Institutional Architecture

Welcome to a showcase of extraordinary achievements in institutional architecture at the NY Architectural Design Awards.

The NY Institutional Architecture Awards explores the intersection of architectural mastery and functional excellence. Each of these structures tells a story of community, service, and shared human experience, transcending beyond mere functionality to become landmarks of societal values and progress.

At the NY Architectural Design Awards, we celebrate the architects and designers who are shaping the future of institutional spaces. Join us in honoring these contributions in creating spaces that not only meet the diverse needs of their users but also enrich our shared societal landscape.

Institutional Architecture categories

IN25001. Childcare and Youth Centers
IN25002. Community Centers and Social Hubs
IN25003. Convention and Exhibition Centers
IN25004. Correctional Facilities (Prisons, Detention Centers)
IN25005. Disaster Relief Architecture
IN25006. Educational Institutions
IN25007. Elderly and Assisted Living Facilities
IN25008. Fire Stations
IN25009. Government Buildings
IN25010. Healthcare Facilities
IN25011. Historical Building Restoration
IN25012. Hospitals, Clinics
IN25013. Institutional 
IN25014. Libraries & Archives
IN25015. Military and Defense Structures
IN25016. Museums & Libraries
IN25017. Police Stations
IN25018. Post Offices & Utility Buildings
IN25019. Public Health and Welfare Buildings
IN25020. Religious Buildings
IN25021. Research Facilities and Laboratories
IN25022. Schools and Universities
IN25023. Sports and Recreational Facilities
IN25024. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Institutional Buildings
IN25025. Transportation Hubs
IN25000. New Category

Deadlines & Fees

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.

2025
Entry Period
Early Bird
(Nov 8 - Dec 11, 2024)
Regular
(Dec 12, 2024 - Jan 20, 2025)
Final
(Jan 21 - Feb 19, 2025)
Final Extension
(Feb 20 - Mar 21, 2025)
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 16, 2025

* 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.

Winner's Benefits

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

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Submit your entry online in FOUR easy steps:

Step

1

Tap the "My Account" button to register your username and password. If you are already a member, tap "Log In."

Step

2

Complete the short online entry form. Don't forget you can enter each work in more than one category.

Step

3

Upload your entry* to the system.

Step

4

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.