Welcome to an exploration of the extraordinary and the uncharted in the Conceptual Design category at the NY Architectural Design Awards.
The NY Conceptual Design Awards celebrates the boundless imagination and innovative spirit of architects and designers. This category focuses on visionary ideas and avant-garde concepts that challenge the status quo and offer a glimpse into the future of architecture and design. It includes a range of projects, from theoretical models and experimental designs to forward-thinking urban concepts and futuristic building plans.
We salute the creativity and ingenuity of designers and architects who dare to dream and conceptualize ideas that may redefine our understanding of space, form, and function. Join us in celebrating the bold and imaginative thinkers who are paving the way for groundbreaking designs and developments.
The NY Architectural Design Awards invites contributions from designers at all stages of their projects – whether in-progress, finalized, or purely conceptual. Winners are chosen based on the quality and materials of a single entry, not a collective portfolio, emphasizing the significance of each individual submission.
In the process of giving back to the contributions of proud designers, the award’s cost-effective entry fees offer all entrants with exceptional value for recognition at much lower fees. A $30 annual administrative fee is utilized for the first entry of each competition year, which covers expenses including printing, mailing, and data management. This ensures that the fees are kept consistent, bringing about greater value especially for those submitting multiple entries.
| 2026 Entry Period |
Early Bird (Nov 7 - Dec 17, 2025) |
Regular (Dec 18, 2025 - Jan 16, 2026) |
Final (Jan 17 - Feb 13 2026) |
Final Extension (Feb 14 - Mar 18, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Design 1st Entry |
$209 | $219 | $239 | $249 |
| Professional Design Additional Category* |
$149 | $159 | $179 | $189 |
| Professional Additional Entry |
$209 | $219 | $239 | $249 |
| Student Design 1st Entry |
$60 | $70 | $80 | $90 |
| Student Design Additional Category* |
$50 | $60 | $70 | $80 |
| Student Design Additional Entry |
$60 | $70 | $80 | $90 |
| Results Announcement: May 15, 2026 | ||||
* You may submit an entry into multiple categories at the same time. The first Category will be charged as per the original submission fee. Additional categories (2 or more) will be charged as such.
Fees are non-refundable. Withdrawn entries (whether withdrawn by entrant, or by the NY Architectural Design Awards for entrant's failure to comply with the entry rules) will NOT be refunded.
PROJECT DATE
Work submitted must have been created after January 1, 2021.
| Benefits / Winning Level | Design of the Year |
Gold Winner |
Silver Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Ava Statuette | YES | / | / |
| Exclusive “Design of the Year” Certification | YES | / | / |
| Seasonal Features on Winners Highlight Section | YES | / | / |
| Listed in Official Winner Press Release | YES | / | / |
| Priority Features on NY Architectural Design Awards e-Newsletter | YES | / | / |
| Spotlighted Winner Article on Media Partner Site – Muse.World | YES | YES | / |
| Dedicated Social Media Posts | YES | YES | / |
| Access to Marketing & Promotional Materials | YES | YES | YES |
| Exclusive Access to Winner’s Interview | YES | YES | YES |
| Dedicated Winner’s Profile / Page | YES | YES | YES |
| Eligible to Purchase Ava Statuette | YES | YES | YES |
| Winner Certificate | YES | YES | YES |
| Digital Winner Badge | YES | YES | YES |
Submit your entry online in FOUR easy steps:
Tap the "My Account" button to register your username and password. If you are already a member, tap "Log In."
Complete the short online entry form. Don't forget you can enter each work in more than one category.
Upload your entry* to the system.
Click “Checkout” to process your entry fees.
* File Limits; Up to 10 files in in JPEG/PNG and/or PDF can be uploaded per entry. For a smooth uploading process, please ensure images are formatted as JPEG/PNG, 1000px, and no larger than 4MB. Please save PDFs in "Screen View", limited to 6 pages per entry, or 4MB in size.
* Submissions should be as detailed as possible. For example, architectural submissions should include small-scale site plans for context, and images of all sides of the building and its environment. A complex of buildings should include a rendering. Restorations and remodels should include images of the site "before and after."
* Submissions can be entered as concepts, completed, or works in process. Completed projects may not be older than five years.
* Limit written descriptions of your project to 350 words or less.
