The Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) has opened entries for its 2026 awards program, inviting architects and students to submit work that demonstrates significant contributions to addressing contemporary global challenges including climate change, rapid urbanisation, biodiversity loss and social inequality.
The awards program recognises projects and individuals demonstrating exceptional design quality and measurable impact advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
CAA president Steven Oundo commented, "As the world faces unprecedented challenges from climate change and urbanisation, architects have a critical role to play in creating resilient, sustainable, and equitable built environments."
"The 2026 awards programme celebrates those who are leading the way in transforming how we design and build for future generations," he said.
This year's program features six distinct categories across professional practice and education. For practitioners, the awards categories include the Lifetime Achievement Award, Environmental Impact Award, Environmental Award: IFC Edge Certified Project and Social Impact Award. Categories for students include the Student Award and President's Award.
Of the previous Lifetime Achievement Award winners, two have been Australian: Philip Cox, who was awarded in 1983 and Gregory Burgess Architects in 1997.
Two jury panels representing the five regions of the Commonwealth (the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Pacific) will adjudicate the awards. The professional practice jury includes CAA chair of Professional Practice Committee and jury chair Sui-Te Wu (United Kingdom), Bryan Bullen (Grenada), Chris Briffa (Malta), Christian Benimana (Rwanda), Caroline Pidcock (Australia), and 2024 CAA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Prof Dr Yasmeen Lari (Pakistan).
The education jury includes: CAA chair of Education Committee and jury chair Umar Saeed (Pakistan), Nooshin Esmaeili (Canada), Dr Byron Ioannou (Cyprus), Dr Hermie Delport (South Africa), Prof Sajida Haider Vandal (Pakistan) and Dr Charmaine 'Ilaiū Talei (New Zealand).
Entries for the professional practice categories can be submitted until 12 May 2026. Applications for the educational awards must be submitted by 23 June 2026. The awards are free to enter.
To find out more, visit the CAA website.
