: members of AIA International include full members of one of the International chapters - AIA UK; AIA Continental Europe; AIA Hong Kong; AIA Japan; AIA Middle East; AIA Shanghai and AIA Canada - and International members who do not have a local chapter).

2. All Architect members in good standing of AIA International are eligible to submit entries in all categories. 

3. All International Associate and Associate members in good standing of AIA International are eligible to submit entries in the Open International category.  

4. All Architect members in good standing of the AIA, residing anywhere in the world, are eligible to submit projects located in the domain of AIA International, i.e. outside the US and its territories, in the ‘Open International’ category. 

5. Associate members of AIA International (as opposed to International Associates) are eligible to submit projects in the Unbuilt Category. 

6. Built and Unbuilt work must have been completed since January 1, 2018. 

7. The AIA member submitting the project must have been an AIA member in good standing at the time the design of the submitted project was undertaken. 

8. The AIA member submitting the project must be the primary author of the design submitted. When one Architect is not the sole author of the design, all other participants contributing substantially to the design must be given credit as part of the submission. 

9. Projects designed by joint venture or associated architects should be submitted by one member only; credit for all design participants is to be noted in the entry form under Collaborative Acknowledgements. 

10. All entries that meet the requirements of their respective categories are eligible regardless of size, budget, style, location or building type. 

11. Projects which have received a local Chapter Award (either from an International Chapter or in the US) or which have received a National Award, are eligible for submission to the AIA International Awards Program. 

12. Work by architects or design firms serving as jurors for current year awards are ineligible. 

13. Architecture firms submitting for the Firm Award must be based in the territory of AIA International.  Multi-national firms headquartered in the US are eligible so long as the submitting office is in the territory of AIA International, and is a fully functioning office (design, construction documentation, and construction administration). Proof of this may be required. The decision of the Awards program administrators as to the eligibility of a firm is absolute and final.  

14. Architecture firms submitting for the Firm Award must be at least 51% owned by full US-licensed architect(s) who are AIA members in good standing. 

15. AIA International reserves the right to determine the eligibility of all submissions. 

16. See ELIGIBILITY MATRIX (below) for clarification

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(L-R) Ted Watson; Int’l Assoc. AIA (MJMA & Acton Ostry Architects), UBC Aquatic Centre, 2018 Merit Award / Kristian Ahlmark, Int’l Assoc. AIA (Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects), Christchurch Central Library, 2019 Commendation / Russell Dandeniya, Int’l Assoc. AIA (Russell Dandeniya Chartered Architects), JIFFY Office Building, 2019 Honor Award

 Criteria

1. The jury will award AIA International Honor Awards and AIA International Merit Awards. The Jury will comprise no less than three distinguished architects including at least two AIA architects. All Jury decisions will be based solely on the materials submitted; no field trips will be taken. There will be global recognition of the awards with winners to be announced at the AIA International Conference in Mexico City on November 2, 2023; winner recognition to continue at the Institute’s AIA Conference on Architecture (A’24) in Washington, D.C., June 5–8, 2024, on the AIA International website and various publications.

2. Entries will be judged on how successfully the design addresses individual project program requirements, the successful integration of the solution within its context, and its worthiness for an award in design excellence.

3. Projects will be evaluated on one or more of the following criteria:

   • DESIGN QUALITY reflecting resolution of the program or idea; innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique.

   • DESIGN RESOLUTION of formal, functional and technical parameters.

   • DESIGN ADVANCEMENT through proposing new approaches to the development of architectural and/or urban form.

   • SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT demonstrating a commitment to social progress.

   • TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT exploring new technologies and/or their architectural applications.

   • ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANCEMENT demonstrating a commitment to environmentally sensitive design, sustainability and/or energy/resources conservation.

   • PRESERVATION / RESTORATION demonstrating skill, sensitivity and thoughtfulness in preservation, restoration, or the adaptive re-use of existing buildings.

4. Project authorship will remain confidential throughout the jury deliberations.

5. The jury may elect not to confer an award in a category. The decision of the jury is final.

If authorship is revealed on any photos, plans, slides or narrative, the entry will be disqualified.

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(L-R) Nelson Chen Architects, St. Andrews Church Life Centre, 2016 Honor Award winner; David Chipperfield Architects, Museo Jumex, 2015 Honor Award winner; Brian MacKay-Lyons, Hon FAIA, Two Hulls House, 2015 Honor Award winner

Categories

Entries must be submitted in one of the categories listed below. These categories are used to clarify the different requirements for each group and to focus the jury on the many broad and diverse areas of practice.

Architecture

Eligible entries may be new construction, renovation or preservation/restoration projects. The project must be built work completed since January 1, 2018. For multi-building projects, the Architect submitting the project (or portion thereof) must offer detailed evidence of authorship of each portion of the project.

Interior Architecture

Eligible entries may be new construction, renovation or preservation/restoration projects.  The projects must be built work completed since January 1, 2018.

Urban Design

Eligible entries may be urban design projects, planning programs, civic improvements, campus plans, environmental programs, or redevelopment projects. The projects should not be individual buildings. Incomplete projects or ongoing programs may be recognized if a significant portion has been completed or implemented by a local jurisdiction or authority since January 1, 2018.

Open International

Eligible entries must be located outside the USA. They can be Architecture, Interior Architecture, Urban Design, revitalization or other types of work. This category includes projects of all scales which enhance the built environment in a way that is respectful of context and culture and which aim through craftsmanship and sustainability to serve as a benchmark for architects globally and/or through innovation and ingenuity to serve as a benchmark for the profession. The project must be built work completed since January 1, 2018. For multi-building projects (or portions thereof), the submitting Architect must offer detailed evidence of authorship of each portion of the project.

Unbuilt

Eligible entries must be unbuilt projects that will not be built. The project design must have been completed since January 1, 2018. This category is to recognize the efforts of our architect members who have completed meaningful work, but due to client change, land use change or other reasons beyond the control of the architect, the project will not be built. Note: This is NOT a category for projects under construction, for projects that are under construction or have any plans to be built, they must wait to be completed and then submitted under the Architecture Category in future year(s).

Firm Award

The jury evaluates candidates based on how well they meet program criteria, which include how firms have:

• Demonstrated great depth and breadth in their work, having a cumulative effect on the profession of architecture

• Produced work that is a product of a collaborative environment, consistently addressing the future of architecture while honoring its tradition

• Transcended or united specific areas of expertise 

• Become widely known—by architects, designers, educators, and the public—for the quality of their work.

Sustainable Future Award

The Sustainable Future Award (SFA) is an additional award. All projects selected by the jury for design excellence are eligible for an award in this category, with a focus on those demonstrating meaningful, sustainable and integrated design that enhances human health, energy efficient and stewardship of our planetary resources. There is no additional cost to be considered for the SFA award, but there are additional questions to answer (see submission requirements).

Inclusive Design Excellence Award

The Inclusive Design Excellence Award (IDEA) is an additional award. All projects selected by the jury for design excellence are eligible for an award in this category, with a focus on those demonstrating meaningful, inclusive and accessible integrated design that supports all people. There is no additional cost to be considered for this award, but there are additional questions to answer (see submission requirements).

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Deadline and Entry Fees

THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE Has been Extended to FRIDAY 18 August, 2023, 5:00PM EASTERN US TIME

• The deadline will be strictly observed.

• The entry fee is $350 USD per submission for AIA International members

• The entry fee is $475 USD for AIA members of US chapters.

• For non-US licensed architects who are not current AIA members, the entry fee is $350 USD per submission. In addition, entrants are required to complete a membership application and purchase one membership for 2023 on the AIA website. If submitting multiple projects, only one accompanying membership application is required. NB: you will be required to produce evidence that you have applied for AIA membership as part of the submission review process.

