International Excellence Awards 2026

illustrarch Editoral Team17 March 20262 Mins read1

Submission: 11 May 2026

Registration: 8 May 2026

Location: Online

Language: English

Prize: Certificate, award logo, winner's page, studio spotlight card, social media banners, media coverage, and IEA Trophy (for top winners). No cash prize.

Type: Open International Competition (students, independent creatives, emerging talents, established studios — both realised and conceptual works)

Fee: $190

Where Innovation Earns its Place

The International Excellence Awards (IEA) returns for its second edition, once again curated by the Architecture & Design Community (ADC) in partnership with Design Skill Magazine. Far from another design contest, IEA is a sharp, content-driven platform that gives visionaries, studios, and emerging talents the space to be seen, evaluated, and remembered — for all the right reasons.

A Smarter Way to Recognise Excellence

IE Awards introduces a deliberate shift in how recognition is given. No rankings. No comparison games. Every project is independently scored by a global panel of experts, with recognition based purely on merit.

Platinum IE Award: 9 – 10 points
Gold IE Award: 7,5 – 8,9 points
Silver IE Award: 6 – 7,4 points
Bronze IE Award: 4,5 – 5,9 points

The number of winners per category is not fixed — it is determined entirely by the quality and scoring of submitted works. It’s transparent. It’s fair. And it’s built to honour creativity at every level.

REGISTER NOW →

Recognition That Matters

Every award carries more than just a title — it’s a curated experience of visibility:

A personalised certificate and award logo
A dedicated winner’s page on our official website
A studio spotlight card with full contact details
Feature banners for your social channels
Exposure to over 300k followers on Instagram and Facebook
Coverage by selected media partners

And, at the pinnacle: the IEA Trophy — a sculptural tribute to those who lead with talent, creativity, and bold vision.

Eligibility & Format

International Excellence Awards is open to students, independent creatives, emerging talents, and established studios. There are no restrictions on project age or status — both realised and conceptual works are welcome.

Submissions may include any combination of: text, diagrams, drawings, renderings, photography, collages or graphics.

Whether you’re reimagining cities, crafting furniture, designing packaging, or exploring ideas that challenge the familiar, the International Excellence Awards exists to recognise and elevate meaningful work. Submit your project, get seen, and take your place on a platform that values design with intent.

The Jury: 2026 Edition

This year’s panel brings together leading voices from across the globe, each offering a sharp eye and a commitment to excellence:

Jimena Meza – Architect & Founder, Arandano Arquitectura, Peru
Hatem Ibrahim – Professor of Architecture, Qatar University, Qatar
Haisheng Xu – Co-Founder, LYT-X Studio, USA
Inna Lysetska – Senior Project Designer, IDL Construction, USA/Ukraine
Naresh V Narasaimhan – Managing Partner, Venkataramanan Associates, India
Daria Yang Du – Founder and Architecture Designer, DD STUDIO/RIOS, USA

All entries are judged blindly. No names. No labels. Just ideas, design, and execution.

Judging Criteria

Conceptual Strength & Originality
Clarity of Intent & Execution
Innovation, Sustainability & Technology
Functionality & Craft
Overall Impact & Visual Presence

Key Dates

Extended Entry: 10 April 2026
Final Deadline: 8 May 2026
Project Submission Deadline: 11 May 2026
Winners Announced: 5 June 2026

Let Your Work Speak — and Let the World Hear It!

Students enjoy a 50% discount.

Registration Page →

Submission Page →

Explore Some of the IE Awards 2025 Winners

Platinum Winner — Futurliner

Category: Aerospace and Aviation Design (Transportation)
Designer: Didier Wolff
Studio: Happy Design Studio
Country: France

Gold Winner — Peralta Plaza Residence

Category: Urban and Residential Design (Architecture)
Studio: Obrana with Sound Space Design
Country: Portugal

Platinum Winner — Casa Corten

Category: Urban and Residential Design (Architecture)
Designer: Hugo Pereira
Studio: HPA Arquitetura
Copyright: Ivo Tavares Studio
Country: Portugal