2025 AIA Canada Student Design Awards – Guidelines (Updated April 11, 2025)

Award Program Objective

The AIA Canada Student Design Awards Program recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate excellence in architectural design, a strong understanding of technical solutions, and the integration of sustainable and inclusive design concepts. This program provides students with an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national stage while gaining industry recognition. 

Award Program Schedule

  • Submissions Due (5:00 PM ET): April 30, 2025
  • Jury Deliberations: May 15, 2025
  • Awards Announcement: May 30, 2025

Download:

Guidelines – AIA Canada Student Design Awards – Updated April 11, 2025

Entry Form

AIA Framework for Design Excellence

SUBMIT ENTRY via email at rommy@aiacanadasociety.org

Please review the following guidelines carefully to ensure your submission is eligible for adjudication. Project submissions can be continuously revised/updated until the submission deadline of 5pm April 30th.

Eligibility

The competition is open to all students currently enrolled in a post-secondary architectural or architectural technology program in Canada. Projects must be part of the school curriculum.

Instructions

  1. Submissions can be individual or team projects. If submitting a team project, list the names of all students involved.
  2. Students can only submit ONE project as an individual, and ONE project as a team, for a potential of TWO submissions.
  3. Students are encouraged to review the AIA Framework for Design Excellence as guidance during their submission process.
  4. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. AIA Canada reserves the right to disqualify any entries that do not meet the requirements.

Anonymity

  • All submitted documents (except for the Entry Form) must remain anonymous. 
  • No references to the student’s name or educational institution should appear in the submission materials (with the exception of the Entry Form).

Submission Package

Each submission package must include the following to be considered complete:

1.     Entry Form:

Must be completed and submitted separately.

2.     Project Description Brief:

Maximum two (2) A4 pages (minimum 10 pt. font size). Should include a combination of text and images to describe the course assignment (if applicable), development of design goals, key concepts, and solutions.

3.     Visuals: There is no set limit on visual materials.

  • Include a minimum of five (5) .jpg images that best highlight the project. 
  • You may include additional material such as architectural drawings, images, text, and/or videos videos showcasing the design and technical aspects of the project.
  • Presentation booklets are welcome.

Image Specifications:

    • Images must be submitted as .jpeg files with dimensions of 3200 pixels wide by 1800 pixels tall and a minimum resolution of 72 dpi.
    • Image file names should reflect the project name (e.g., 123_Main_Street_1.jpeg).
    • Images that do not meet these specifications will not be displayed.
    • Image #1 will be used for announcements and publicity.

Submission Process

Submissions to be sent via email to Rommy Rodriguez at rommy@aiacanadasociety.org by April 30, 2025 (5:00 PM ET).

Judging Criteria and Process

All submissions will be reviewed for compliance with submission requirements before evaluation by a jury of industry professionals. The evaluation criteria are as follows:

Judging Criteria:

  • Design Excellence (75%)

This is the most heavily weighted category, reflecting the importance of thoughtful, innovative, and contextually responsive design.

    • Quality of design and technical solutions as demonstrated in the project description, drawings, images, and/or videos.
    • Comprehension of construction technology and code compliance.
    • Integration of sustainable design solutions.
    • Considerations for equitable and inclusive community design.
    • Creativity in addressing the design problem or assignment.
  • Overall Presentation (20%)

This category evaluates how effectively the student communicates their design ideas through written and visual means.

    • Competency in written and graphic communication.
    • Technical skills related to the media used for the presentation.
    • Overall composition and clarity of the visuals.
  • Project Description Brief (5%)

This section focuses on how clearly and concisely the project is introduced and framed in a short narrative.

    • Demonstrated understanding of the design problem or assignment.
    • Technical competency in written and graphic communication.

Judging Process Overview:

  • The jury will evaluate each entry based on how successfully the project meets the outlined criteria.
  • Entries will also be assessed relative to the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. Projects are encouraged (but not required) to address multiple framework measures.
  • Jurors will review submissions individually before convening collectively to discuss and select finalists and award recipients.

Prizes & Recognition

The AIA Canada Student Design Awards are made possible through a joint scholarship program between AIA Canada Society and the American Institute of Architects.

Student Scholarship Award Prizes:

  • One-Year AIA Canada Society Membership
    • Awarded to winners and activated upon graduation for one year.
  • Monetary Prizes:
    • First Place: CAN $3,500
    • Second Place: CAN $2,250
    • Third Place: CAN $1,000
    • Note: Group project prizes will be equally divided among team members.

Additional Recognition:

  • Winning entries will be featured in the AIA Canada Journal, within the pages of Canadian Architect Magazine, and on the AIA Canada website.
  • Winners will be invited to present their projects in an AIA Canada Society webinar.

For further inquiries, please contact AIA Canada Society at info@aiacanadasociety.org.