AIA Virginia’s Awards for Excellence in Architecture recognize outstanding design, built and unbuilt, from the past seven years. Also known as the Design Awards, the program is juried by a team of esteemed practitioners. No specific number of awards is set, and the program is open to all categories of building as well as interiors projects. The location of projects is not restricted, but any built works submitted for consideration must have been completed on or after Jan. 1, 2019.
Each entry must include a completed Framework for Design Excellence Project Information Form as page one of their submission. Note: Entrants should not feel obligated to respond to every measure within the Framework — only those that apply to the project being submitted. It is understood that every project is different and may not respond to each measure within the Framework. The jury will consider each design holistically and within context. (Note on the form itself – make sure all of your entry text is visible from the PDF before uploading.)
All entries must be the work of architects who are members of AIA Virginia or non-member architects with an office in Virginia. The entrant must be a contributor to the design team. To be eligible to receive the member discount, the entrant must be a member of AIA Virginia. If you are a member of any other state component, you can become an unassigned member of AIA Virginia, and only then can you use the member rates.
Entry Process
Note: You should be prepared to provide your submission materials upon entry. Please see the complete regulations, eligibility requirements, and frequently asked questions for more information.
Entries open on April 15, 2026
Entry deadline: 5 p.m. on June 26, 2026.
Submission Requirements
Please prepare 2 PDF files for each entry.
PDF#1 Concealed Identification PDF to be titled “concealedid.pdf”
Format for this page should be a portrait 8.5×11-inch PDF.
This PDF must include:
* Project name and address
* Project award category
* Designer’s name, address, email address and phone number
* Owner’s name, address, email address and phone number
* Contractor’s name, address, email address and phone number
* Photographer’s name, address, email address and phone number
Submitters are also encouraged to include the names and contact information for any consultants or suppliers that contributed substantially to the project.
NOTE: The jury will not see this information.
PDF#2 Project PDF to be titled “project name.pdf” (MAY NOT EXCEED 12MB)
Format for pages 2-10 should be a horizontally-oriented 16:9 ratio PDF.
- Page 1: The first page of every project PDF must be the completed Framework for Design Excellence Project Information Form. Entries that do not include the Project Information Form as page 1 will not be considered. (Note on the form itself – make sure all of your entry text is visible from the PDF before uploading)
- Page 2: Brief project description and category to which it is being submitted (void of design firm’s name or logo)
- Pages 3-10: Photographs, renderings, and/or plans/sections that provide a clear understanding of the project. Also encouraged are concept sketches that communicate the development of the project and or its method of construction. Submitters may include narrative elements. There may not be any information in this document that identifies the firm. Entries with identifying information will be automatically disqualified.
Award Categories
See complete descriptions of each category
- Architecture
- Design for Context
- Extended Use
* Historic Preservation
* Adaptive or Continued Use (renovations, additions, or other adaptations to existing buildings) - Interiors
- Residential
- Small Projects
* Up to $150,000 in construction cost
* Up to $500,000 in construction cost
* Under 5,000 square feet - Unbuilt Architecture
Entry fees
AIA Virginia Members:
$220 for the first project
$190 for each additional project
The Small Projects Category has a reduced entry fee of $150
Note: The entrant must be a member of AIA Virginia to be eligible to receive the member discount. The submitting AIA Virginia member must be a contributor to the design team.
Non-members of the AIAVA (must have an office located in Virginia):
$305 for the first project
$280 for each additional project
The Small Projects Category has a reduced entry fee of $250
Not an AIA Virginia member? Apply for an unassigned membership.
Questions? Email info@aiava.org.
See the past honorees:
2025 honorees
2024 honorees
2023 honorees
2022 honorees
2021 honorees
2020 honorees
2019 honorees
2018 honorees
2017 honorees
2016 honorees
2015 honorees
2014 honorees
2013 honorees