FAQs
TIMELINE OF 2026 AWARDS
January 9: Registration opens
February 9: Registration early bird discount ends
March 6: Registration ends
March 16: Submissions due
June: Winners announced
July 18: AIA Florida Design & Honor Awards presentation at the Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, FL.
- Register www.aiafloridaawards.com
- Choose your entry category
- Complete the online registration form
- Pay the appropriate entry fee if applicable.
- Submission requirements and forms will be emailed to the email address included with your entry form within two (2) business days
- If you don’t receive your submission details within two (2) business days, email designawards@aiafla.org
What is the deadline to register?
Early bird registration with a reduced fee ends February 9.
Registration ends March 6.
How much does it cost?
The entry fee for each award varies and is included with its description on the registration page. Registration by February 9 is discounted by $25. Registration ends March 6. Fees are non-refundable.
Do I need to be a member?
Yes. Design awards require that the architect(s) of record or design architect members of AIA Florida, AIA Puerto Rico or AIA Virgin Islands and have offices within one of those areas. Awards, such as those where students are eligbile, will note such eligibility. Honor awards have specific membership requirements. Please see each Honor Award category for further details. Not a member? Join AIA today.
Do I need to be an architect to enter?
For the Design Awards, yes. You must be a licensed architect who is registered to practice architecture in Florida, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Design awards where students are eligible will note eligibility.
Do I need to be nominated to enter?
For the Honor Awards, yes. See each Honor Award category for specific details.
How can I register for both a Design and Honor Award?
Register HERE and choose “both” when asked for which awards you are registering.
What is the deadline to submit a project?
Submissions are due March 16.
Is the deadline a postmark deadline?
No. All entries must be submitted electronically.They must be uploaded to the submission link by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on March 16. No mail in submissions will be accepted.
Will there be an extension on the deadline?
No. All awards deadlines are strictly observed, and an extension will not be granted. The project submission portal closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on March 16.The sumbission portal will not be open after the deadline.
How do I send you my project?
After you register, you will receive an email within two (2) business days which contains submission directions. Complete submssions will be uploaded to the project submission portal.
Can all my entries go in one upload to the submission link provided?
No. Please complete one submission form per project.
How many slides can I have for my project?
You should have between 10 and 20 slides. The Project Description slide is counted.
Can I put more than one image on a slide?
Yes
What if the name of the project is on the building and you can tell what the logo is?
Please blur any identifying information that may create an unintended bias for the jury. AIA Florida staff reserves the right to obscure any identifying information before projects are sent to the jury.
Do I have to meet the AIA Framework for Design Excellence?
All projects are encouraged to incorporate AIA's Framework for Design Excellence. NEW FOR 2026, project submissions may answer the questions posed by the AIA Framework for Design Excellence in the narrative of your project submission. This is OPTIONAL.
If I opt to answer the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, do I get additional slides?
No. All design award submissions may have a maximum of 20 slides.
Where can I find the AIA Framework for Design Excellence?
What is the deadline to submit a nomination?
Honor nominations are due March 6, 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
Is there a submission number for Honor Award entries?
No, upload your entry and you will be asked for the entrant’s name.
How do I submit my nomination?
After you register, you will receive an email within two (2) business days which contains submission directions. You will be provided a link to upload your entry.
Is the deadline a postmark deadline?
No – they must be uploaded to the submissions link by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on March 16. Nothing will be accepted by mail.
Will there be an extension on the deadline?
No. All awards deadlines are strictly observed, and an extension will not be granted. The electronic submission portal will not be available after March 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
How many slides can I have for an honor award submission?
There is no limit on the number of slides but please consider the file size of your submission.
How are winners recognized?
Award recipients are honored during the annual convention at the AIA Florida Design & Honor Awards Reception & Presentation featuring dedicated videos for each award. The Fall issue of Florida/Caribbean Architect magazine will feature each winner and project. Recipients are announced to major Florida media markets and on all AIA Florida media channels. Design Award project boards remain on display throughout the year at the AIA Florida headquarters in downtown Tallahassee.
Can anyone attend the award ceremony and dinner?
Yes, recipients, members and the architecture community are welcome to attend the AIA Florida Design & Honor Awards Reception & Presentation. All attendees must have tickets to the events.
If you have further questions, please contact the AIA Florida office at 850-222-7590 or email designawards@aiafla.org.
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