The Design Educates Awards (DEAwards) recognize, showcase, and promote the most innovative and meaningful projects in architecture and design worldwide. The competition seeks outstanding designs that not only exhibit excellent aesthetics but also provide educational value, storytelling potential, critical thinking stimulation, emotional influence, or societal impact.
The awards bring together a global community of creatives who highlight the true added value of their projects, fostering a deeper understanding of how architecture and design shape the world.
Why You Should Participate
The DEAwards 2025 is an excellent opportunity for architects, designers, and innovators to gain international recognition for their work. Winning projects are not only aesthetically remarkable but also demonstrate a deeper impact on education, perception, and social awareness.
By participating, you will:
- Gain global exposure through media, exhibitions, and industry recognition.
- Have your work reviewed by a distinguished jury of world-renowned professionals.
- Be featured in the official DEAwards Yearbook and Winner’s Gallery.
- Join the awards ceremony at the SOLARLUX CAMPUS in Germany.
- Network with top architects and designers shaping the future of design.
The DEAwards emphasize projects that offer added value beyond their form, exploring the connection between design, education, and social impact.
Key Highlights
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to professionals, students, and companies of all sizes working in:
- Architecture
- Product Design
- Other Design Disciplines
Entries can be completed projects or concepts developed within the last five years.
Evaluation Criteria
The jury will assess projects based on:
- Aesthetic and technical excellence
- Educational and social impact
- Innovation and storytelling
- Ability to influence perception and user experience
Entry Fees
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Students | 50 |
| Individual Professionals / Small Firms (<10 employees) | 175 |
| Medium Firms (11–100 employees) | 350 |
| Large Firms (100+ employees) | 600 |
- No additional fees.
- Fees support the competition and the non-profit Laka Foundation (host of the awards).
- Participation in the awards ceremony is free.
Prizes and Recognition
| Benefits | Details |
|---|---|
| Winner’s Package | Includes certificates and official winning labels |
| Yearbook Inclusion | Featured in the annual DEAwards publication |
| Exhibition Participation | Displayed at the awards exhibition in Germany |
| Awards Ceremony | Invitation to the event at the SOLARLUX CAMPUS |
| Press & Media Exposure | Promotion through media sponsors and industry partners |
| Framed Certificates & Books | Given to winners at the ceremony |
Submission Details
- Entries must include high-quality visuals (drawings, renderings, or photos).
- A project description explaining its added value and educational potential.
- Submissions must be in English.
Important Dates
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Submissions Open | Early February 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | April 30, 2025 |
| Jury Deliberation | May–June 2025 |
| Winner Announcement | June 2025 |
| Awards Ceremony | September 2025 (SOLARLUX CAMPUS, Germany) |
Jury Panel
The 2025 jury features some of the most influential figures in architecture and design, including:
- Prof. Toyo Ito – Founder of Toyo Ito & Associates, Pritzker Prize laureate
- Prof. Benedetta Tagliabue – Principal Architect, EMBT
- Francine Houben – Creative Director, Mecanoo
- Doriana Mandrelli Fuksas – Leading Architect, Fuksas Design
- Prof. Barbara Holzer – Cofounder, Holzer Kobler Architekturen
- Prof. Rainer Mahlamäki – Partner, Lahdelma & Mahlamäki Architects
- David Basulto – Founder & Editor-in-Chief, ArchDaily
- Dr. Peter Kuczia – Founder of Kuczia Architects, Initiator of DEAwards
Check the full jury list on the official website.
How to Join
- Register online and submit your project before the deadline.
- Provide a project description, images, and any additional documentation.
- Pay the entry fee according to your category.
- Wait for jury deliberation and results announcement in June 2025.
