AIA Chicago Architecture Awards
Lookingglass Theatre Lobby, Wheeler Kearns Architects
Design Excellence Awards
AIA Chicago’s Design Excellence Awards honor the outstanding work of AIA Chicago members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight members’ contributions in designing equitable and sustainable places and spaces.
Submissions open: Week of May 4, 2026
Submissions close: Friday, June 12, 2026, 5:00 PM central
More Information and Submit
PHIUS Zero Historic Retrofit, TBDA, Ltd.
Decarbonization Award
This award recognizes projects that have gone above and beyond base level energy reduction goals and showcases those project vanguards that exemplify the profession's ability to pursue the goals of the 2030 Commitment without compromise to the functional and aesthetic goals of the project.
Submissions open: Week of May 4, 2026
Submissions close: Friday, June 12, 2026, 5:00 PM central
More Information and Submit
The Alston, Heidi Lightner Architects
Lerch Bates People's Choice Awards
As a laboratory for innovation, Chicago’s architects never tire in their quest of creating beautiful and innovative masterpieces, and this award engages our city to vote on their favorite projects. These awards are sponsored by Lerch Bates and presented in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Center.
Submissions open: Week of May 4, 2026
Submissions close: Friday, June 12, 2026, 5:00 PM central
More Information and Submit
African Heritage Hut, Converge Architecture
Roberta Feldman Architecture for Social Justice Award
The Roberta Feldman Architecture for Social Justice Award, administered by the AIA Chicago Foundation, was established in 2020 to honor excellence architecture that is guided by the conviction that access to high quality architecture is not a privilege, it is a human right.
Submissions open: Week of May 4, 2026
Submissions close: Friday, June 12, 2026, 5:00 PM central
More Information and Submit
Dunelands, dSPACE
Divine Detail Award
This award recognizes instances where architectural theory is translated into artistic expression, emphasizing the interplay between design and craftsmanship. Submissions should demonstrate how details enhance the project's design concept through craftsmanship, technology, and/or material choices.
Submissions open: Week of May 4, 2026
Submissions close: Friday, June 12, 2026, 5:00 PM central
More Information and Submit
National University Hospital Singapore, Gensler
Unbuilt Award
Submissions open: Closed for 2026, returning in 2027
Submissions close: Closed for 2026, returning in 2027
More Information and Submit
Lamar A. Johnson, FAIA, LEED AP
Lifetime Achievement Award
Founded in 2006, the AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award honors those who have made a lasting impact on the practice, the profession, and the built environment.
Phase 1: Week of May 4, 2026 - Friday, May 29, 2026, 5:00 PM central
Phase 2: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 - Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 5:00 PM central
More Information
Sara Fetterolf, AIA; 2025 AIA Dubin Family Young Architect Award Recipient
Dubin Family Young Architect Award
Established in 1983, AIA Chicago's Young Architect Award, financially supported by the Dubin Family, recognizes excellence in ability and exceptional contributions by Chicago area architects between the ages of twenty-five and thirty-nine OR licensed 10 years or fewer.
Submissions open: Week of May 4, 2026
Submissions close: Friday, June 12, 2026, 5:00 PM central
More Information
Studio Gang; Credit Evening Cue LLC
Firm Award
Established in 1991, this award recognizes outstanding achievements and excellence in the body of work produced by a firm.
Submissions Open: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Submissions Close: Wednesday, April 1, 5:00 PM central
More Information
Photo provided by the Chicago Architecture Center
Distinguished Service Award
Since its establishment in 1955, the AIA Chicago Board of Directors has recognized individuals and organizations who have provided outstanding service to the Chicago architectural community.
Submissions open: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Submissions close: Wednesday, November 5, 2025; 5:00pm Central
More Information
Photo provided by the Chicago Architecture Center
Presidential Citation
Selected annually by the chapter President, the individual(s) recognized have served the members of the organization in an outstanding capacity throughout the president’s tenure and beyond.
Selection: At the discretion of the President
More Information
Creatures and Mountains 2025
Molly Rice and Abigail Mudd
Chicago Award in Architecture Student Award
The Chicago Award in Architecture is a juried competition of student projects nominated by their professors of architecture.
Professor Nominations open: May
Professor Nominations close: June
More Information
Paid Advertisement
