2026 Awards Program
Call for Entries is now OPEN!
Registration is now OPEN for the 2026 AIA CNY Design Awards!
AIA Central New York, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, has recognized outstanding works of architecture through its annual design awards program. The purpose of the program is to celebrate achievements in design excellence by Architects in the Central New York Region; and to honor the architects, clients and consultants who work together to create and enhance our built environment.
AIA Central New York empowers our members and the architectural profession in service to our community.
Program Info
Award Notifications
Winning projects will be unveiled LIVE during the Celebration of Architecture. This format is intended to elevate the sense of anticipation and recognition, making the awards ceremony a truly special moment for all involved. By announcing the winners in real time at the event, we aim to create a more engaging and celebratory experience for our design community as well as also allow all entries to be eligible for the People’s Choice Award.
IIDA NY Interiors Awards
In partnership with IIDA NY Syracuse City Center, design projects submitted in the Interiors category will also be reviewed by a separate, interiors-focused jury. This jury will present additional awards recognizing outstanding interior architecture and design that demonstrate innovative solutions to enhance functionality, aesthetics, health, and safety. These awards aim to celebrate projects that elevate the human experience and promote well-being within the built environment.
COTE Certificates
AIACNY’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) will also award COTE Certificates to submitted projects that align with one or more of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence principles. These certificates recognize projects that meaningfully advance the pursuit of sustainable, equitable, and resilient environments and honors design teams whose work demonstrates a thoughtful integration of environmental performance, social impact, and long-term value.
2026 Design Awards Submission Info
Registration Due: June 1, 2026
Project Submissions Due: July 30, 2026
Projects must first be registered in order to be eligible to submit.
Once submissions are registered, you will be sent a link to upload your Final Project Submissions. All documents for each submission must be uploaded by this date.
Please download the following files to register. Forms and registration fees must be electronically submitted or postmarked by due date.
Required Forms and Documents:
Entry Fees:
Members of AIA Central New York: $140.00 per entry
Non-Members: $400.00 per entry
Note: There is no additional fee for Committee on the Environment (COTE) award submissions.
Eligibility:
AIA CNY Members Design Awards: For a design project to be eligible for consideration by the AIA CNY Design Awards Jury, the architect must be a registered, licensed architect in New York State. Works of Architecture may be located anywhere in the world by AIA CNY members.
Non-Members Design Awards: Design projects by architects who are not members of AIA CNY are eligible for consideration by the AIA CNY Design Awards Jury. The architects must be licensed, registered architects in New York State. Projects must be located within New York State.
COTE Awards: Submitted Design Award projects may also be considered for a COTE Award by completing the supplemental Common App in addition to the Design Award submission requirements.
Note: All submitted design projects must have been completed since January 1, 2021. Each entrant may submit any number of entries.
Cancellation Policy:
Design Award entries may be canceled up to 5:00 p.m. on July 7, 2026 less a $75.00 administration fee. All cancellations and refund requests must be in writing or emailed to aiacny@aiacny.org attn. Elizabeth Robison, Director of Outreach.
2026 Student Awards Submission Info
Registration Due: June 1, 2026
Project Submissions Due: September 30, 2026
Projects must first be registered in order to be eligible to submit.
Once submissions are registered, you will be sent a link to upload your Final Project Submissions. All documents for each submission must be uploaded by this date.
Please download the following files to register. Forms and registration fees must be electronically submitted or postmarked by due date.
Required Forms and Documents:
Entry Fees:
Submission fees are waived for design awards submitted in the Student Work category.
Eligibility:
Student Awards: Submissions in the Student Work category must be from students enrolled in a collegiate architecture program within New York State and projects can be located anywhere in the world. Students do not have to be an AIA CNY member or licensed.
2026 Celebration of Architecture
Announcement and presentation of the 2026 AIACNY Design Awards will be made at our Annual Celebration of Architecture.
Save the Date: November 13, 2026
Location: Marriott Syracuse Downtown
More information on tickets purchasing, event timeline, and sponsorship opportunities to come!