un Design Award 2026: International Competition for Professionals and Students
The un Design Award is an annual international design competition initiated in Washington, D.C., by the International Competition Association (ICA). Under the theme “The Self is the World,” it is open to professionals and students across architecture and design-related fields.
Eligibility
Architects, designers, developers, manufacturers, clients and students from around the world may enter. Professional submissions are judged against other professional entries, while student work is judged within the student category.
2026 schedule
- Registration opens: July 1, 2026
- Early Bird deadline: August 31, 2026
- Regular deadline: September 30, 2026
- Final deadline: October 31, 2026
- Extended final / project submission deadline: November 25, 2026
- Winners announced: December 15, 2026
Entry fees
- Early Bird — Professional: $239; Student: $59
- Regular — Professional: $269; Student: $79
- Final — Professional: $299; Student: $99
- Extended Final — Professional: $299; Student: $99
Submission and judging
Participants register through the official competition website and submit a project description together with high-resolution images. Entries require the applicable fee. The published judging criteria include artistry, innovation, functionality, social impact and sustainability.
Awards
Award levels include Best of the Year, Platinum, Gold and Silver. Winners receive a digital certificate and winner logo, and their work is displayed online. The Best of Year winners in six major categories receive a winner package; other winners may order trophies and printed certificates at their own expense.
Organizer and contact
Organizer: International Competition Association
Website: www.undesignawards.com
Contact email: [email protected]