To ensure fairness and flexibility, AAD uses a two-part submission process. This allows you to register your projects now and finalize the details later, while keeping firm identities anonymous during jury review.

Step 1: Register Your Projects

Start by registering up to three projects at a time.

We’ll ask for your contact information and project names. Once you complete payment, you’ll receive access to the submission form to upload materials at your own pace.

Step 2: Submit Your Materials

Upload your required project files, plans, and photos.

To maintain anonymity in judging, do not include firm names or identifying information in your submission materials. Entries that reveal authorship will be disqualified, and fees will not be refunded.

Honor (highest recognition) and Merit awards are evaluated on:

• Overall design excellence
• How well the architect frames, addresses, and solves the key problems unique to this project, such as site, materials, context, codes, and community
• Creative design responses to the existing site, building program, and community Innovative approaches to the use of materials, lighting, structural systems, or building skin technology
• How the design accommodates a variety of lifestyles, such as aging in place or changing physical needs of the occupants
• Framework for Design Excellence:
  • For all submissions: Projects should identify elements of the design that respond to one or more principles of the AIA Framework for Design Excellence. Addressing every principle is not required; focus on what is most relevant to the project.
  • For Honor Award consideration: Projects must demonstrate a meaningful response to the Framework. Submissions that do not address the Framework will be eligible for Merit recognition only.

Certified Affordable Housing and Workforce and Missing Middle categories are also evaluated on:

• Responsiveness to client and occupant needs
• Increased affordability, as demonstrated in occupant income levels
• Provision of a long-term asset to the client, occupants, and the community
• Description of occupant income mix

• AIA Member, 10 or fewer employees: $200
• AIA Member, 11+ employees: $250
• Nonmember: $350

The fee is per project and is nonrefundable.

Before submitting, download the full 2026 AAD Call for Entries Package to ensure your materials meet all requirements.

• Download the Call for Entries Package

Included in the package:

• 2026 AAD Call for Entries: Submission guidelines and FAQ
• AIA Framework for Design Excellence: Reference for submission alignment
• Photographer Consent Form
• Unpaid Labor Declaration Policy: Applicants must submit a brief statement confirming the firm and/or architect has not used unpaid labor within the past 10 years
• Photo Captions Document: Describe submitted images (optional)

Please review all materials carefully before beginning your submission.