AZ Awards 2026
Competition Brief
The AZ Awards 2026, which are run by AZURE Magazine, is a global design competition that recognizes and praises the outstanding works of the various fields such as architecture, landscape, interiors, urban design, product design, and etc. The awards are given to projects, products, and works that are done in the last three years and the designers are encouraged to be innovative, and creative and to consider social/environmental responsibility in their design works. The A+ Award, which highlights the new generation of designers, is open for student submissions. You can also read our assessment of the recent winners of architecture awards to understand better the creative design approaches.
Intent
Through the competition, the best worldwide design practices will be in the limelight, the creative experimentation will be encouraged and the aesthetic quality, functional excellence, and societal impact teaching will be rewarded. For insights into design strategies that balance functionality and aesthetics, explore our coverage of trending architectural solutions.
Purpose
The aim of the AZ Awards is to create a global stage for the designers to display their work, get international recognition, and network with other professionals who think alike. It gives importance to both the professional practice and the new talent, making sure that the experienced designers are acknowledged as well as the students and the beginners and the young ones who are in between. You can read more about the winning students’ projects in our story about the student architecture competitions.
Requirements
- The competition is open to international architects, designers, urban planners, landscape architects, and clients.
- The completed projects should be no older than three years (up to December 31, 2025).
- Submissions from students should be classified as A+ Award entries.
- The entry must contain images, project description, and applicable technical documentation.
Jury
The AZ Awards jury is made up of an international collective of the most prominent architects, designers, landscapers, and interior experts in their respective fields and also in related areas. Projects undergo a choice based on factors of aesthetic, functional, creative, and social/environmental considerations. The editorial team composes a longlist before the jury picks the finalists and winners.
Fees
| Entry Type | Early-Bird Fee | Regular Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Students (A+ Award) | $35 USD | $45 USD |
| Professional Entries | $250 USD first, $225 second, $200 each after | $275 USD first, $250 second, $225 each after |
Rewards
| Reward | Description |
|---|---|
| AZ Awards Trophy | Annual trophy awarded to winners across categories |
| Media Recognition | Feature in AZURE Magazine and global media partners |
| Gala Presentation | Winners celebrated at the AZ Awards Gala in Toronto |
| Student Prize (A+ Award) | CAD $5,000 split if multiple winners |
| Press Kit Distribution | Global exposure for winning projects and designers |
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission Opens | 10 November 2025 |
| Early-Bird Deadline | 23 January 2026 |
| Final Submission Deadline | 13 February 2026 |
| Finalists Announced | 17 April 2026 |
| People’s Choice Voting | 17 April – 8 May 2026 |
| Awards Gala & Winners | Late June 2026 (Toronto) |
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
The AZ Awards 2026, which are held by AZURE Magazine, are a global contest in the areas of architecture, landscape, interiors, and other related fields for both professionals and students alike. The jury is somewhat open to the public: practitioners who are on top their game make up the jury, and those who are editorially shortlisted get to vote in the final selection, however, the names of jury members are not disclosed in full. Entry fees are quite moderate: $35–45 USD for students and $200–275 USD for professionals, so in a way this is a good deal considering the exposure and gala attendance. The competition is not about promotion; it rather provides participants with the enhancement of their portfolios, recognition by the media, and networking opportunities, though the actual implementation of projects is not guaranteed.
Critical conclusion
The AZ Awards 2026 are still a reference point in the design landscape, thus their prizes are very much dependent on the above mentioned trio of creativity, sustainability, and societal impact. The artists are the ones who get the highest exposure as they would be seen and heard not only in AZURE Magazine but also in the international gala, meanwhile, the students are the ones who get to enjoy the financial and media recognition. Designers who are on the lookout for the next big thing in terms of sustainable and innovative solutions can take a look at these entries and compare them to the other competitions featured on ArchUp, such as the Emergent Housing Competition and Architecture at Zero, which would provide a rich context for the evolving global design expectations.
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