the Architecture Hunter Awards divides projects into built, unbuilt, and visual representation categories. before submitting, review the guidelines
Projects with innovative spaces for commercial centers that balance functionality, user experience, and design. Such as headquarters, offices, workspaces, plazas, shopping centers, entertainment spaces, restaurants, retail stores, flagships, showrooms, and more. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
Projects centered on the design of intimate outdoor spaces, typically within residential or commercial settings. Must integrate natural and built environments, such as private gardens, courtyards, and small-scale landscaped areas, being a complement of the architecture itself. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project
FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project perform in practical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Residential or commercial buildings taller than 22 meters, designed to optimize functionality, aesthetics, and urban presence. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project
FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project perform in practical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
From large-scale resorts and boutique hotels to intimate lodges, cabins, spas, wellness centers, meditation spaces, and retreats, this category celebrates hospitality environments designed for short stays that prioritize experience, comfort, and well-being. It highlights projects that offer the atmosphere of a hotel setting, rather than private rental homes. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project
FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project perform in practical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Private residences for single families, ranging from urban houses to countryside villas and coastal retreats, with a focus on thoughtful design and functionality. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project
FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project perform in practical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Public service buildings such as schools, universities, libraries, hospitals, civic centers, government facilities, stadiums, arenas, cultural centers, theaters, museums, pavilions, religious buildings, memorials, and more, designed for community use and efficiency. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project
FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project perform in practical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Projects in any scale that combine residential, commercial, institutional and/or others in a single development space promoting multipurpose functionality. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project
FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project perform in practical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Transformation and restoration of existing structures, blending old and new while preserving architectural integrity. This includes historic building restorations, adaptive reuse projects—such as turning old factories into loft apartments—retrofit interventions, and façade renovations for older office buildings. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project
FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project perform in practical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Projects designed to exist for a limited time, such as pavilions, installations, exhibitions, or temporary structures. It highlights creativity and innovation in architecture that embraces transience, transforming spaces and experiences through impermanence. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project
FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project perform in practical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
This category recognizes photographs that capture the beauty of architectural forms, lines, textures, and spatial details. It values the photographer’s ability to convey a building’s essence. Each submission may include up to one photo taken between 2024 and 2026.
ORIGINALITY: The work presents a unique vision or interpretation of the architectural subject, offering fresh perspectives that go beyond conventional approaches.
PERSPECTIVE: Composition and framing effectively convey the spatial qualities, scale, and relationships within the project.
LIGHT: Mastery of natural or artificial lighting to enhance the perception of materials, volume, and ambiance.
MOMENT: The photograph captures the decisive or meaningful moment that expresses the character of the space.
QUALITY OF THE SUBJECT: The architectural work itself is represented with clarity and care, highlighting design intention and detailing while respecting the integrity of the project.
This category is for architectural concepts and designs brought to life through computer-generated imagery (CGI) that captivates and engages the viewer. Submissions should demonstrate exceptional creativity and technical skill, presenting photorealistic renderings that bring unrealized projects to visual fruition. Note: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creating these renderings is prohibited, ensuring authenticity and originality in each submission. Visuals produced between 2024 and 2026.
ORIGINALITY AND CREATIVITY: The renderings offer a fresh and innovative perspective on the architectural project, whether by exploring new design ideas or presenting conventional concepts in unexpected ways.
TECHNICAL SKILL: Mastery of CGI techniques, including modeling, texturing, lighting, and composition, is evident, resulting in a polished and believable visual representation.
AESTHETIC PRESENTATION: The renderings demonstrate strong visual storytelling, composition, and attention to architectural details, evoking the intended atmosphere and spatial experience.
NARRATIVE AND CONTEXT: The images effectively communicate the project’s design intent, spatial relationships, and integration with its surrounding context or concept.
IMPACT AND ENGAGEMENT: The renderings should capture the viewer’s attention, conveying the potential social, cultural, or environmental significance of the project.
This category aims to promote audiovisual productions that explore broad themes related to architecture, design, and allied fields, welcoming and evaluating approaches that go beyond established figures or specific issues (including dialogues with historical movements, urban transformations, sustainability, and inclusion). Whether documentary or fiction, the content can be valued for its ability to reveal the connections between the built environment and the social and cultural context, expanding the understanding of the elements that shape inhabited spaces. Videos completed between 2024 and 2026.
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: The film should examine how architects and designers address broader social, environmental, and ethical issues. Works discussing sustainable architecture, the impact of design on community well-being, or projects that challenge social norms are particularly relevant.
AESTHETIC PRESENTATION: Visual composition, lighting, and cinematographic techniques should enhance the intended representation.
TECHNICAL QUALITY: Effective use of cinematographic techniques—direction, lighting, editing, and sound design—should creatively reinforce and elevate the subject matter.
NARRATIVE AND STRUCTURE: The clarity and effectiveness of the storytelling should make complex architectural and design concepts accessible and engaging for a wider audience.
