AIA Los Angeles is thrilled to announce that registration is now OPEN for the 2025 AIA|LA Design Awards and Next LA Awards — two of the most prestigious annual honors celebrating architectural excellence in Los Angeles!

AIA|LA Design Awards

The Design Awards recognize built projects that exemplify innovation, sustainability, and design excellence. Eligible submissions must be either located in Los Angeles or designed by LA-based architects. Awards are granted in the form of Honor, Merit, or Citation, with Honor being the highest recognition.

AIA|LA Next LA Awards

The Next LA Awards spotlight unbuilt or conceptual work, honoring forward-thinking ideas and future contributions to the built environment. Submissions are also eligible for Honor, Merit, or Citation distinctions.

NEW FOR 2025: Design Award for Resilient Architecture

In light of the devastating wildfires in January 2025, AIA|LA is introducing a new category to honor excellence in resilient design. These awards will recognize projects that actively respond to and mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

What qualifies as resilient design?
Resilient architecture focuses on creating buildings and communities that:

– Minimize damage from disasters such as earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and extreme weather, and

– Recover quickly through adaptive and sustainable design practices.

Eligibility:

– All entries in both the Design Awards (Built) and Next LA (Unbuilt) categories are eligible.

– To be considered, include the optional slide that illustrates the project’s resilience strategies.

– That slide must include a Resiliency Narrative (max 200 words), highlighting key features such as:

> Foundation design

> Enclosure and material systems

> Massing and orientation

> Passive systems and emergency adaptability

We can’t wait to see the creativity, innovation, and bold ideas your firm will bring to this year’s awards. Let’s showcase the very best of Los Angeles architecture together — and celebrate the power of design to shape a more resilient, beautiful future.

Check out our full Call for Entry here & and our full Design Awards Sponsorship Package here. Keep scrolling to view key dates, registration links, and to sponsor the awards!