ABOUT
Architecture Hunter Awards 2026 (AHA 2026) is an international competition created to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements across architecture, design, and related creative disciplines. Open to participants worldwide, the awards welcome submissions from architects, designers, interior designers, landscape architects, photographers, filmmakers, students, and creative professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Entries are submitted exclusively online through the official platform, ensuring a streamlined and accessible process for showcasing innovative and impactful projects across 33 categories.
HOW TO ENTER
The Architecture Hunter Awards 2026 offers a clear and structured online submission process designed to ensure a seamless experience from registration to final submission. All entries must be completed exclusively through the official platform at awards.architecturehunter.com.
Follow these three steps:
1. Registration: To begin, create an account or log into your existing profile directly at awards.architecturehunter.com. Registration requires essential personal and professional information. All personal data is handled securely and in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
2. Entry Purchase: Before selecting a category, you must purchase an entry. Each entry corresponds to one project submission and can be used to submit a project to one category or subcategory. Entries may be purchased individually or in multiple quantities. Progressive discounts apply as follows:
Full pricing details, including deadlines and entry periods, are available on the Prices & Dates page. Payments are processed securely through our encrypted payment gateway.
3. Submission: Once an entry has been purchased, you may select the category and complete the submission process. The submission consists of two required sections:
Basic Information
This section includes personal and professional details related to the participant or studio. This information is used for administrative purposes and will not be visible during jury evaluation.
Project Information
This section contains all materials that will be reviewed by the jury. It includes the project description, concept, images, videos (if applicable), and technical details. All content submitted in this section must comply with the eligibility and anonymity requirements outlined in the regulations.
A submission is only considered valid once all required fields are completed, the progress reaches 100%, and the project is formally submitted before the deadline.
We strongly recommend reviewing the General Information, Categories, Prices & Dates, and Terms & Conditions pages before completing your submission.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To ensure clarity and consistency throughout the evaluation process, please review the following requirements carefully before submitting your project.
All submissions must be written in English. Entries submitted in any other language will not be considered. Participants are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and clarity of the English text provided.
Each submission may include up to 21 images in total, including one main image that represents the project. Image specifications: Maximum file size: 5MB per image | Accepted formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .png | Minimum resolution: 1200 × 800 px
Project descriptions must respect the character limit and focus on concise, factual information. Exaggerated or promotional language should be avoided.
All projects must be fully completed and formally submitted by August 15, 2026, at 23:59 GMT. Submissions must reach 100% completion status within the platform in order to be considered valid.
Entries that are incomplete by the deadline will not be evaluated and will not be granted an additional opportunity for completion.
PROJECT SUBMISSION PROCESS
After purchasing your entry, you will be able to begin the project submission. The process is divided into structured steps and includes different initial forms depending on the category selected.
Step 1: Basic Information Form – Participants must first complete a Basic Information form. The required fields vary according to the selected category:
For Student Projects, applicants must complete the Student Information form, which includes:
Full Name | University Name | Program or Field of Study | University Country | Current Year or Level | Student ID
For All Other Categories, applicants must complete the Basic Information form, which includes:
Full Name | Company / Studio Name | Role or Position | Contact Email | Website (optional) | Country | City | Street and Number | State / Province / Region | Postal / Zip Code
This section collects personal and professional information for administrative purposes only. These details are not visible to the jury during evaluation. After completing this form, participants proceed to the project section.
Step 2: Project Information Form
Once the Basic Information form is completed, participants will proceed to the Project Information form, which varies according to the selected category group. Each form is tailored to collect the specific information required for proper jury evaluation. Below is an overview of the requirements by category group:
2.1 Student, Architecture, Interior Design, Social Projects and Urban Design – Participants must provide:
Project Title | Project Start Year (when applicable) | Project Completion Year | Project Area (m² or sqm) | Project Country and City | Project Concept (max. 1,000 characters) | Project Description (max. 1,000 characters)
These categories require technical and contextual information about the built work, including both conceptual narrative and technical explanation.
2.2 Unbuilt & Concepts – Participants must provide:
Project Title | Project Year | Expected Completion Year | Project Area (m² or sqm) | Project Country and City | Project Concept (max. 1,000 characters) | Project Description (max. 1,000 characters)
As these projects are not yet constructed, an expected completion year is required instead of a final completion date.
