New architecture and design competitions: AIANY Design Awards, UIA 2030 Award, The Next House, and MASterworks Design Awards

For this week's curated picks of architecture and design competitions listed on Bustler, we are featuring four calls seeking projects that both exemplify architectural excellence, while contributing to the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, exceptional architecture and urban design projects located in New York City, outstanding architecture from New York City-based firms, and compelling proposals that reimagine suburban home design.

For the complete directory of newly listed competitions, click here.

UIA 2030 Award: Third Cycle
Registration/Submission Deadline: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

"The International Union of Architects (UIA), in partnership with UN-Habitat, have launched the third cycle of the UIA 2030 Award, a biennial international prize that promotes the role of architecture in advancing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with a particular focus on SDG11 and the New Urban Agenda. Established in 2021 and organised by the UIA UN 17 SDGs Commission, the Award recognises built projects that exemplify architectural excellence while contributing significantly to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

MASterworks Design Awards
Registration/Submission Deadline: Monday, November 17, 2025

"Established in 2001, the MASterworks Design Awards pay tribute to projects completed in the previous year that exemplify excellence in architecture and urban design. Nominations for the 2026 MASterworks Design Awards are now open through Monday, November 17 at 11:59 PM. To be eligible for a MASterworks Design Award this year, projects must be located within the five boroughs of New York City and have been completed between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2025. The jury will prioritize projects that provide a public benefit."

AIANY Design Awards 2026
Registration/Submission Deadline: Friday, November 21, 2025

"AIA New York’s annual Design Awards program recognizes outstanding architectural design in New York and around the world. Members, architectural professionals, and designers across the industry are encouraged to apply. The program awards projects that exemplify design excellence, demonstrating exceptional skill and creativity in the resolution of formal, functional, and technical requirements. Projects should consider the impacts of built design, addressing issues including ecological stewardship and social responsibility."

The Next House: USA
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

"This competition calls on architects, designers, and thinkers worldwide to envision a new suburban prototype: a home that is compact yet generous, adaptable yet grounded, replicable yet sensitive to place. It asks participants to go beyond size and spectacle, and instead focus on what makes a home truly meaningful—its adaptability, sustainability, affordability, and ability to nurture both family and community life."

Would you like to contribute competitions, award programs, or calls for submissions that aren't listed on Bustler yet? Send them directly to our team to review. We may include them in our next roundup.