Architectural Awards of Excellence
The AIBC Architectural Awards were transitioned to the AFBC in 2019. Since then, we have been working on a new and exciting, rebranded Awards program offering a variety of awards categories, including the prestigious Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture. Our vision is to modernize and expand the Awards Program to foster inclusivity and broaden the voice of the profession of architecture in British Columbia.
About the Awards
The Architecture Foundation of British Columbia is a non-profit organization that advocates for the advancement of architecture and design in BC. The Architectural Awards of Excellence celebrate design and the unique and diverse work of our province’s architects. The Awards program, including the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture, recognize projects built in BC by BC architects.
On November 3, 2021, the Awards Night will take place at the Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver. The Polygon Gallery by Patkau Architects is the winner of a 2019 Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Medal in Architecture.
The event will be formally announced in September 2021.
Moving forward, the Architectural Awards of Excellence will take place bi-annually and will be held at a location of architectural significance on a rotating basis.
Project submissions and jury applications are now closed for 2021.
Our Sponsors
2021 Architectural Awards of Excellence
The 2021 Awards Program features an exciting new brand and offers new awards categories.
Submissions for the AFBC's Architectural Awards of Excellence are now closed.
Awards Eligibility
General Eligibility:
Unless otherwise indicated, for a project to be considered for an Award at least one of the project’s lead design architects must be a registered Architect AIBC active at the time of project completion. An AFBC membership (individual or firm) is also required to submit an application.
AIBC Associates and non-members may be credited as project team members.
Applications are to be made through the firm of record or the firm holding a valid certificate of practice in British Columbia with the AIBC.
Project eligibility:
Built in B.C. or the Yukon
Any building type or size
Any construction type – renovation, restoration, addition, or new building
Each eligible project submission will be judged individually on how it reflects excellence in architectural design and practice. A reputable, unbiased jury representing the architectural community will consider the overall quality of each submission with consideration given to the following criteria:
Theory and Design Principles
Program and Client
Context and Site
Budget and Time Constraints
Sustainability Principles
In order to submit, projects must have been completed between January 1, 2018 and July 1, 2021.
Projects that have previously won an LG Award are not eligible to resubmit.
Membership
For 2021, a membership with the AFBC is a requirement for submission for the Architectural Awards of Excellence. An AFBC membership is entirely separate from an AIBC registration.
Your AFBC membership funds AFBC initiatives, including the Awards Program. One Individual Membership (any tier) is the minimum requirement for submission.
Firm Membership Incentive
If you sign up for an AFBC Firm Membership prior to entering your submission, your first Award application fee will be waived. Your credit must be used for the 2021 Awards program.
Award Categories
+ The Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture
DESCRIPTION:
The Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture (“the LGs”), were established to recognize excellence in completed architectural projects led or designed by individuals registered with the AIBC (registered Architect AIBC). Firms, clients, and lead design architects associated with chosen projects are honoured for their exceptional accomplishments.
All projects submitted under the Design Excellence Awards category will be considered for an LG Award. No application required.
+ Design Excellence Awards
DESCRIPTION:
The Design Excellence Awards recognize the outstanding talent of British Columbia’s architects. Design Excellence is awarded to projects that enhance the built environment, the experience of space and place, and reflect high standards of design quality, vision, and skill. Projects are to be submitted under the following categories:
- Commercial
- Community / Civic
- Education (includes child care, K-12 and post-secondary)
- Health / Wellness
- Infrastructure
- Interiors (includes additions, renovations, restorations and conversions)
- Multifamily Residential and Mixed Use
- Single Family Residential
Each eligible project submission will be judged individually on how it reflects excellence in architectural design and practice. A reputable, unbiased jury representing the architectural community will consider the overall quality of each submission with consideration given to the following criteria:
- Theory and Design Principles
- Program and Client
- Context and Site
- Budget and Time Constraints
- Sustainability Principles
The Awards Jury will select winners for the LG Awards from all Design Excellence submissions.
+ Emerging Firm Award
DESCRIPTION:
The Emerging Firm Award recognizes the development, success, and contributions of emerging architectural firms. It is given to firms that have shown outstanding promise, a clear vision, well-defined goals and an entrepreneurial spirit than reflects modern architectural practice and the ever-changing nature of the profession.
For 2021, the Emerging Firm Award recipient will be included in a winter exhibition at the Burrard Arts Foundation showcasing the work of past Emerging Firm Award winners.