• Entry fees are non-refundable.

• Please use the Submission Preview before submitting your payment. You can go back and edit your submission until the deadline expires but no refunds will be issued.

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Eligibility Matrix

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JURY

Marcio Kogan, Hon FAIA

Founder, Studio MK27

Marcio Kogan was born in São Paulo on March 6, 1952. He is an architect graduated from the School of Architecture and Urbanism at the University of Mackenzie in 1976. During the first years of his career, Marcio divided his time between cinema and architecture. Since 2001, Marcio Kogan’s office has been renamed Studio mk27. From that time, the studio has gained greater international projection, having received more than 150 national and international awards, highlights include: Wallpaper Design Awards, Record House, World Architecture Festival, LEAF Awards, Dedalo Minosse and Barbara Cappochin. Currently, besides its production in Brazil, Studio mk27 has projects in several countries. In 2011, Kogan was selected to be an Honorary Member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for his body of work. In 2012, Studio mk27 represented Brazil at the Venice Architecture Biennale, in the exhibition at the national pavilion curated  by Lauro Cavalcanti, who also highlighted an installation by Lúcio Costa. Marcio is currently professor at Politécnico di Milano and on the board of Museum Of Art of São Paulo (MASP) and the Brazilian Museum of Sculpture and Ecology (MUBE). In 2025 Studio mk27 will represent Brazil at Expo Osaka, designing the new edition of the pavilion.

Britt A. Lindberg, FAIA

2023-2024 Secretary, AIA

Britt Lindberg, FAIA, was most recently a senior associate at Gensler, a global design firm of 6,000+ employees who shape the future of cities every day. With over 15 years of experience on commercial projects, Britt is an outstanding technical leader in San Jose, California. From entitlements through design and construction, Britt drives project implementation with exceptional team leadership that is essential to the project's and firm's success.

Britt is also very active in AIA, serving as 2014 AIA Silicon Valley president, 2018 AIA California president, 2020-2022 AIA National at-large director, 2021 chair of the Board Knowledge Committee, and more. She is a strong advocate for member communications, supporting emerging professionals and spreading awareness on the importance of design in everyday life. Her leadership was recognized with a 2016 Silicon Valley Business Journal "Women of Influence" award, and she became an AIA Fellow in 2022.

Brian​​​​ Girard, AIA RIBA

Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox

A Design Principal with more than 20 years’ professional experience, Brian believes that our obligation as architects is to realize the great potential of our sites and the aspirations of our clients within a broader cultural context. He treats the design process as a search for clarity, engaging in a continuous conversation with his clients to create the back-and-forth dialogue required to create the best places and buildings.

Drawing inspiration from the direct observation of places and the behavior of people, Brian has experience of a wide range of typologies, which includes residential, retail, cultural, mixed-use and masterplanning. His work includes some of KPF’s most successful and high-profile projects, such as the international award-winning Floral Court in London’s Covent Garden.

Brian studies settings carefully, looking at the historical evolution and cultural artifacts to allow design solutions to emerge. He is acutely aware that every city has a native scale, themes and concepts migrate from different contexts and cultures but are always grounded by the specifics of place, ensuring his projects emerge from the prevailing urban grain.

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Design Award upload requirements summary

(inclusive of ‘Sustainability Future Award’ – no extras)

(Note: all details listed on each task as one progress on-line, also summarized below for clear preparation)

Task 1: Eligibility (enter architect’s name on two lines)

Task 2: Architect and client info

Task 3: Collaboration Acknowledgements (name other architects + consultants involved)

Task 4: Project Description

(Project Title; Category; Description- < 250 words; Sustainability <100 words - optional

Task 5: Project Details

Project Address; year of completion (2018-2023); Site Area; Floor Area; Building Height; No of Floors; Program; (Optional project video upload). For SFA (Sustainable Future Award) please see Appendix A below for additional questions. For Firm Award please see Appendix B below.