2.3 Product Design – Participants must provide:
Product Title | Product Year | Product Dimensions | Product Typology | Main Materials | Production Technique (optional) | Project Country | Product Concept (max. 1,000 characters) | Product Description (max. 1,000 characters)
This category focuses on materiality, production logic, and functional qualities.
2.4 Firms (Firm of the Year / Emerging Firms) – Participants must provide:
Firm Name | Foundation Year | Number of Associates | Number of Employees | Number of Projects Developed Since Foundation | Official Website | Firm Country | Firm Description (max. 1,000 characters)
A portfolio file upload is required in this category.
2.5 Architectural Representation (Photographs, Renders, Videos) – Participants submitting to the Architectural Representation group must complete the Project Information form with the following:
Project Title | Creation Year | Location (if applicable) | Concept or Narrative (max. 1,000 characters) | Technique or Process (max. 1,000 characters)
Submission requirements vary according to the selected subcategory:
Photographs and Renders
Exactly one image must be submitted per entry. Only one image is permitted. The uploaded image must comply with the platform’s technical specifications.
Video
Video submissions must focus on architecture, urban planning, or design, and may be short documentaries or narrative films produced anywhere in the world. Submissions must be made exclusively via an accessible link (such as Vimeo or YouTube). Video files or private screener links sent by email will not be accepted.
Each submission must include the director’s name, production company, a brief abstract, and full credits.
Films may have been previously screened or made available online. There are no premiere requirements. However, submissions must be finalized to at least picture-lock status, as only one version of the film will be considered unless prior written approval is granted. The theme is open, provided the work aligns with the judging criteria of the Video categories available in the competition.
If the audio is not in English, English subtitles are mandatory.
One thumbnail image of the film is required and must be uploaded in the image section of the submission.
The submitter must own or control the film’s copyright. By submitting, participants grant Architecture Hunter the right to use excerpts and materials for promotional purposes. Submission confirms that the entrant holds full legal and moral authority over the work, that all collaborators are informed and in agreement with the entry, and that all rights, including third-party materials, archival footage, music, and portrayed individuals, are properly cleared in accordance with legal standards and industry practices.
Credits
All submissions must include proper credit where applicable. This may include: Architect(s), Firm(s), Designer(s), Photographer(s), Render Artist(s), Interior Designer(s), Landscaper(s), Developer(s), Filmmaker(s), Director(s), Producer(s), Studio(s), and other collaborators.
Credits are mandatory where relevant and must be accurate.
Additional Declarations
Before final submission, participants must: Confirm agreement with the Terms & Conditions | Confirm that they hold the rights to submit the content
Important Notes
Participants may edit their submission multiple times before the final submission is completed. Once the entry is formally submitted, it can no longer be modified. Each project must be submitted separately, even if submitted by the same author or firm. Participants are responsible for keeping a copy of their submission for their own records.
WINNERS’ BENEFITS
Each category winner at Architecture Hunter Awards 2026 receives official recognition designed to amplify their work on a global stage and position it within an international architectural context.
CALENDAR
The Architecture Hunter Awards 2026 unfolds across structured entry phases designed to provide flexibility while encouraging early participation.
All entries must be fully completed and formally submitted before the final Late Entry deadline. Entry purchases and submissions close on August 04, 2026.
Shortlist Announcement: September 29, 2026. Finalists will be officially presented during the Hunter International Forum (HIF).
Winners Announcement: November 17, 2026. Winners will be revealed during the official digital ceremony.
DISQUALIFICATION
The Architecture Hunter Awards is committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and integrity throughout the submission and evaluation process. All entries are subject to verification and compliance review before being forwarded for jury assessment.
Project Eligibility Period
For the 2026 edition, projects must comply with the eligibility timeframe corresponding to their selected category:
Exceptions apply to the following categories:
Any submission that does not comply with the applicable timeframe for its category will be disqualified.
Ethical Standards and Content Policy
All submissions must comply with applicable legal and ethical standards. Content that promotes discrimination, hate, offensive language, or inappropriate imagery will result in immediate disqualification.
Entries are subject to preliminary review to ensure compliance before jury evaluation.
Participant Responsibility
Participants are solely responsible for ensuring that:
Incomplete submissions or entries not finalized by the official deadline will not be evaluated.