Founded in 2013, the Burrard Arts Foundation (BAF) is a non-profit organization and a registered Canadian charity. The BAF Gallery, a non-commercial art gallery located at 258 East 1st Ave, is free to the public and offers a variety of public events, including opening receptions, artist talks, and workshops. BAF aims to break down perceived divisions between different cultural practices by showcasing some of the exceptional creative and community work being produced in Vancouver, outside of what we typically think of as “contemporary art”. BAF is driven by a deep belief that arts and culture have the power to measurably contribute to better cities and healthier communities. They envision a future where our cities develop, evolve and thrive with arts and culture at their core. BAF produces programming that supports emerging artists and special projects that foster creativity in the public realm, with a mission to amplify creative culture in pursuit of collective inspiration.
ELIGIBILITY:
In addition to the general eligibility requirements listed above, eligible firms must have been registered with the AIBC within the last 5 years.
+ Innovation Award
DESCRIPTION:
The Innovation Awards recognize achievements that may not be represented in architectural or built form, but exemplify inspiration and vision through bold new ideas, practices, research, materials and/or technologies.
ELIGIBILITY:
Projects that have previously won an AFBC or AIBC Innovation Award are not eligible.
+ Unbuilt Award
DESCRIPTION:
The Unbuilt Award is an opportunity to bring to light creative technologies, ideas, architecture, planning, interior, or product design projects that have not been built, are not going to be built, or are just ‘not built yet’. This category celebrates concepts or work that may never be realized.
ELIGIBILITY:
Projects must have been envisioned within the last 5 years. Firm or independent projects, as well as projects envisioned through school work or research, are eligible. Projects under construction, or currently permitted for construction, are not eligible.
+ Equity Award
DESCRIPTION:
The Equity Award recognizes individuals, teams or projects that create positive social change through high ideals and ethical standards, social inclusion, and promotion of human health, well-being, and resiliency.
ELIGIBILITY:
Projects, research or advocacy are eligible and must have taken place between January 1, 2016 and July 1, 2021.
+ Design Distinction Award
DESCRIPTION:
The Design Distinction Award is open to those who are not registered with the AIBC for small projects that have been completed or may never be realized, that demonstrate high standards of design and execution.
ELIGIBILITY:
Open to individuals and firms that are not registered with the AIBC.
+ AFBC Student Award
DESCRIPTION:
The AFBC proudly supports future architects and designers in British Columbia through a $500 AFBC-funded student scholarship. Students are to submit real or theoretical projects in which they were involved that demonstrate the student’s high level of design, technical skill and futurism.
The AFBC Student Award will be awarded annually by the AFBC Board and presented biannually at the AFBC Awards ceremony.
ELIGIBILITY:
Individual must be an AFBC student member, and be enrolled full-time at one of the province’s major post-secondary education institutions studying design, architecture or architectural technology.
Deadline for Student Award application: September 30, 2021
+ Special Jury Award
DESCRIPTION:
All award submissions are eligible for Special Jury Awards. The jury has the discretion to recognize project submissions that deserve special merit, or demonstrate designs, concepts or features that don’t necessarily fall within other Award categories or criteria. Inclusive designs that advocate for sustainability and/or social equity will also be considered.
ELIGIBILITY:
No applications required. More than one Special Jury Award may be awarded if multiple projects are recognized by the Awards jury.
2021 Architectural Awards of Excellence: Jury
The Awards represent the highest level of architectural award in British Columbia and aim to recognize design excellence for projects across the province. The Jury is intended to be composed of diverse experts from both within and outside the architectural profession. The Jury will be responsible for considering candidates for a variety of awards categories, including the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture; the AFBC Design Excellence Awards, the Emerging Firm Award, and a series of other special awards.
The responsibility of the jury is to review submissions and determine the winning entry for each category.
Jury applications are now closed for 2021.
Architecture Poster Design Contest
As part of the 2021 Awards Program, The Architecture Foundation of British Columbia would like to invite eligible teams to participate in our Architecture Poster Design Contest.
All posters will be displayed on the AFBC Awards website. Contest finalists will be displayed, and the winner will be announced at the upcoming Awards Night on November 3, 2021 at the Polygon Gallery. Winning poster(s) will be available for purchase through silent auction at Awards Night.
Applications open on August 20, 2021.
Applications close on October 1, 2021, at 5:00PM PST.