New York — Celebrating the intersection of creativity and design, the Best of Design Awards enters its 12th year with a broadened scope, welcoming international firms and projects that span the gamut from urban design to interiors and exhibition layouts. Organized annually, this prestigious competition not only showcases top-tier architectural concepts but also embraces innovative landscapes and forward-thinking urban designs.
This year’s jury has been expanded to include some of the field’s most distinguished figures, such as Joshua Aidlin, Katherine Darnstadt, and Walter Hood, alongside academics and critics like Alexandra Lange. Together with returning jurors and the managing editor of The Architect’s Newspaper, Emily Conklin, the enlarged panel promises a diverse review process, looking at a range of criteria such as environmental sustainability, the application of new technologies, and overall design excellence.
Submissions for the contest will be accepted until the deadline on September 13, at which point the jury will begin the process of selecting standout projects that best exemplify the year’s themes. Each entry is also a contender for the coveted ‘Project of the Year’ award, thus ensuring that all submitted works are considered for the top honor of the competition.
The panel is notably diverse in expertise and background, increasing the award’s scope and depth of analysis in choosing the winners. Joshua Aidlin brings a rich history in not just architecture but also in the integration of sculpture and furniture design, fostering environments that resonate on multiple sensory levels. Meanwhile, Katherine Darnstadt focuses on the social dimensions of architecture, employing design as a tool for civic engagement and community enhancement in Chicago.
Walter J. Hood, who has earned a multitude of accolades including a MacArthur Fellowship, infuses his landscape and public art projects with cultural narratives, particularly those reflecting African American histories, which often remain untold in public spaces. Alexandra Lange, a well-respected design critic whose work has appeared in several key publications, also joins the panel, bringing a critical eye to the aesthetic and functional impacts of design.
The jurors are not only selected for their professional achievements but also for their ability to represent the multifaceted nature of design. Their backgrounds from across the spectrum of architecture and criticism, offering holistic insights likely to influence the criteria and discussions of this year’s awards.
With the increased inclusivity of projects from around the globe, the Best of Design Awards aims to not only spotlight exceptional design but also to foster a broader conversation about the role of architecture in public life and environmental sustainability. By focusing on innovative, tech-forward, sustainable designs, the awards are set to champion the ways that architecture can respond to contemporary needs and challenges.
As the deadline approaches, firms are encouraged to highlight the innovation and forward-thinking that define their entries, setting the stage for a robust competition that not only celebrates individual projects but also elevates the discourse around global design and architecture. These discussions and the resulting recognitions will help shape the future of architectural practices worldwide, driven by creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity.