Meet the Jury | 2026 AIA Canada Student Design Awards
Meet the Jury | 2026 AIA Canada Student Design Awards
We are pleased to introduce the distinguished jury for the 2026 AIA Canada Student Design Awards.
Bringing together accomplished leaders from across the architectural profession, this year’s jury offered a thoughtful and rigorous lens through which student work was reviewed. Their collective experience spans design excellence, community impact, and forward-thinking practice—ensuring a meaningful and well-rounded evaluation of each submission.
These jurors are not only respected practitioners, but also active contributors to the broader dialogue shaping the future of architecture. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to supporting emerging talent and elevating the next generation of designers across Canada.
Jeanne Ng, OAA LEED AP
Partner, MJMA Architecture + Design
“Every design project is another opportunity to find better answers to the challenges that we all face as a society. The best part of my job is having the opportunity to propose design solutions that can make a difference to a community.”
Since joining MJMA in 1997, Jeanne has been a driving force in advancing the studio’s vision of public architecture as a catalyst for individual and community wellbeing. Over a 28-year career, her portfolio has consistently expanded the social and environmental ambitions of architecture. From the Regent Park Aquatic Centre, a facility that responded with groundbreaking inclusivity in a diverse and underserved neighbourhood to the Western North York Community Centre, a design that has defined the path toward Net Zero Energy and Zero Emissions for aquatic facilities in Canada, Jeanne’s work is firmly rooted in the needs of today while anticipating the needs of the future.
Working collaboratively with clients, consultants and the construction industry, Jeanne combines creative vision and technical rigour to deliver innovative and responsive design solutions that support vibrant communities and enduring public places.
Dong Kim, AIA, LEED AP
Partner, San Francisco Studio Chair
Dong is an architect dedicated to advancing the built environment through purposeful and innovative design practices. As a partner at DIALOG’s San Francisco studio, he plays a significant role within the wider design community.
He addresses complex challenges by crafting solutions that are clear, refined, and meaningful. Dong maintains that design must respond directly to each project’s unique context. He also upholds the belief that design professionals have an obligation to enrich communities, protect the environment, and engage globally through inclusive dialogue. To further these aims, Dong pursues ongoing research in building science and remains committed to incorporating the latest technological advancements into his practice. His interest in quantitative design implementation focuses on producing measurable outcomes, which he continuously refines through award winning work on public and community-oriented designs across California and beyond.
Beyond his professional practice, Dong contributes actively to the community. His pro bono collaboration with Better SF led to a feasibility and vision study for modular homeless shelter design. He currently serves as a board member for the Kiwanis of Oakland’s scholarship foundation, supporting Oakland high school seniors, and is a former board member of the American Institute of Architects East Bay chapter. Additionally, Dong was an adjunct faculty at Chabot College, fostering the next generation of design professionals.
What Makes Our Jury Special?
Our jury consists of leaders in the field, each with a unique perspective on innovation, sustainability, and creativity in architecture. Their collective expertise ensures that the 2026 Student Design Awards represent the very best in Canadian architecture students.
Celebrating the Future of Architecture in Canada
The AIA Canada Student Design Awards Program recognizes outstanding student work in architectural design, with an emphasis on technical excellence, sustainable thinking, and inclusive design practices. Open to students enrolled in architecture and architectural technology programs across Canada, the competition provides a national platform for emerging talent to gain industry recognition and share bold, forward-looking ideas.
Made possible through the generous support of the AIA Component Matching Scholarship Grant Program—a partnership between AIA Canada Society and the American Institute of Architects—this annual program supports student growth while celebrating exceptional design achievement.
Winners are featured in the AIA Canada Journal, Canadian Architect magazine, and on the AIA Canada website. They are also invited to present their work through a national AIA Canada webinar, extending their reach and voice across the profession.
Schedule
Submissions Due CLOSED
Jury Deliberations May 4, 2026
Awards Announcement
The 2026 Student Design Awards winners will be announced on May 5 during the AIA Canada Reception at the RAIC Conference 2026 in Vancouver, BC.
