Best of the
Year Awards

The Best of the Year Awards are given to architecture and design firms at the forefront of their discipline, demonstrating innovative and creative thinking, as well as impeccable detailing and execution, across a range of projects. Categories are defined by firm size and geographic location, with an additional award reserved for young firms founded in the last 10 years. Firms are encouraged to submit for both size- and geography-based awards to maximize their chances of securing an accolade.


Firm Size

Best Small Firm – For small-sized architecture and/or design firms practicing excellence in their field, as demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best Small Firm Award should employ 1 to 14 staff as of September 1st, 2020.

Best Medium Firm – For medium-sized architecture and/or design firms practicing excellence in their field, as demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best Medium Firm Award should employ 15 to 40 staff as of September 1st, 2020.

Best Large Firm – For large-sized architecture and/or design firms practicing excellence in their field, as demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best Large Firm Award should employ 41 to 99 staff as of September 1st, 2020.

Best XL Firm – For extra large-sized architecture and/or design firms practicing excellence in their field, as demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best XL Firm Award should employ 100+ staff as of September 1st, 2020.


Firm History

Best Young Firm – For emerging firms practicing excellence in their field, demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best Young Firm Award should have been founded no earlier than January 1st, 2010.


Firm Location

Best in North America – For North America-based firms demonstrating excellence in their field, as demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best in North America Award can submit international projects but should have their headquarters located in North America.

Best in Central and South America – For Central- and South America-based firms demonstrating excellence in their field, as demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best in Central and South America Award can submit international projects but should have their headquarters located in Central or South America.

Best in Asia – For Asia-based firms demonstrating excellence in their field, as demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best in Asia Award can submit international projects but should have their headquarters located in Asia.

Best in Europe – For Europe-based firms demonstrating excellence in their field, as demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best in Europe Award can submit international projects but should have their headquarters located in Europe.

Best in Africa – For Africa-based firms demonstrating excellence in their field, as demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best in Africa Award can submit international projects but should have their headquarters located in Africa.

Best in Australasia – For Australasia-based firms demonstrating excellence in their field, as demonstrated by a range of up to 6 projects with at least 3 completed within the last 10 years. Eligible firms for the Best in Australasia Award can submit international projects but should have their headquarters located in Australasia.

Enter the Best of the Year Awards