Overview:
To salute excellence in architecture, AIA Tennessee conducts an annual Design Awards Program. This program honors built works of distinction designed by AIA Tennessee members. The program also brings to public attention outstanding examples of architecture.
How to Enter:
The 2026 AIA Tennessee Design Awards submission is in an electronic format. Upon receipt of your online entry form and fee, and after the entry deadline, you will be provided an official submission template with step-by-step instructions.
Updated Submission Template: In 2024, we introduced an updated submission template in 16x9 format, available in both PowerPoint or InDesign. The new template is the standard form now.
Integration with the AIA Framework for Design Excellence (F4DE): In alignment with the evolving landscape of architectural design, the AIA Tennessee Design Awards Program now encourages submissions that reflect the principles outlined in the AIA's Framework for Design Excellence (F4DE). While not mandatory, applicants are invited to highlight how their projects align with the F4DE, fostering a deeper dialogue around design innovation and sustainability. Firms are encouraged to select the Frameworks (up to three) that most align with their projects' design strategies and incorporate them into their design narratives and graphics. No separate spreadsheet or essays are required.
The electronic format facilitates a submission in which all images contribute to supporting the program statement. Each visual should have a purpose as it relates to the larger idea. The photos should contain a few compelling pieces of information to make the statement readily understood from a quick scan. Be sure to label plans clearly, indicating a north arrow. Within each square, you can layer images and plans or place images side-by-side. Keep in mind the impact the image will make once projected on a large screen.
There are three steps to the entry process.
First: Submit your online entry form, fee and classification by April 15.
Second: You will receive a code number, instructions and electronic template for each entry via email after the entry deadline date.
Third: Submit your entry via UPLOAD by 5:00 p.m. (CST) on May 8. Submissions will NOT be accepted via email.
Eligibility:
Any architectural project completed after January 2021 which has been designed by, or in collaboration with, an AIA Tennessee member is eligible for submission.* Projects may have been executed anywhere. Firms are encouraged to submit previously submitted non-winning projects or ones which have won awards in other programs.
The Design Awards program is open to architectural projects of all classifications. An entry may be of one building, a related group of buildings forming a single project, or an interior design project. The term “building” includes any new architectonic composition as well as the remodeling, rehabilitation, and/or preservation of existing structures.
*The submitting architect may qualify as a member of a design team, whether or not serving as the head of the team. When one architect is not the sole author, ALL other participants contributing substantially to the design of the project must be given credit as part of the submission, regardless of professional discipline.
Classification:
For clarity only, please designate the general classification of the submitted project. The basic classifications are as follows: New Construction; Renovation/Restoration; Architectural Interior Design. Jurors will select from the collection of all entries and shall not be obligated to provide awards for each classification.
Awards:
Each project will be judged according to its own merit, and how well it solves the problem addressed. Projects will not be judged in competition with each other, but by measuring the architect’s performance against each project’s potential. Awards can be given in two categories: Honor and Merit. Honor Awards will be granted for overall design excellence. Merit Awards will be granted at the discretion of the jury. Award recipients will be announced, and awards presented at the AIA Tennessee annual conference on August 13 in Chattanooga.
Submittal guidelines:
Submittal guidelines are detailed completely in the Submittal Instructions which will be sent with your code number, but the following are required for integration into the PowerPoint template:
PROJECT INFORMATION. Include program statement, program summary, area and cost per square foot, construction cost, completion date, project code number and classification.
PLANS AND DRAWINGS. Include site plan, floor plan(s) or details describing special features, construction systems, “before” views, etc.
PHOTOGRAPHY/IMAGES. Include exterior views showing major elevations, interior views (one or more), other views or details describing special features, nighttime images, construction systems, “before” views, etc. The maximum size of images is 750k per slide. It is the responsibility of the entrant to obtain all clearances for use.
**** IMPORTANT NOTE **** Please note that upon submission, you are agreeing to allow AIA Tennessee the right to use any images/photography submitted with your entry, for any AIA Tennessee specific publicity in relations to the design awards or architecture in general.
**** IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT **** To assist with PR/publicity of the Honor Award projects, please also include AS A SEPARATE FILE – two photographs to be used for PR purposes. Be certain you identify the project name and photographer and give credit to each photograph. The photograph should be in jpeg or similar format, no larger than 5 MB.