MISSION

For our 90th anniversary, we aim to evolve the Design Awards from a traditional ceremony into a vibrant community celebration. Our goal is to increase engagement by hosting a dynamic and inclusive event that celebreates our chapter, our members, our partners and the broader impact of design throughout the Westchester + Hudson Valley Region. 

ELIGIBILITY

Completed or unbuilt work by a licensed Architect, Associate AIA member, or firm located within the chapter area or completed work within the chapter area by an Architect/firm located outside the chapter area. The work must be completed between January 2020 and August 2026. There is no limit to the number of projects submitted and applicants are encouraged to submit as many projects as desired.

JUDGING

Projects will be evaluated on one or more of the following criteria:

  • DESIGN QUALITY reflecting resolution of the program or idea; innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique.
  • DESIGN RESOLUTION of formal, functional and technical parameters.
  • DESIGN ADVANCEMENT through proposing new approaches to the development of architectural and/or urban form.
  • SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT demonstrating a commitment to social progress.
  • TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT exploring new technologies and/or their architectural applications.
  • ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANCEMENT demonstrating a commitment to environmentally sensitive design, sustainability and/or energy/resources conservation.
  • PRESERVATION / RESTORATION demonstrating skill, sensitivity and thoughtfulness in preservation, restoration, or the adaptive re-use of existing buildings.

The jury shall be comprised of a panel of architects from another regional AIA chapter. The jury shall review projects based on the program outline, criteria, and rules as described herein. By entering, each entrant accepts and agrees to be bound by these official rules and the decisions of the judges. Any dispute regarding these rules or awards will be resolved by the jury and the executive committee of the AIA Westchester + Hudson Valley, and their decision shall be final. A maximum of three (3) awards shall be granted to a single applicant.

The jury shall be comprised of a panel of 3-5 industry professionals nominated by the Chapter. Qualifications for jury appointments include: working or retired individuals with professional experience in the Chapter’s market area, architectural design, local government, or related fields. Jury members should be unbiased individuals who recognize the value of quality design in our community. Jury members are not permitted to make submissions to the Design Awards program.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Entries shall be submitted in one (1) of the following categories, which are intended to be inclusive of new construction, additions, alterations, and unbuilt work. If you feel your submission does not fit into a single category, please proceed with your submission and the committee members and/or jury members will place your entry into a category. The number of awards granted shall be at the sole discretion of the jury. Additionally, based on their review of the submissions, the jury may decide that awards not be grated in every category.

  1. Community Impact - Projects that strengthen the scoial fabric and civic life of the community they are in.
  2. Innovation in Sustainability - Projects that demonstrate oustanding achievements in decarbonization, resiliency, and green design.
  3. Excellence in Adaptive Reuse - Honoring creative preservation and the brilliant transformation of existing historic structures.
  4. Best Use of Materials - Celebrating craft, tactile beauty, and innovative material or tectonic expression.
  5. Design for Wellness - Projects that prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional health of their occupants.
  6. Visionary Design - Unbuilt, theoretical, or conceptual work pushing the boundaries of Architecture.
  7. Small Project, Big Impact - Designed for smaller-scale interventions, proving that design excellence isn't dependednt on a massive budget.
  8. Emerging Professional Honor - Recognizing a standout project led by an AIA Associate or a firm owner in their first 10 years of practice.
  9. The 90th Anniversary Legacy Award (Firm of the Year) - Honoring a firm that has consistently contributed to the architectural excellence and community of our chapter over its history.

The jury has the option of selecting projects within specific areas of excellence for special mention awards. Special award categories might include:

  • Preservation
  • Sustainability
  • Design Research
  • Materials / Color
  • Lighting
  • Work by Emerging Professionals

The award levels of recognition may include: High Honor, Honor + Citation.