ORIGINALITY AND CREATIVITY: A fresh perspective on the subject, whether by offering unique insights into well-explored topics or innovative takes on emerging trends in architecture and design.
Bathroom and wellness-related pieces, such as toilets, bathtubs, shower systems, faucets, sinks, wellness equipment, spa accessories, saunas and more. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
FORM & MATERIALITY: Is the product visually appealing and well-resolved in terms of form, proportion, and materiality?
INNOVATION: Does the product demonstrate originality or innovation in its concept, form, or construction?
DESIGN IDENTITY: Does the product present a strong and coherent design identity within its category?
FUNCTION CLARITY: Is the function of the product intuitively understood through its design?
DETAIL & CRAFTSMANSHIP: Is there evident attention to detail in how materials, finishes, and components are combined and executed?
Furniture pieces including chairs, tables, sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, storage units, cabinets, desks, bookshelves, and other furniture. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
FORM & MATERIALITY: Is the product visually appealing and well-resolved in terms of form, proportion, and materiality?
INNOVATION: Does the product demonstrate originality or innovation in its concept, form, or construction?
DESIGN IDENTITY: Does the product present a strong and coherent design identity within its category?
FUNCTION CLARITY: Is the function of the product intuitively understood through its design?
DETAIL & CRAFTSMANSHIP: Is there evident attention to detail in how materials, finishes, and components are combined and executed?
Lighting pieces including lamps, chandeliers, pendant lights, sconces, light installations and more. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
FORM & MATERIALITY: Is the product visually appealing and well-resolved in terms of form, proportion, and materiality?
INNOVATION: Does the product demonstrate originality or innovation in its concept, form, or construction?
DESIGN IDENTITY: Does the product present a strong and coherent design identity within its category?
FUNCTION CLARITY: Is the function of the product intuitively understood through its design?
DETAIL & CRAFTSMANSHIP: Is there evident attention to detail in how materials, finishes, and components are combined and executed?
Design of small-scale objects that improve daily life, with a focus on functionality, craftsmanship, and innovation. It includes home accessories, gadgets, personal items, kitchenware, tableware, office supplies, and other objects that combine aesthetic appeal with practicality. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
FORM & MATERIALITY: Is the product visually appealing and well-resolved in terms of form, proportion, and materiality?
INNOVATION: Does the product demonstrate originality or innovation in its concept, form, or construction?
DESIGN IDENTITY: Does the product present a strong and coherent design identity within its category?
FUNCTION CLARITY: Is the function of the product intuitively understood through its design?
DETAIL & CRAFTSMANSHIP: Is there evident attention to detail in how materials, finishes, and components are combined and executed?
Urban furniture and public space accessories, such as benches, trash bins, street lamps, bike racks, bus stops, kiosks, planters, and other outdoor design elements that contribute to the public realm. Projects completed in the last 10 years (2016–2026)
FORM & MATERIALITY: Is the product visually appealing and well-resolved in terms of form, proportion, and materiality?
INNOVATION: Does the product demonstrate originality or innovation in its concept, form, or construction?
DESIGN IDENTITY: Does the product present a strong and coherent design identity within its category?
FUNCTION CLARITY: Is the function of the product intuitively understood through its design?
DETAIL & CRAFTSMANSHIP: Is there evident attention to detail in how materials, finishes, and components are combined and executed?
This category recognizes emerging architecture firms that have been established in the last 10 years (2016 – 2026). It celebrates the creativity, innovation, and impact of new practices shaping the future of architecture. The firm’s portfolio, vision, and contributions are taken into account. Entries should include a PDF portfolio showcasing relevant projects and ideas, with a maximum file size of 15 MB.
This category recognizes an established architecture firm that has demonstrated consistent excellence in design, innovation, and leadership over the past year. The winner is honored for its significant contributions to the profession and its impact on architectural discourse. This category is not open for submissions; nominees will be selected by the jury, and the winner will be decided through a popular vote.
Interior spaces for work and commerce, such as headquarters, offices, workspaces, plazas, shopping centers, entertainment spaces, restaurants, retail stores, flagships, showrooms, and more. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?
FUNCTIONALITY: Does the design meet the needs of the occupants or users? Is the layout efficient and conducive to the intended activities within the space?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Interior spaces for large-scale resorts and boutique hotels to intimate lodges and cabins, all within hospitality settings designed for short stays. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?
FUNCTIONALITY: Does the design meet the needs of the occupants or users? Is the layout efficient and conducive to the intended activities within the space?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Interior spaces for private residences for single families, ranging from urban houses to countryside villas and coastal retreats. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?
FUNCTIONALITY: Does the design meet the needs of the occupants or users? Is the layout efficient and conducive to the intended activities within the space?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Interior spaces for restaurants, cafés, bars, and nightclubs, focusing on creating memorable dining and social experiences. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?
