The Architectural Record Awards

As the longest-running and most-authoritative resource for architects and related professionals, RECORD has celebrated architectural excellence in its pages for 134 years. This fall, the editors will inaugurate an annual award program that will recognize the year’s best built and unbuilt projects as well as honor leading and emerging voices in the field. Awardees—16 in total—will be announced at the Record Innovation Conference and featured in a fall issue of the magazine. See below for the award categories, deadlines, and submission guidelines.

AWARD CATEGORIES | SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Best of Architecture Award

Category Description: Awarded to a single building, completed within eighteen months of the competition deadline, in each of the following building-type categories. At the discretion of the jury, runners-up or no winners may be selected for certain categories.

• Museums/Visual Arts
• Performance Spaces
• Transportation/Infrastructure
• Healthcare
• College & University
• PreK-12
• Office/Retail/Hospitality
• Tall Buildings
• Multifamily Housing
• Adaptive Reuse/Renovation (any building type)

Submission Guidelines: In addition to completing an online questionnaire (link above), please prepare a project portfolio. The document must be formatted as a multi-page, horizontally oriented PDF (no larger than 10 Mb total) and include:

1. A succinct project description (no more than 500 words) that lists the architect or firm name, program, brief, location, and solution. Please note any significant sustainable, technological, or material features.
2. A comprehensive selection of at least 15 high-quality photographs showing the exterior and furnished interiors. Do not include more than two images per page. Please note that Architectural Record does not cover licensing fees for this competition.
3. Labeled plans, sections, and elevations with scale and north arrow. Include any critical details or sketches.

Building of the Year

From the Best of Architecture Award winners, the editors will select a single building that most exemplifies excellence in architectural design for Building of the Year.

Unbuilt Architecture Award

Category Description: Awarded to a single unbuilt project, completed within two years of the competition deadline, in each of the following categories. At the discretion of the jury, runners-up may be selected.

• Unbuilt - Designed by a Firm/Practice
• Unbuilt - Designed by a Student/Recent Graduate (individual or team)

Submission Guidelines: In addition to completing an online questionnaire, please prepare a project portfolio. The document must be formatted as a multi-page, horizontally oriented PDF (no larger than 10 Mb total) and include:

1. A succinct project description (no more than 500 words) that lists the program, brief, location, and solution. If a firm is applying, please include the practice’s name; students and recent graduates should list their names as well as identify their school. Be sure to explain the origins of the project (Was it a studio or thesis assignment? Was it a submission to a competition? Was it a speculative project?).
2. A comprehensive selection of at least 15 renderings showing the exterior and interiors. Do not include more than two images per page. Please note that Architectural Record does not cover licensing fees for this competition.
3. Labeled plans, sections, and elevations with scale and north arrow. Include any critical details or sketches.

Individual Awards

Category Description: Awarded to three individuals in the following subcategories.

• Architect of RECORD Recognizing a lifetime of achievement in the profession and exceptional work published in the pages of the magazine.
• Innovator of the Year For outstanding contributions to the built environment that push disciplinary boundaries.
• Rising Professional Award Awarded to a leading architect or designer, under 50 years of age, who is shaking up the profession.

Submission Guidelines: In addition to completing an online questionnaire, please prepare a portfolio of the individual’s design work and/or research. The document must be formatted as a multi-page, horizontally oriented PDF (no larger than 10 Mb total) and include:

1. A succinct statement (no more than 500 words) outlining the applicant’s contributions to the profession.
2. A selection of six to twelve completed projects by the applicant, illustrated with high-quality photography. Include brief descriptions (200 words or less) for each project and explain the applicant’s role (design principal, project manager, etc.).
3. An appended CV/resume that includes a portrait, alma mater, professional work experience, and teaching positions.

Although there isn’t an age limit for applicants to the Architect of RECORD and Innovator of the Year awards, the jury will prioritize applicants who are under 50 years of age for the Rising Professional award.

TIMELINE

The jury will begin reviewing submissions in late July. Applicants will be notified of decisions in August or September.

JURY

A jury of practicing architects, from a range of firm sizes and expertise, and Architectural Record editors will select winners of the Best of Architecture Awards. They will judge submissions based on a set of criteria, including quality of design, sustainability, and innovation. Recipients of the individual awards will be selected by a jury of RECORD editors.

FEES

Entry fees range from $200 - $300 depending on firm size.

• Early Bird Discount: Submit your entry by May 15, 2025 to receive $50 off.
• Student Discount: Current students or recent graduates submitting to our Unbuilt Architecture - By Student/Recent Graduate category can apply for $25.

QUESTIONS

Any questions about the survey can be directed to [email protected]. Please include “Architectural Record Awards” in the subject line.

For password or technical assistance with the survey platform, please email [email protected].

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