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION HONORS:

The WHV-AIA Board of Directors will review submissions for special community recognition for individuals or firms that partner with our chapter members resulting in significant improvements to our region's built environment. Nominations must be made by a chapter member. The following list of professionals may be considered:

  • Consulting Engineers / Specialty Design Consultants
  • Owner's Representatives / Construction Managers
  • Local / Regional Government Officials

LONGEVITY AWARDS:

The WHV-AIA Board of Directors will review submissions for Lifetime Achievement and Architectural Milestone recognition. Nominations must be made by a chapter member. The following categories may be considered:

  • Lifetime Achievement Award (Architect / Engineer)
  • Architecture Award for Significant Building (25-year and 50-year)

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION                    Friday, September 18th, 2026

REGISTRATION BY                                    Friday, October 2nd, 2026

SUBMISSIONS DUE                                   Friday, October 16th, 2026

JURY REVIEW                                            October 2026 (within last two weeks of month)    

AWARD NOTIFICATION                              End of October 2025

SPONSORSHIP FINAL REQUESTS           November 6th, 2026

AWARDS PRESENTATION                         November 20th, 2026 at The Coliseum

*Please mark your calendar.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Each entry shall be submitted via the Openwater Project Submission Form (link below), and shall include:

PROJECT INFORMATION:

  • Project and team identification.
  • A brief description for presentation and publication.

SUBMISSION PDF:

  • Name this PDF “SUB-Project Name”. “Project name” is the actual name of your project. 
  • The first page of the Submission PDF shall include the Project Information Sheet which shall include “Project Name”, “Short Project Summary”, “Project Type”, “Project Square Footage”, “Project Budget”, “Completion Date”, and “Zoning Constraints.”
  • The first or second page of the Submission PDF shall include a Project Narrative, which shall describe the project goals, solutions, and accomplishments. The project Narrative shall not exceed 300 words.   
  • The submission PDF shall be formatted as a single document / file, with multiple pages. The number of pages in the Submission PDF is at the discretion of the entrant. However, over 20 pages is discouraged.
  • The maximum size for the Submission PDF file shall be 20MB.
  • Submission graphics shall be at the discretion of the entrant. However, as applicable, the submission should include the following: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, photographs (built projects), and site context photographs.  Site and/or building sections are recommended.
  • The Submission PDF shall include no logos or text identifying the submitter. Circumstantial information such as prior awards, which may tip the jury, are grounds for disqualification.
  • Photography credit may remain on photographs. Where authorship is not indicated on the images or would compromise anonymity, list credits in the Project Information.

SUBMISSION PDF (COMMUNITY RECOGNITION HONORS & LONGEVITY AWARDS):

  • Similar to above for design awards submission.
  • First page of submission should include the heading "For Community Recognition Honors" or "For Longevity Award Consideration"

MARKETING IMAGES:

  • Include 3 to 5 images that best capture the essence of the submission.  Images shall be in JPEG (.jpg) format, with a minimum image size of 2000 x 3000 pixels, and a maximum file size of 2MB each.  Include photography credits for each photograph.

TIPS FROM PAST YEARS:

  • Please use a relatively generic project name, e.g. “Highway House”; avoid specific addresses or identifying information as much as possible.
  • Clearly outline and identify the scope of the project. Do not leave the jury guessing.
  • Include before and after photos and drawings where applicable.
  • Sustainable design, energy efficiency, health and wellness, adaptive reuse, affordable housing, etc. are all consistently prioritized by juries.
  • If your project is under construction, wait until it is complete to submit. Completed projects are judged more favorably.
  • Tell a compelling story.

FEES (PER ENTRY):

$50 ($30 Early-Bird) for Student Submissions

$200 ($100 Early-Bird) for AIA-WHV Chapter Members (Small firms - 6 or fewer staff) or Associate Chapter Members

$300 ($200 Early-Bird) for AIA-WHV Chapter Members (greater than 6 staff)

$400 ($300 Early-Bird) for AIA Firms outside of the WHV Chapter / Non-Members

The entry fee includes the cost of two (2) people to attend the Design Awards Gala. Additional tickets and sponsoring opportunities may be obtained by contacting the chapter office. Please call Valerie Brown (914) 232-7240 for more information.

DIRECTIONS TO EVENT:

The Coliseum located in White Plains, NY is located at 15 S Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601. There is a large parking garage in the middle of the city block.

The Gateway Center is located on the Valhalla campus of Westchester Community College. The closest campus entrance is the East Gate entrance off route 100C. You will see the building immediately ahead as you enter the campus. Parking for the event is in lot 11. For further details and a campus map, please see the college's website: Maps & Directions - SUNY Westchester Community College 

 

We look forward to a celebratory event at the The Coliseum in White Plains on November 20th, 2026.