FUNCTIONALITY: Does the design meet the needs of the occupants or users? Is the layout efficient and conducive to the intended activities within the space?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
ORIGINALITY: Rate the level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Projects designed with a strong focus on social impact, accessibility, and community well-being. Ranging across various typologies, such as housing, healthcare facilities, community centers, public educational spaces, public amenities and shelters, these designs prioritize inclusivity and aim to foster positive social connections, empower communities, and address pressing social needs. 100% of entry fees of this category will be donated to Construíde, a Brazilian non-profit that builds homes for vulnerable families through collective efforts. Projects completed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?
COMMUNITY IMPACT: How effectively does the design address the specific needs of the community, fostering inclusivity, accessibility, social interaction and social well-being?
SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE: Does the project incorporate sustainable practices, materials, and design solutions that ensure long-term viability and adaptability?
FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the design serve its intended purpose, offering practical, functional spaces for community use?
INNOVATION SOLUTIONS: Does the project introduce creative design or new approaches to solving social challenges, improving quality of life, or enhancing public infrastructure?
Projects designed by students including any typology, from conceptual designs to fully developed projects, showcasing the creativity, innovation, and potential of emerging talent in architecture. All entries must be the work of students actively pursuing their studies at the time of submission or recent graduates who completed their program in 2025.
CONCEPTUAL STRENGTH: How well-developed is the concept behind the project? Does it demonstrate a clear understanding of design principles and problem-solving?
CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION: How original and imaginative is the design? Does it introduce new ideas or fresh perspectives in architecture?
RELEVANCE AND CONTEXT: How well does the project address its context, whether cultural, environmental, or societal? Does it demonstrate a thoughtful response to its surroundings?
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?
REPRESENTATION: evaluated based on the project’s ability to effectively communicate its ideas, rather than the technical quality of the renderings. Clarity, coherence, and the strength of the visual narrative will be key considerations.
Unbuilt interiors across commercial, residential, and hospitality settings – including workspaces, offices, retail and entertainment venues, showrooms, private homes, apartments, multi-residential buildings, as well as hotels and resorts. Projects developed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?
FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project address practical needs and perform in theoretical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
ORIGINALITY: The level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Unbuilt projects for commercial centers. Such as headquarters, offices, workspaces, plazas, shopping centers, entertainment spaces, restaurants, retail stores, flagships, showrooms, and more. Projects developed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project address practical needs and perform in theoretical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: The level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Unbuilt landscape architecture and urban design projects for public spaces, like large-scale masterplans, infrastructures, parks, green areas, outdoor facilities and also residential complexes within the masterplan scale. Projects developed in the last 10 years (2016 - 2026).
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?
COMMUNITY IMPACT: How well does the design serve the needs of the public, enhancing quality of life, accessibility, and social interaction?
FUNCTIONALITY & RELEVANCE: Does the space effectively serve its intended purpose, offering ease of use and enjoyment for all visitors? To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
FUTURE-READINESS: Is the design adaptable to future needs and growth, considering resilience, environmental responsibility, and long-term usability?
INNOVATION: Does the project introduce creative solutions to urban challenges, using unique design elements or technologies?
Unbuilt projects for residential or commercial buildings taller than 22 meters. Projects developed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project address practical needs and perform in theoretical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: The level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Unbuilt projects from large-scale resorts and boutique hotels to intimate lodges and cabins, all within hospitality settings designed for short stays. Projects developed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project address practical needs and perform in theoretical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: The level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Unbuilt private residences for single families, ranging from urban houses to countryside villas and coastal retreats. Projects developed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project address practical needs and perform in theoretical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: The level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Public service buildings such as schools, universities, libraries, hospitals, civic centers, government facilities, stadiums, arenas, cultural centers, theaters, museums, pavilions, religious buildings, memorials, and more, designed for community use and efficiency. Projects developed between 2024 and 2026.
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?FUNCTIONALITY: How well does the project address practical needs and perform in theoretical application?
RELEVANCE: To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
CONTEXT COHERENCE: How effectively does the project integrate within its environmental, cultural, historical, or architectural context?
ORIGINALITY: The level of innovation, creativity, and uniqueness demonstrated in the project design.
Landscape architecture and urban design projects for public spaces, like large-scale masterplans, infrastructures, parks, green areas, outdoor facilities and also residential complexes within the masterplan scale. Projects completed in the last 10 years (2016–2026).
AESTHETICS: How visually appealing and artistically compelling is the design of the project?
COMMUNITY IMPACT: How well does the design serve the needs of the public, enhancing quality of life, accessibility, and social interaction?
FUNCTIONALITY & RELEVANCE: Does the space effectively serve its intended purpose, offering ease of use and enjoyment for all visitors? To what extent does the design align with its intended use, context, and audience?
FUTURE-READINESS: Is the design adaptable to future needs and growth, considering resilience, environmental responsibility, and long-term usability?
INNOVATION: Does the project introduce creative solutions to urban challenges, using unique design elements or technologies?