Lighting Design

Welcome to an exclusive celebration of excellence in lighting design at the NY Architectural Design Awards.

The NY Lighting Design Awards is dedicated to recognizing projects that harness the power of light to elevate and transform spaces. This category is for lighting designs that enhance architectural elements, enhance spatial perception, and create immersive experiences.

At the NY Architectural Design Awards, we recognize those who craft luminous experiences, turning properties into experiences that captivate and inspire. Be part of a global community where your lighting design is seen as an embodiment of vision and expertise.

Lighting Design categories

LT25001. Agricultural Lighting
LT25002. Ambient Lighting
LT25003. Artisan Glass Blown Lighting
LT25004. Bar & Restaurant Lighting Design
LT25005. Bridges & Public Infrastructure Lighting
LT25006. Built-In Lighting
LT25007. Ceiling Lights
LT25008. Chandeliers
LT25009. Community Building Lighting
LT25010. Conceptual Designs - Projects in Development
LT25011. Cove Lighting
LT25012. Cultural Building Lighting Design
LT25013. Daylighting
LT25014. Deck & Step Lights
LT25015. Decorative Accent Lamps
LT25016. Designer & Custom Lighting
LT25017. Desk Lamps, Floor Lamps
LT25018. Energy Saving Lighting Systems
LT25019. Entertainment Lights
LT25020. Exterior Architectural Illumination
LT25021. Facade Lighting
LT25022. Floor Lamps
LT25023. Healthcare Lighting Design
LT25024. Hanging Lights & Lamps
LT25025. Healthcare Facilities Lighting Design
LT25026. Heritage Lighting Design
LT25027. Horticultural Lighting Design
LT25028. Hospitality Lighting Design
LT25029. Industrial Building Lighting Design
LT25030. Illuminated Ceilings
LT25031. Illuminated Home Décor
LT25032. Institutional Lighting Design
LT25033. Interior Architectural Illumination
LT25034. Landscape Lighting Design
LT25035. Lanterns & Torch Lights
LT25036. LED Exterior Lighting Design
LT25037. LED Interior Lighting Design
LT25038. LED Lighting Products & Fixtures
LT25039. Linear Lighting Systems
LT25040. Low Carbon Lighting
LT25041. Mood Lighting
LT25042. Neon Lighting
LT25043. Offices & Spaces Lighting Design
LT25044. Outdoor Ceiling Lights
LT25045. Outdoor Hanging Lights
LT25046. Outdoor Spotlights
LT25047. Outdoor Wall Lighting
LT25048. Pendant Lighting
LT25049. Portable Lamps
LT25050. Projection / Theater Lights
LT25051. Public Building Lighting Design
LT25052. Religious & Spiritual Site Lighting Design
LT25053. Residential Lighting Design
LT25054. Retail & Commercial Lighting Design
LT25055. Solar Lighting
LT25056. Spectrum Lighting
LT25057. Sport Lighting Systems
LT25058. Street Lighting Design
LT25059. Sustainable Lighting
LT25060. Track Lighting
LT25061. Visitor Experience & Museum Exhibition
LT25062. Wall Lamps / Lighting
LT25063. Workplace Lighting Design
LT25000. 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.