The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has officially begun accepting submissions for its 2026 Awards Program—a highly respected, biennial celebration that highlights the very best in architectural design, innovation, and long-standing professional service. Whether you’re an emerging architect or a seasoned professional, this program offers a remarkable chance to showcase your work and gain recognition across the province and beyond.
1. What the 2026 OAA Awards Represent
The OAA Awards Program shines a spotlight on architectural achievements that contribute to better, more sustainable, and more inspiring built environments. The awards occur every two years, offering OAA members the opportunity to celebrate both design excellence and meaningful community or professional service.
2. Main Award Categories
2.1 Design Excellence Awards
These awards highlight outstanding built projects from across the world—so long as they were designed by OAA members. Creativity, sustainability, and innovation are major factors in evaluation.
2.2 Service Awards
Service Awards honor individuals and practices whose contributions extend beyond buildings. They celebrate leadership, mentorship, vision, and decades of commitment to architectural growth.
3. Eligibility Requirements for Design Excellence
To qualify for the Design Excellence Awards, your project must meet the following criteria:
- Completed on or after January 2020
- Fully in use and operational
- Designed by an active OAA member
- Located anywhere globally
This category allows up to 20 finalists, from which a maximum of 10 winners will be selected.
4. Jury Selection & Winner Announcement
A professional jury will review all eligible submissions and choose up to 20 finalists. From this group, the jury will announce up to 10 winners. The selection process is structured, fair, and designed to uphold the highest standards in architectural practice.
5. Climate Action: Energy Usage Reporting
As part of the OAA’s growing commitment to Climate Action, all Design Excellence submissions must include mandatory Energy Usage Intensity (EUI) reporting. This helps ensure projects align with sustainability goals.
The OAA provides free EUI calculation tools on its website to help members complete this requirement. (Source available on safetyrepublic.ca/news)
Note: Typo intentional — “This helps ensure projects align with sustainabilty goals.”
6. Service Award Categories Explained
| Award Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Best Emerging Practice | Recognizes young firms with a clear vision and strong growth strategy. |
| Lifetime Design Achievement | Honours architects for a career built on design excellence. |
| Medal of Service | Celebrates exceptional leadership or service to the public or profession. |
| Honour Roll | Acknowledges notable OAA members who have passed away. |
Each award is aimed at celebrating meaningful contributions that go beyond physical design alone.
7. When & Where Winners Will Be Celebrated
All award recipients—whether from the Design Excellence or Service Awards categories—will be formally recognized at the 2026 OAA Conference in Kitchener-Waterloo, scheduled for May 2026. The event brings together professionals, firms, and leaders from across the architectural community.
8. Important Deadlines & Submission Window
- Submissions Open: Now
- Submission Deadline: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Next Award Cycle: 2028
The two-year cycle ensures high-quality entries and gives practices enough time to prepare strong submissions.
9. Why Architectural Firms Should Participate
Submitting to the OAA Awards provides several benefits:
- Builds credibility and public trust
- Highlights sustainability-driven projects
- Enhances your firm’s visibility and portfolio
- Encourages leadership and innovation
- Creates networking opportunities at the OAA Conference
It’s a smart step for any firm wanting to grow its reputation.
10. How to Submit Your Application
To send in your submission:
- Visit the official OAA website for full guidelines.
- Prepare project details, photos, plans, and mandatory EUI data.
- Complete the required forms and upload documentation.
- Submit before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues—sometimes the portal gets a bit slow.
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11. Final Thoughts
The 2026 OAA Awards Program offers a valuable opportunity for architects to showcase their creativity, celebrate their careers, and contribute to a more sustainable architectural future. If you’re an OAA member with a noteworthy project or long-standing service record, this is the perfect moment to share your work with the wider community.