2026 AIA Canada Student Design Awards
The AIA Canada Student Design Awards recognize students demonstrating excellence in architectural design, technical understanding, and the integration of sustainable and inclusive design concepts. The program provides an opportunity to showcase work nationally and gain industry recognition.
Schedule
Submissions Due April 30, 2026 — 5:00 PM ET
Jury Deliberations May 1, 2026
Awards Announcement May 5, 2026
Downloads
AIA Framework for Design Excellence
Webinar | Design to Wins: Insights from the 2025 AIA Canada Student Design Awards
Eligibility & Instructions
Who may enter
— Open to students in Canadian post-secondary
— architectural or architectural technology programs
— Projects must be part of the school curriculum
— Individual or team submissions permitted
— all team contributors must be listed
Submission limits
— Each student may submit one individual project and one team project
— Review of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence is strongly encouraged
— Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted
Anonymity Requirements
— Part B must be fully anonymous.
— Part A contains identifying information and is confidential — it is not shared with the jury.
— Do not include names, school, professor, or any identifying metadata in Part B.
Submission Requirements
Each complete submission must include all three components below.
1 — Entry Forms (Part A & Part B)
Part A — Submission & Identification
Internal use only · Confidential · Not shared with the jury. See Guidelines.
Part B — Project & Media Submission
Jury review document · Must be fully anonymized. See Guidelines.
2 — Image Requirements
A minimum of 3 images is required. Up to 5 images may be submitted. Image #1 is used for announcements and publicity. See Guidelines.
3 — Project Information and Documents To Be Submitted
Project Summary (Entry Form B) – Describe design intent, program, and key design decisions (max. 2 pages)
Community-Engaged Design (Entry Form B) – If applicable — describe community consultation or engagement (max. 200 words)
Project Presentation Portfolio – To be submitted as a separate PDF document alongside Part B. It must be fully anonymized.
Anonymity Do not include student name, school, professor, or any identifying information
File format PDF — submitted alongside Part B by email
How to Submit
Submit all of the following via the Website Portal Button by April 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET:
1. Entry Form — Part A (PDF)
2. Entry Form — Part B (PDF, anonymized)
3. Project Presentation Portfolio PDF (anonymized)
4. All image files (.jpeg, named correctly)
Submissions may be updated until the deadline. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
Judging Criteria
Design Excellence 75% Design quality and technical solutions
- Construction and code understanding
- Sustainability integration
- Inclusive and equitable design
- Creativity
Presentation 20% Clarity of communication
- Technical skill
- Composition
Project Description 5% Clarity of narrative
- Understanding of design intent
Evaluation is aligned with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. Final selections are made through collective juror discussion.
Prizes & Recognition
First Place $3,500 CAD
Second Place $2,250 CAD
Third Place $1000 CAD
Group prizes are distributed equally among all team members.
Additional Recognition
— One-year AIA Canada membership (awarded post-graduation)
— Publication in the AIA Canada Journal and Canadian Architect
— Feature on the AIA Canada Society website
— Invitation to present at an AIA Canada webinar
Contact
General inquiries rommy@aiacanadasociety.org
Website aiacanadasociety.org
The AIA Canada Student Design Awards recognize students demonstrating excellence in architectural design, technical understanding, and the integration of sustainable and inclusive design concepts. The program provides an opportunity to showcase work nationally and gain industry recognition.
Schedule
Submissions Due April 30, 2026 — 5:00 PM ET
Jury Deliberations May 1, 2026
Awards Announcement May 5, 2026
Downloads
AIA Framework for Design Excellence
Webinar | Design to Wins: Insights from the 2025 AIA Canada Student Design Awards
Eligibility & Instructions
Who may enter
— Open to students in Canadian post-secondary
— architectural or architectural technology programs
— Projects must be part of the school curriculum
— Individual or team submissions permitted
— all team contributors must be listed
Submission limits
— Each student may submit one individual project and one team project
— Review of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence is strongly encouraged
— Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted
Anonymity Requirements
— Part B must be fully anonymous.
— Part A contains identifying information and is confidential — it is not shared with the jury.
— Do not include names, school, professor, or any identifying metadata in Part B.
Submission Requirements
Each complete submission must include all three components below.
1 — Entry Forms (Part A & Part B)
Part A — Submission & Identification
Internal use only · Confidential · Not shared with the jury. See Guidelines.
Part B — Project & Media Submission
Jury review document · Must be fully anonymized. See Guidelines.
2 — Image Requirements
A minimum of 3 images is required. Up to 5 images may be submitted. Image #1 is used for announcements and publicity. See Guidelines.
3 — Project Information and Documents To Be Submitted
Project Summary (Entry Form B) – Describe design intent, program, and key design decisions (max. 2 pages)
Community-Engaged Design (Entry Form B) – If applicable — describe community consultation or engagement (max. 200 words)
Project Presentation Portfolio – To be submitted as a separate PDF document alongside Part B. It must be fully anonymized.
Anonymity Do not include student name, school, professor, or any identifying information
File format PDF — submitted alongside Part B by email
How to Submit
Submit all of the following via the Website Portal Button by April 30, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET:
1. Entry Form — Part A (PDF)
2. Entry Form — Part B (PDF, anonymized)
3. Project Presentation Portfolio PDF (anonymized)
4. All image files (.jpeg, named correctly)
Submissions may be updated until the deadline. Incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
Judging Criteria
Design Excellence 75% Design quality and technical solutions
- Construction and code understanding
- Sustainability integration
- Inclusive and equitable design
- Creativity
Presentation 20% Clarity of communication
- Technical skill
- Composition
Project Description 5% Clarity of narrative
- Understanding of design intent
Evaluation is aligned with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. Final selections are made through collective juror discussion.
Prizes & Recognition
First Place $3,500 CAD
Second Place $2,250 CAD
Third Place $1000 CAD
Group prizes are distributed equally among all team members.
Additional Recognition
— One-year AIA Canada membership (awarded post-graduation)
— Publication in the AIA Canada Journal and Canadian Architect
— Feature on the AIA Canada Society website
— Invitation to present at an AIA Canada webinar
Contact
General inquiries rommy@aiacanadasociety.org
Website aiacanadasociety.org
