AIA Education Facility Design Award 2025

The AIA Education Facility Design Award highlights projects that deliver cutting-edge learning environments. It fosters critical evaluation and experimentation to meet client needs while advancing educational experiences. Recognized projects span early childhood, K-12, higher education, corporate training centers, and non-traditional spaces like museums, libraries, and nature centers.

Eligibility

To qualify, projects must meet the following criteria:

• Include new constructions, additions, or renovations.
• Be completed after January 1, 2019.

Submission Details

Entry Fees:

• $450 per project submission.
• An additional $100 for entering the same project into other categories.

Evaluation Criteria:
Awards will be given for excellence in the following areas:

1. Supporting the client’s educational goals.
2. Balancing functional and aesthetic needs while respecting the community and context.
3. Demonstrating effective planning and design.
4. Showcasing the connection between built and natural environments.
5. Integrating sustainability holistically.

Excellence Awards are reserved for projects meeting all five criteria, while Merit Awards are for high-quality projects excelling in certain areas.

Recognition

Award-winning projects gain national exposure through platforms such as:

• AIA and partner conferences.
• Publications like Fast Company, Business Insider, and ARCHITECT.
• Online showcases on AIA.org, including jury statements, narratives, and images.

Jury

• Rashmi Vasavada, AIA, NOMA, Chair
• Derrick Adams, AIA, NOMA
• Rachel Harrah
• Irmak Sener, Assoc. AIA

2024 Winners

Highlighted winners include:

• Bard High School Early College, Washington, D.C.
• Cardinal Elementary School, Arlington, Va.
• Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.
• Northeastern University EXP, Boston.

For the complete list and submission details, visit the official AIA awards platform.

Competition Details