OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS:
 

AIA MAINE 2026 DESIGN AWARDS

The AIA Maine Design Awards program recognizes outstanding architecture projects by our members.

These stunning projects, spanning a diverse spectrum of project sizes, types, locations, and clients, show the range of work by Maine architects.

We are currently accepting submissions for our 2026 Design Award Program.
 

2026 UPDATES

Multifamily Housing:
This year, we are excited to announce the addition of "Multifamily Housing" to our categories. In response to the incredible work that AIA Maine members are developing to address the housing shortage in our state, we are thriled to highlight this important work. The qualification for this new category is any residence with 2 or more units. 

Architrave:
After the last two successful years of the Architrave award, we are including it in our permanent categories for entry. There will not be a specific award for the Architrave category, and these category entries will be eligible for Honor, Merit, and Citation awards.

Small Projects:
The Small Projects category budget has been raised to $500,000.

 

SIMPLE, YET MEANINGFUL

Some of our submission questions are based around AIA's Framework for Design Excellence. The AIA Framework for Design Excellence is a tool developed by the AIA. Again in 2026 we will be offering the option to submit your application w=using the Common Application. We will be hosting a virtual session on how to submit using the Common Application on Wednesday, February 25th at noon, led by AIA Maine Board Director and COTE National Representative, Timothy Lock AIA. Register for this webinar HERE. 

  • This tool aims to help transform the day-to-day practice of architects to achieve a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment.

  • The questions are designed to be simple, yet meaningful. 

  • Most are Yes/No questions that focus on design strategies and processes. In some cases, the questions provide an external link so that relevant metrics can be looked up online. 

  • Throughout the submission, we have provided context for each of the ten measures and shared some top-line, best practices to help incorporate high-performance strategies into any project.  

     

DATES + DEADLINES

  • Wednesday, January 28, 2026 - Registration opens
  • Wednesday, February 25, 2026, noon - Informational webinar session on how to submit for the Common App.  Attendance at this session is worth 2 HSW LU.
  • Friday, February 27, 2026, 11:59 pm - Early bird registration deadline (prices increase $100 entry after this date)
  • Deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2026, 11:59 pm - Final submission deadline. All online submission material and payment must be completed by this deadline.
  • 2026 Design Awards Celebration: May 2026 - TBA
     

FEES

  • $150/entry for the first entry and $100 for subsequent entries on or before Friday, February 16, 2024.
  • $250/entry for the first entry and $200 for subsequent entries after February 16, 2024
  • Free student entries.