AIA Small Project Award

About this program

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Small Project Award recognizes design excellence and raises public awareness of the value of architecture in projects of limited size or budget; recognition may include AIA promotion and invitations to awards events. Submissions for the 2027 cycle open August 28, 2026, and are due by 5 p.m. ET on November 3, 2026, with a $450 entry fee for the first project submission. Eligible projects include new construction, renovations, restorations, environmental art, architectural elements, and unbuilt designs that meet category limits of up to $250,000 or $2.5 million in construction cost, or under 5,000 square feet. Each entry must identify an AIA architect in good standing who is licensed to practice in the United States; projects may be located anywhere worldwide, and completed projects must have been completed after January 1, 2020.