2025 AIA NC Design and Chapter Awards Submissions

The 2025 AIA North Carolina Call for Design Awards Submissions is here! These awards recognize the design expertise and excellence of architects from all sections in North Carolina. Awards recognize firms and projects of all shapes and sizes. From large to small, judges take every project into consideration.

AIA North Carolina’s Design Awards to align with AIA and urgent climate change: 

The world today is facing broad and complex challenges that threaten every aspect of our lives. The architect’s call to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public has a new and broader meaning amid challenges such as increasing climate extremes and social inequity. Architects everywhere must recognize that our profession can harness the power of design to contribute to solutions addressing the most significant needs of our time. Every project can be used as a platform for addressing big problems and providing creative solutions. Every line drawn should be a source of good in the world.

The Framework for Design Excellence represents the defining principles of good design in the 21st century. Comprised of 10 principles and accompanied by searching questions, the Framework seeks to inform progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment. These are to be thoughtfully considered by the designer and client at the initiation of every project and incorporated into the work as appropriate to the project scope. The Framework is intended to be accessible and relevant for every architect, every client, and every project, regardless of size, typology, or aspiration. The Framework for Design Excellence challenges architects with a vision of what the profession strives to achieve. 

More About Awards

Housing Design Awards

Often a person’s first and most impactful interaction with architecture, housing shapes the way we live and react with our environment. Well-designed housing provides comfort, safety, and functionality, as well as influences our psychological and emotional well-being. By recognizing the best in housing design, AIA North Carolina aims to show others how well-designed, sustainable, and comfortable spaces can impact our society. 

For AIA NC Members All entries, built or un-built, must be housing projects designed by members of the North Carolina Chapter of the AIA. The projects may be located anywhere in the United States or abroad. Built projects must have been completed within the past 10 years. Un-built projects must be fully commissioned with a scheduled construction start date. 

For Non-AIA NC Members All entries, built or un-built, must be housing projects designed by architects licensed in North Carolina AND the projects must be located in North Carolina. Built projects must have been completed within the past 10 years. Un-built projects must be fully commissioned with a scheduled construction start date. 

Early Bird Price -

August 1 - August 22

$215 for AIA NC Member

$260 for Non-Member

Design Awards

For AIA NC Members All entries, built or un-built, must be commissioned building projects designed by members of the North Carolina Chapter of the AIA. The projects may be located anywhere in the United States or abroad. Built projects must have been completed within the past 10 years. Un-built projects must be fully commissioned with a scheduled construction start date 

For Non-AIA NC Members All entries, built or un-built, must be commissioned building projects designed by an architect licensed in North Carolina, and the projects must be located in North Carolina. Built projects must have been completed within the past 10 years. Un-built projects must be fully commissioned with a scheduled construction start date. 

Please Note: Housing projects will not be eligible for entry into the AIA NC Design Awards. Housing projects must be entered into the AIA NC Housing Design Awards. This is a separate entry. Housing projects entered here will automatically be moved into the Housing Awards program. 

Early Bird Price -

August 1 - August 22

$245 for AIA NC Member

$290 for Non-Member