Task 6: Copyright Image page (give photo credit)

Task 7: Submission Upload for Jury Review

PDF with project photos, drawings and text is the primary evaluation tool for jurors. PDF no more than 20 pages, and no more than 10MB in size.

Photos: Submit a minimum of three images/photographs

Drawings: Floor Plans; Site plans; Elevations; Sections

Task 8: Exhibition Images

Submission Guidelines: Print Area Size: 594mm x 385mm; Resolution: 300DPI or higher

Maximum File Size: 10MB per image; Image quantity: Minimum 2 – Maximum 4 Portrait or Landscape

Task 9: Booklet Publication Images

Submission Guidelines: Print Area Size: 90mm x 150mm; Resolution: 300DPI or Higher Max file size: 10MB; Image Quantity: Minimum 2 - Maximum 4 Portrait format recommended or 2 Landscape Images.

Task 10: Optional Sustainability: Enhanced recognition opportunity 6 questions

Task 11: Optional Upload for Sustainability (10MB max)

Task 12: Submit payment with cc

Complete

Appendix A

Sustainable Future Award – Additional Questions

Note – This section is optional, but we recommend entrants complete it so you can also be considered for this award.

1. Best Practice Standards

List any best practice standards incorporated in the project design (LEED v4, LEED 2009, WELL, BREEAM, RESET, BEAM and/ or other)

2. Design for Energy: (ref. AIA COTE Measure 6)

Please share a short narrative and any metrics available that illustrate how the project incorporates: Design intention for reduced consumed energy (may reference energy use intensity (EUI) or carbon emissions; can share actual measurements if available but not required)

3. Design for Resources: (ref. AIA COTE Measure 8)

Please share a short narrative and any metrics available that illustrate % of waste diverted from landfill, % of reused and recycled materials (may make reference to CO2 intensity, LCA, EPD if available, but not required)

4. Design for Water (ref. AIA COTE Measure 4)

Please share a short narrative and any metrics available that illustrate how the project incorporates: Design for water reduction (may include rain water capture, grey water use, roof or ground water capture design, actual water use measured if available but not required)

5. Design for resource efficiency (ref LEED v4)

Please share any narrative or design intentions that illustrate how the project incorporates: Design with energy efficiency best management practices and aims to achieve minimum energy use (LEED v4)

6. Design for Human Health and Wellness (ref. IWBI WELL standard; RESET)

Please share a short narrative and any metrics available that illustrate how the project incorporates: Design for human health and wellbeing. (may make reference to IAQ monitoring actual data, ergonomics, stair incorporation, but not required)

Appendix B

Inclusive Design Excellence Award (IDEA) - Additional Questions

Note – This section is optional, but we recommend entrants complete it so you can also be considered for this award.

1. Please share specific ways in which the project addresses accessibility and supports universally inclusive design.

2. In what ways is the project compliant with local regulations relating to accessibility? Please also share any ways the project goes beyond what is required in this area of design.

3. Does the project incorporate tactile way-finding and signage for the visually impaired?

4. What measures if any have been implemented in the design to support the hearing impaired?

5. How does the project design support neurodiverse users?

6. Please share any innovations or certifications the project has met/ achieved.

Appendix C

Firm Award Questions

There is no mandated format for the Firm Award, except:

• First page of the submission should be a 1-page maximum summary that outlines why your firm should receive the award

• 10 MB maximum PDF file

• Identify ownership (minimum 51% US-licensed AIA member required).

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(L-R) Andrew Bromberg (AEDAS), Sandcrawler, 2017 Honor Award; SOM, Burj Khalifa, 2014 Honor Award; CL3 Architects, Millennium Mitsui Hotel, 2015 Merit Award

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Previous award winners:

2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 /2018 / 2019 / 2020 / 2021 / 2022