Integrity of the Jury Process
Participants must not attempt to contact, influence, or interfere with members of the jury regarding their submission. Any attempt to do so may result in immediate disqualification.
Accuracy and Duplicate Submissions
If the same project is submitted by different entities within the same category, the organization reserves the right to disqualify all related entries. Any false declaration, omission, or misrepresentation identified at any stage of the process may lead to disqualification.
Category Viability
The Architecture Hunter Awards reserves the right to cancel or disqualify an entire category or group in the event of insufficient eligible submissions. In such cases, affected participants will be reimbursed in accordance with the official terms.
JURY PANEL
We are proud to introduce the 2026 Jury Panel of the Architecture Hunter Awards, a globally diverse group of leading professionals from architecture, urbanism, design, photography, publishing, and innovation. United under the scope of the Awards, this panel evaluates submissions with independence, rigor, and a shared commitment to recognizing excellence across disciplines.
Carefully curated to reflect a broad and inclusive representation of the global architectural landscape, the 2026 jury brings together internationally respected voices from multiple continents. Each juror contributes a distinct perspective shaped by their practice, research, editorial work, or cultural engagement, reinforcing the global reach and credibility of the Architecture Hunter Awards.
With over 60 internationally recognized professionals, the 2026 Jury Panel embodies the spirit of dialogue, diversity, and critical excellence that defines this edition. Featured Jury 2026:
Alborz Mohammadi | Amit Gupta | Ana María Durán Calisto | Anna Kenoff | Anne Fougeron | Arthur Casas | Benedetta Tagliabue | Bruno Simões | Carlo Ratti | Carlos Bañon | Carol Ross Barney | Chad Oppenheim | Chunyan Cai | Cosimo Scotucci | Dani Quesada | David Basulto | David Gianotten | Dean Maltz | Deborah Saunt | Deisi Bernardi | Dina Vulin Ilekovic | Elora Hardy | Elisabeth Cristina do Amaral Ecker | Ema Peter | Emmanuelle Moureaux | Fernanda Canales | Fernando Guerra | Fernando Mungioli | Fran Silvestre | Gamma Basra | Gerson de Oliveira | Gustavo Penna | Gustavo Utrabo | He Zhe | Héctor Esrawe | Joanna Helm | Juan Benavides | Julia Gamolina | Julie Payette | Khushnu Panthaki Hoof | Kyle Bergman | Lani Adeoye | Luciana Saboia | Luís Rebelo de Andrade | Maíra Acayaba | Mario Figueroa | Maria Porro | Marlos Hardt | Michel Rojkind | Nana Biamah-Ofosu | Nieri Soares de Araujo | Otavio Zarvos | Patrick Abbattista | Paul Keskeys | Raha Ashrafi | Ricardo Gaioso | Roberto Bannura | Rodrigo Oliveira | Rubens de Andrade | Sébastien Baert | Tatiana Bilbao Team | Tatjana Meirelles Penfold | Tekla Evelina Severin | Teresa Blasco | Tosin Oshinowo | Vinu Daniel
To learn more about the professionals behind the judging process and their contributions to the architectural world, visit our Jury page.
EVALUATION AND JUDGING CRITERIA
The judging process for the Architecture Hunter Awards 2026 will take place between September 30 and October 20, 2026. Structured to reflect the multidisciplinary nature of architecture and design, the evaluation ensures a fair, rigorous, and category-specific assessment of each submission.
All entries are reviewed through a secure digital platform that safeguards confidentiality and juror anonymity. Each juror evaluates submissions within their field of expertise, applying the specific criteria established for the selected category.
Projects are scored on a scale from 1 to 5. Final results are determined through the cumulative average of all jury evaluations. Based on these consolidated scores, finalists are selected within each category, and the highest-scoring project is declared the winner.
Categories evaluated include:
Architecture | Architectural Representation | Product Design | Firms | Interior Design | Social Projects | Student Project | Unbuilt
The process is conducted independently to ensure impartiality and alignment with the standards of excellence that define the Architecture Hunter Awards.
COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND IMPACT
Every entry submitted to the Architecture Hunter Awards 2026 contributes to a broader social purpose. A percentage of the total entry fees collected across all categories is allocated to support Construide. In addition, 100% of the entry fees from the Social Architecture category are directed toward strengthening their mission.
