2026 SARA National Design Awards
- Celebrating Design Excellence in Architecture & The Future of AI
- FREE SUBMISSIONS OPEN — AI in Architecture Category SUBMISSION DEADLINE
- August 14, 2026 AWARDS GALA October 24, 2026
AI in Architecture Design Award — Submit FREE
The Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) proudly presents its 2026 National Design Awards — one of the most prestigious architectural design competitions in the United States, drawing entries from across the country and around the world. ArkDesign.AI is honored to serve as the Diamond Sponsor and the exclusive sponsor of the AI in Architecture Design Award, covering the entry fee entirely so that every architect, designer, and student can submit for free.
Flashback Of 2025 - National Design Award Gala
Who Should Submit
Architects, designers, students, and firms leveraging AI in architectural design, planning, feasibility studies, generative massing, or automated design workflows. Both built and unbuilt/theoretical projects are eligible.
Why Submit Your Work
- Prestigious National Recognition Receive acclaim from practitioners, clients, and industry media as part of one of the most respected design awards in the United States.
- Position as an AI Pioneer AI in Architecture category winners receive an exclusive marketing package from ArkDesign.AI, positioning your team at the forefront of architectural innovation.
- Global Stage Showcase how AI is transforming design challenges and demonstrate thought leadership in this rapidly evolving field to an international audience of 5,300+ platform users.
- Gala Ceremony & Community Celebrate at an exclusive awards gala at the award-winning Hotel Marcel in New Haven, CT — a net-zero, LEED Platinum landmark originally designed by Marcel Breuer.
Judging Criteria
Entries are judged based on any or all of the following:
- Clarity of Concept, Strength, and Uniqueness of Solution
- Scope of Work and Response to Project Context
- Appropriateness, Applicability, and Function
- Overall Design Aesthetics
- Creativity, Innovation, Ingenuity, and Invention
- Social / Cultural / Community Relevance
- AI Incorporation and Elaboration in the Design Process (AI in Architecture category)
Awards & Recognition
Winners receive distinctions of Excellence, Honor, and Merit. All award recipients are notified in September 2026 and invited to attend the National Design Awards Celebration at Hotel Marcel, together with their clients, collaborators, consultants, and fellow students.
Exclusive AI Category Winner Bonus
In addition to receiving all the recognition and prestige of a SARA National Design Award, the AI in Architecture category winner will receive an exclusive marketing package from ArkDesign.AI that will position the winning team as pioneers in the transformation of the architectural industry — nationally and globally.
Student Opportunity
The Community College Associate Award, generously supported by Saatva in partnership with CCCAP and SARA, awards a $3,000 grant plus a fully covered trip to New Haven, CT — flight and hotel included — to the top student submission. This category is also completely free to enter. Review official requirements for eligibility details.
Ready to Submit?
Visit the official SARA awards submission portal to submit your project. You may enter across multiple categories to increase your chances of recognition. Credit all participating designers, students, and collaborators — and note that no project which has previously received a SARA National Design Award is eligible.
Questions about the AI in Architecture category? Contact us at support@arkdesign.ai
