Each year, AIA Cleveland recognizes excellence in design by inviting local firms to submit their best work to be reviewed by nationally renowned juries from all over the country. With recent programs having between 400 attendees, this event is one of the largest to recognize architectural and interior design excellence in Cleveland and northeast Ohio. This year’s Design Awards will be held on Friday, November 7th, 2025, at Hotel Cleveland on Public Square.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

All Submissions are Due Friday, September 26th at 5:00pm

CALL FOR ENTRIES INSTRUCTIONS (PROFESSIONAL/STUDENT PROJECTS, PHOTOGRAPHY, EP AWARDS)
DECLARATION FORM
OPEN WATER SUBMISSION PORTAL - PROFESSIONAL/STUDENT PROJECTS
OPEN WATER SUBMISSION PORTAL - PHOTOGRAPHY
EMERGING PROFESSIONAL AWARDS SUBMISSION FORM

KEYNOTE

We are pleased to announce that this year’s Keynote and Jury Chair is Brian MacKay-Lyons, CM, FRAIC, RCA, (Hon.Int) FAIA, (Hon.Int) FRIBA from the Internationally recognized architecture firm MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects.

Brian has developed a leading global practice from Nova Scotia that has been honoured with over 170 design awards, including the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Gold Medal to Brian in 2015, the top award in Canada for lifetime contribution in architecture, and the RAIC Firm Award in 2014; eight Governor General Medals, the most prestigious Canadian award that celebrates outstanding design in recently built projects; seven American Institute of Architects (AIA) National and International Honor Awards of Architecture; eighteen Lieutenant Governor’s Medals of Excellence; nine Canadian Architect Awards; four Architectural Record Houses Awards; and fourteen North American Wood Design & Building Awards.

A fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (FRAIC), and the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (RCA), Brian MacKay-Lyons was named Honorary International Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (Hon. Int. FAIA) in 2001 and in 2016 was made an Honorary International Fellow by the Royal Institute of British Architects (Hon. Int. FRIBA) in London. In 2022, Brian was appointed to the Order of Canada for his contribution to Canadian culture. Brian was a full professor and faculty member at Dalhousie University for 37 years and has held 18 endowed academic chairs or visiting professorships at leading universities worldwide, such as: The Peter Behrens School of Architecture, Washington University in St. Louis, Harvard University, and University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design. In 2024, Brian was awarded an Honorary Doctorate - Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from Dalhousie University.

EVENT DETAILS

DATE:
Friday, November 7th, 2025

LOCATION:
Hotel Cleveland
24 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44113

TICKETS:
Early Bird pricing ends 09-12-2025 at 5:00pm
Date Night Package - $250 ($220 Early Bird)
*One Attendee must be an AIA Member for Date-Night
Non-Member/Guest - $140 ($125 Early Bird)
Member - $130 ($115 Early Bird)
Associate Member - $85 ($70 Early Bird)
Student - $45 ($25 Early Bird)

PARKING:
Self-Parking - $15 (Voucher provided at event)
Valet - $25 (Voucher provided at event)
Overnight Self-Parking - $48
Overnight Valet - $57

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:
Stay at Hotel Cleveland for a discounter rate!
Visit the link below for a discounted group rate of $199
Last day to book is Tuesday, October 7th
Reserve discounted HOTEL ROOM

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2025 EVENT SPONSORS