Construide is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving housing conditions for families living in situations of extreme vulnerability. Since 2017, the organization has positively impacted thousands of lives through housing construction and renovation initiatives, mobilizing volunteers and raising significant resources to reduce poverty and restore fundamental human rights.
Our collaboration with Construide reflects our belief that architecture carries social responsibility. By participating in the Awards, entrants indirectly support initiatives that extend the impact of architecture beyond design, into real social transformation. To learn more about Construide and its ongoing initiatives, please visit their official website.
CATEGORIES
The Architecture Hunter Awards 2026 organizes submissions into three primary dimensions: built works, unbuilt concepts, and architectural representation. This structure allows participants to present a broad spectrum of creative production, ranging from completed buildings and urban interventions to conceptual proposals and visual narratives.
Entries are divided into 9 main groups and 30 categories. Participants must carefully review the specific requirements of their selected category before submitting.
1. Architecture (Built Projects Only)
2. Interior Design (Built Projects Only)
3. Social Architecture (Built Projects Only)
4. Product Design (Built Products Only)
5. Urban Design (Built Projects Only)
6. Student Projects
7. Firms
8. Unbuilt & Concepts (Unbuilt Projects Only)
9. Architectural Representation
Participants may submit multiple projects across different categories. Each entry corresponds to one project within one category. If a participant wishes to submit the same project to multiple categories or subcategories, an additional entry must be used.
The Awards recognize excellence across built environments, conceptual works, and visual storytelling. To ensure a valid submission, entrants must carefully follow the specific requirements outlined for each category.
FOR CLARITY
– Built Projects refer to completed architectural or design works that have been physically constructed and exist as tangible structures or spaces. These projects represent realized visions and implemented solutions within their respective contexts.
– Unbuilt (Conceptual) Projects refer to fully developed architectural or design proposals that have not been constructed. These works present speculative, experimental, or visionary ideas that explore future possibilities in architecture and design.
– Architectural Representation includes photographs, renders, and videos that communicate architectural ideas or built works through visual media. These representations may relate to either built or unbuilt projects and play a fundamental role in expressing concept, atmosphere, materiality, and narrative.
REGISTRATION FEES AND DISCOUNTS
The Architecture Hunter Awards 2026 follows a progressive pricing structure that rewards both early participation and multiple submissions. All prices are subject to change without prior notice.
Progressive Discount Policy:
Participants who purchase multiple entries within the same transaction receive automatic discounts starting from 3 entries. Discounts range from 5% to 15% per entry, depending on the total number of entries selected, and are automatically applied at checkout.
EARLY ENTRY – March 18 to April 28, 2026 (23:59 GMT)
MAIN ENTRY – April 29 to June 23, 2026 (23:59 GMT)
LATE ENTRY – June 24 to August 04, 2026 (23:59 GMT)
STUDENT CATEGORY
FREE | We are dedicated to fostering the development of future architects by providing a substantial incentive. Please be aware that student status will be verified during the evaluation process, so ensure that you submit the appropriate project to avoid potential disqualification. To be eligible, the project must be an unbuilt design proposal. Students may also submit their projects to other categories outside the student category; however, the student discount will not apply.
DISCOUNTS
To keep our community informed and engaged, the Architecture Hunter Awards 2026 includes a Pre-Registration phase prior to the official entry period. Participants who pre-register during the designated Pre-Registration phase will receive an exclusive 10% discount coupon, sent directly to the registered email address. This coupon is valid for submissions made within the official Early Entry period and must be applied at checkout.
The coupon is personal, non-transferable, and subject to the validity period specified in the email communication. Throughout the Awards cycle, additional promotional discounts or coupons may be introduced at the sole discretion of the organization.
To receive updates, exclusive announcements, and promotional opportunities, we encourage participants to subscribe to our newsletter.
For press inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or general questions regarding the Architecture Hunter Awards, please contact:
[email protected]
The full Terms and Conditions and regulatory information governing the Awards can be found on the official website.
REFUND POLICY
All registration fees for the Architecture Hunter Awards 2026 are non-refundable. The following conditions apply:
By completing the registration process, participants acknowledge and accept these terms.
REGULATORY AUTHORIZATION
Authorization Certificate SPA/ME No 03.047149/2025