Downloads
Guidelines
Entry Form — Part A
Entry Form — Part B
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
Meet the Jury | 2026 AIA Canada Student Design Awards
We are pleased to introduce the distinguished jury for the 2026 AIA Canada Student Design Awards.
Bringing together accomplished leaders from across the architectural profession, this year’s jury offered a thoughtful and rigorous lens through which student work was reviewed. Their collective experience spans design excellence, community impact, and forward-thinking practice—ensuring a meaningful and well-rounded evaluation of each submission.
These jurors are not only respected practitioners, but also active contributors to the broader dialogue shaping the future of architecture. Their involvement reflects a shared commitment to supporting emerging talent and elevating the next generation of designers across Canada.
Jeanne Ng, OAA LEED AP
Partner, MJMA Architecture + Design
“Every design project is another opportunity to find better answers to the challenges that we all face as a society. The best part of my job is having the opportunity to propose design solutions that can make a difference to a community.”
Since joining MJMA in 1997, Jeanne has been a driving force in advancing the studio’s vision of public architecture as a catalyst for individual and community wellbeing. Over a 28-year career, her portfolio has consistently expanded the social and environmental ambitions of architecture. From the Regent Park Aquatic Centre, a facility that responded with groundbreaking inclusivity in a diverse and underserved neighbourhood to the Western North York Community Centre, a design that has defined the path toward Net Zero Energy and Zero Emissions for aquatic facilities in Canada, Jeanne’s work is firmly rooted in the needs of today while anticipating the needs of the future.
Working collaboratively with clients, consultants and the construction industry, Jeanne combines creative vision and technical rigour to deliver innovative and responsive design solutions that support vibrant communities and enduring public places.
Dong Kim, AIA, LEED AP
Partner, San Francisco Studio Chair
Dong is an architect dedicated to advancing the built environment through purposeful and innovative design practices. As a partner at DIALOG’s San Francisco studio, he plays a significant role within the wider design community.
He addresses complex challenges by crafting solutions that are clear, refined, and meaningful. Dong maintains that design must respond directly to each project’s unique context. He also upholds the belief that design professionals have an obligation to enrich communities, protect the environment, and engage globally through inclusive dialogue. To further these aims, Dong pursues ongoing research in building science and remains committed to incorporating the latest technological advancements into his practice. His interest in quantitative design implementation focuses on producing measurable outcomes, which he continuously refines through award winning work on public and community-oriented designs across California and beyond.
Beyond his professional practice, Dong contributes actively to the community. His pro bono collaboration with Better SF led to a feasibility and vision study for modular homeless shelter design. He currently serves as a board member for the Kiwanis of Oakland’s scholarship foundation, supporting Oakland high school seniors, and is a former board member of the American Institute of Architects East Bay chapter. Additionally, Dong was an adjunct faculty at Chabot College, fostering the next generation of design professionals.
What Makes Our Jury Special?
Our jury consists of leaders in the field, each with a unique perspective on innovation, sustainability, and creativity in architecture. Their collective expertise ensures that the 2026 Student Design Awards represent the very best in Canadian architecture students.
Celebrating the Future of Architecture in Canada
The AIA Canada Student Design Awards Program recognizes outstanding student work in architectural design, with an emphasis on technical excellence, sustainable thinking, and inclusive design practices. Open to students enrolled in architecture and architectural technology programs across Canada, the competition provides a national platform for emerging talent to gain industry recognition and share bold, forward-looking ideas.
Made possible through the generous support of the AIA Component Matching Scholarship Grant Program—a partnership between AIA Canada Society and the American Institute of Architects—this annual program supports student growth while celebrating exceptional design achievement.
Winners are featured in the AIA Canada Journal, Canadian Architect magazine, and on the AIA Canada website. They are also invited to present their work through a national AIA Canada webinar, extending their reach and voice across the profession.
Schedule
Submissions Due CLOSED
Jury Deliberations May 4, 2026
Awards Announcement
The 2026 Student Design Awards winners will be announced on May 5 during the AIA Canada Reception at the RAIC Conference 2026 in Vancouver, BC.
Downloads
Guidelines
Entry Form — Part A
Entry Form — Part B
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
