Toronto, ON – The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), regulator of the practice of architecture to protect the public interest, has officially opened the call for submissions for its prestigious 2026 Awards program. This biennial initiative celebrates the best in architectural design and career achievements from OAA members across the province.
The program includes categories for Design Excellence, which highlights innovative and sustainable built projects, and Service Awards, which honour the contributions of both emerging and established members of the architectural profession. Whether submitting a groundbreaking project or nominating a deserving individual or practice, this is an opportunity for those who hold status with the Association to gain recognition for distinction.
Award winners will be celebrated at the 2026 OAA Conference in Kitchener-Waterloo in May 2026 and promoted through the OAA’s website, social media, and the OAA Awards book.
Design Excellence
The Design Excellence Awards focus on completed projects that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and outstanding design. Eligible projects must have been completed since January 2020, be in use, and can be located anywhere in the world, provided they are created by OAA members.
Up to 20 finalists will be selected by a distinguished jury before up to 10 winners will be announced.
In alignment with the OAA’s commitment to Climate Action, all applicable Design Excellence submissions require mandatory Energy Usage Intensity (EUI) reporting. To assist with this process, the OAA offers free tools to measure Total Energy Use Intensity (TEUI), which are available on the OAA Website.
Service Awards
The Service Awards, meanwhile, recognize individuals and practices for their contributions to the profession and the public. Categories include Best Emerging Practice, which fetes young firms with a clear vision and effective strategies; the Lifetime Design Achievement, which honours architects for a career-long commitment to design excellence; the Medal of Service, which acknowledges exceptional service and leadership in the profession or public sphere; and the Honour Roll, which recognizes prominent members of the profession who are now deceased.
2026 OAA Award Juries Announced
The OAA is also pleased to introduce its two panels of jurors, along with facilitators, for the 2026 OAA Awards season. Bringing a wealth of expertise and diverse perspectives, these experts will convene in February at the OAA Headquarters in Toronto to rigorously review submissions and select the winners.
The Design Excellence jury includes Paul Cravit, Principal Emeritus at CS&P Architects; Nathalie Dion, Principal at Provencher_Roy; Carol Moukheiber, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and Principal of Studio (n-1); Lola Sheppard, Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo and Principal of Lateral Office; and Tyler Walker, Principal at MJMA Architecture & Design. They will be joined by Facilitator Mary Ellen Lynch, Principal at Lynch + Comisso: Architecture + Light.
The Service Awards jury, meanwhile, features two previous winners of Best Emerging Practice: Amy Lin, Principal of Suulin Architects; and Craig Race, co-founder of Lanescape and Principal at Craig Race Architecture Inc. Joining them will be a representative of the OAA’s governing Council and a facilitator, alongside Tim Wickens, Chair of the London Society of Architects and Principal of Nicholson Sheffield Architects Inc.
With the two-year cycle, the next opportunity to submit Design Excellence or Service Awards will be 2028. Submissions close on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Design Excellence Jury
(Top Row: Paul Cravit, Nathalie Dion, Carol Moukheiber. Bottom Row: Tyler Walker, Lola Sheppard, Mary Ellen Lynch - Facilitator)
Service Awards Jury
(Craig Race, Tim Wickens, Amy Lin, Tamara King - Facilitator)
For more details on the awards program, submission guidelines, and jury members, visit the OAA Website.
Further Information
Media Contact
Daniele Alcinii, Communications Specialist
416-449-6898, ext. 306
danielea@oaa.on.ca
About the Ontario Association of Architects
Founded in 1889, the OAA protects the public interest by regulating the practice of architecture in Ontario. It licenses Architects and Licensed Technologists, upholds rigorous qualification standards, and supports continuous professional development to help ensure its members create safe, accessible, and functional buildings that meet the needs of sustainable, vibrant, and resilient communities. For more information, visit www.oaa.on.ca.