2026 Design Awards

Introduction
Eligibility
Submission Format
Design Excellence
Fees
Schedule
Categories
Submission Forms

Introduction

The AIA Central New Jersey Design Awards program recognizes and promotes outstanding design work of individuals and firms in Central New Jersey.

The competition submission will be electronic. Entrants will also be required to deliver a mounted print of their 40” x 40” board(s) for display at the awards dinner. Date, time, and location to be announced.

Design award categories are listed below. Awards may not be given in every category. Awards determination will be made by independent jury review of the design submissions. Please note that the jury has the discretion to move an entry to a different category if they find it more suitable.

Eligibility

Criteria 1

To be eligible for submission a project must comply with all items under Criteria 1 and at least one item from Criteria 2 below.
The individual submitting is the lead architect on that project. ‘Lead Architect’ is defined as the main client contact.
Projects will not be considered if they were created prior to August 25, 2021.
Projects that have previously received an AIA CNJ Award in any category are not eligible.
Credit must be given to all contributing architectural firms.

Criteria 2

An AIA Central New Jersey member in good standing whose practice is in Central New Jersey may submit projects from any location.
An AIA Central New Jersey member in good standing who practices outside of Central New Jersey may submit projects from any location.

Submission Format

Required Materials for Electronic Submission must include:

40 x 40 PDF of Project Board in two versions

“Jurors’ Version” must have all names or references to your firm removed.
“Presentation Version” may have all your firm’s name and logos included. The Presentation Version should have the name/logo of the architect located in the bottom 2” of the board.
All versions of boards should feature:

§ the name of the project,

§ the location,

§ a description of the project including unique challenges and response,

§ dates of construction or design as a separate, clearly identified item on the board.

2 photos for use in marketing promotional materials to be uploaded as a separate item on the submission page. PNG or JPEG only.
400 word Project Description as a Word document (words not characters, not including spaces) uploaded as a separate item on the submission page. Description need not be the same as that within the description.
Total File Size Limi per board: 95MB. Please contact Robert at [email protected] if you run into issues uploading.

Note: A printed version of the submission board is also required for presentation at the awards ceremony. Date, time, and location of event to follow.

Note regarding collaboration with other firm(s) on the project: If applicable, the submission form will ask entrants to describe the role(s) of any contributing firm(s) and the scope of services provided by each. This information is requested to help clarify the entrant's role as the primary designer. Responses are limited to 100 words and must be entered in the designated field on the submission form.

Design Excellence Impact Requirement

In alignment with the American Institute of Architects Framework for Design Excellence, all submissions must identify and respond to key impact areas.

Entrants are required to select three (3) of the following Design for impact categories:

Design for Integration
Design for Equitable Communities
Design for Ecosystems
Design for Water
Design for Economy
Design for Energy
Design for Well-Being
Design for Resources
Design for Change
Design for Discovery

Please click here to view full descriptions of the Design for impact categories.

Submissions must include:

A 250-word maximum narrative per selected category as a Word document: Provide a 250-word maximum narrative for each category (250 words per category).