Regulations and FAQs
This program is not a competition, but a recognition of built and unbuilt projects deemed worthy of acknowledgment by independent juries. There is no specific number of awards to be granted. Jury recognition will be given by AIA Virginia in the form of a certificate. Winners shall provide high-resolution images of their projects within two weeks of notification.
Each entry shall be submitted as described below. Entries submitted in an unspecified manner will be disregarded.
The submitting designer shall clear all photographs and drawings for unrestricted release and reproduction in connection with publicity of the program including, but not limited to, print media, web media, and exhibition.
The submitting designer may qualify as a member of the design team, whether or not serving as the head of that team. Where one individual is not the sole author, all other persons substantially contributing to the design of the project must be given credit as part of the submission, regardless of professional discipline.
Project authorship will remain concealed throughout the jury’s deliberation.
What is the Framework for Design Excellence?
Developed by members of the AIA, the Framework for Design Excellence represents the defining principles of good design in the 21st century. It’s intended to be accessible and relevant for every architect, every client, and every project — regardless of size, typology, or aspiration.
The 10 measures that make up the Framework are intended to inspire progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment. They represent standards of excellence as defined by members of the AIA. These measures align with the AIA’s core values which are collectively defined by members across the country.
The completed Framework for Design Excellence Project Information Form is required and shall be page 1 of each submission. The remaining pages of each submission may be designed and defined by the entrant.
Use the Project Narrative section to describe how the design aligns with the Framework for Design Excellence. Entrants are encouraged to address all applicable measures.
We recognize every project is different and may not respond to every measure within the Framework. The jury will consider the design holistically and within context.
Data may not be available for some metrics on the form, or the client may prefer to keep certain metrics confidential. If this is the case, space is provided on the form to explain.
Entrants are encouraged to call out extraordinary responses to specific measures in the remaining pages of their submission as well.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m not a member of the AIAVA, but someone on my project team is. Can I submit at the lower “member” rate?
A: Yes. But please indicate the name of the AIAVA Member on the design team.
Q: I’m not a member of the AIAVA, but someone who works in my firm is. Can I submit at the lower “member” rate?
A: Only if they were a member of the design team. Please indicate the AIAVA member’s name on your concealed ID.
Q: My firm has offices both in and outside Virginia. I’d like to submit a project being designed by one of my out-of-state offices. Is it eligible?
A: It depends. If an AIAVA member is a member of the project team, then it is eligible to submit. (Please indicate the AIAVA member’s name on your concealed ID.) If no AIAVA members served on the project team, it is not eligible — even if your firm has an office and/or members in Virginia.
Q: Is unbuilt work eligible?
A: Unbuilt work will also be in the Unbuilt Architecture category.
Q: Can I submit an unbuilt project now and submit it again if it gets built (even if it already won)?
A: Yes. The option to submit unbuilt works provides the opportunity to celebrate exceptional projects that, for one reason or another, may never get built. Since built works can vary from designed work, we allow submissions in both phases.
Q: Is a check or credit card preferable?
A: We do not accept checks. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express.
Q: I will be submitting multiple projects—do I register all of them separately?
A: No, you can record up to 6 projects in one registration session. Beyond 6, please simply submit an additional online form or email info@aiava.org.
Q: Can I include the name of our project on the introductory page of our Project PDF?
A: Yes, just as long as it doesn’t identify the submitting firm in any way.
Q: I see that you have a 12MB and 10-page limit on the Project PDF—isn’t that rather small?
A: Yes, but that size ensures that your submission file will be easy to manage and open for jury members.
Q: What if my Project PDF exceeds ten pages?
A: Anything beyond ten pages will be excluded from the jury’s deliberations.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of images that we include?
A: No, as long as the entire file does not exceed 12MB.
Q: Can we include text on our Project PDF?
A: Yes, as much as you’d like.
Q: Does my Project PDF have to be 16:9 ratio?
A: 16:9 ratio pages only, please. The exception is the Framework for Design Excellence Project Information Form. This document is larger to accommodate space to address all 10 measures of the Framework.
Q: Can I sneak in a few extra images on the Concealed Identification PDF?
A: No, please leave that page unadorned. The jury will never see it in the first place; it is a “blind jury.”
Q: Our submission will be a few days late—can we have an extension?
A: No, the submission deadline is firm.
Q: Will I receive a confirmation email once I submit my firm’s projects?
A: Yes, a confirmation email will be generated once the submission has been processed.
Q: When will the jury review the submissions? When will the winners be announced?
A: The jury will be held in July, and winners will be publicly announced in September and celebrated at the Visions for Architecture Gala in November.
Additional Questions? Email info@aiava.org.