AIANJ Call for Award Nominations

AIA NJ Design Awards

The AIA New Jersey Design Awards program celebrates the finest architectural design in the state. Recognizing excellence in architecture, interior design, and urban planning, these prestigious awards honor projects that demonstrate innovative design, sustainability, and a positive impact on the built environment. 

Open to AIA NJ members and their firms, the program showcases outstanding work that embodies the highest standards of professionalism and design excellence. Join us in celebrating the creativity and dedication of architects who shape the future of our communities.

The Annual Award Categories:

• Built Open
• Built Residential Design
• Preservation
• Interior Architecture
• Built Sustainability
• Built Installation Sculpture or Furniture Piece
• Small Projects
• Unbuilt Projects
• Regional & Urban Design Built and Unbuilt projects

Entry Fees

$150 First Project Submission
$100 Each Additional Project Submission

Submission Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST

AIA TriState Design Awards

The AIA TriState Design Awards is accepting eligible project submissions for its 2026 program through 11:59 PM Friday, September 11, 2026.

Eligibility is restricted to projects entered in AIA New Jersey, AIA New York State, or AIA Pennsylvania Design Awards programs in 2026, 2025, or 2024.

Regionally compete with your peers from AIA New Jersey, AIA New York State, and AIA Pennsylvania to be honored for architectural excellence!

Review the Call for Submissions before starting your submission(s) for complete details, including eligibility, required and optional entry fields, and jury review materials for upload.

2026 Service Awards 

The AIA New Jersey Service Awards recognize outstanding achievements and contributions that have provided distinguished service to the profession and to the Society. These prestigious awards celebrate individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership, advocacy, and service, advancing the mission and values of the American Institute of Architects in New Jersey.

Through these recognitions, AIA New Jersey continues to showcase the exemplary efforts of its members and industry leaders, inspiring the next generation of architects and advocates.

We are now accepting nominations for six categories:

• Architect of the Year
• Associate of the Year
• Resident of the Year
• Young Architect of the Year
• Firm of the Year
• Distinguished Service Award

Submit a Nomination

If you believe you qualify for any of the categories above, we encourage you to submit a self-nomination. If you know someone whose outstanding contributions and excellence deserve recognition, please submit a peer nomination.

The Michael Graves Lifetime Achievement Award

The Michael Graves Lifetime Achievement Award is the most prestigious honor bestowed by AIA New Jersey—recognizing an individual whose career has made a profound and lasting impact on the theory and practice of architecture. Named for our esteemed first recipient, Michael Graves, FAIA, this award celebrates those whose distinguished body of work transcends boundaries, inspires generations, and reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing the built environment.

Awarded only when a candidate truly embodies the spirit of this recognition, the Michael Graves Lifetime Achievement Award honors not just architectural excellence—but legacy.

Submitting Sucessful Design Award Entries Webinar

This discussion featured award-winning architects and AIA national who shared practical advice, lessons learned, and strategies for creating impactful submissions that stand out to juries. You can gain valuable insights into how to improve your design, service and Lifetime Achievement award submission with these actional tips and resources.

View the full webinar here