2025 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.
For 2025, the AFBC is excited to offer a new Awards category: The Bing Thom Legacy Award for Architectural Excellence.
Project submissions and jury applications for the 2025 Awards Program are now open.
2025 Architectural Awards of Excellence
Submissions for the AFBC's Architectural Awards of Excellence are now open.
The 2025 Awards Program features a new award category: The Bing Thom Legacy Award for Architectural Excellence.
Read more below.
Submissions close at 11:59PM on Friday, July 25, 2025.
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 have been a registered Architect AIBC active at the time of project completion. Please note that the Bing Thom Legacy Award for Architectural Excellence category does not require AIBC registration. An AFBC membership (individual or firm) is also required to submit an application.
Additional project team members, including those registered with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) should be credited.
Applications are to be made through the firm of record 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
Eligible projects must have been completed between January 1, 2022 and July 1, 2025.
Projects that have previously won an LG Award are not eligible to resubmit.
Membership
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 2025 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 separate application is 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 (includes infrastructure) generously supported by Shinobu Homma in honour of Bing Thom for his outstanding contribution to community and civic design, and to encourage young Architects to excel in the technical excellence in architecture.
- Education (includes child care, K-12 and post-secondary)
- Health / Wellness
- Interiors (includes additions, renovations, restorations and conversions)
- Multifamily Residential and Mixed Use
- Single Family Residential
The Architectural Awards jury will select winners for the LG Awards from all Design Excellence submissions.
Projects that have previously won an LG are not eligible to resubmit.
+ NEW Bing Thom Legacy Award for Architectural Excellence
DESCRIPTION:
The Bing Thom Legacy Award for Architectural Excellence celebrates Bing Thom’s insight and approach to architecture. This award honours contributions of individuals or teams whose completed work embodies the spirit of Bing Thom’s practice and legacy.
Submissions must highlight significant contributions to community, culture, or the built environment, with projects completed within the last five years. Entries will be evaluated based on the following themes/criteria:
- Master Builder: work that has benefitted from a close collaboration with the broader real estate, planning, development and construction industry.
- Community impact: work that has benefited and inspired the community in which it is located – socially, culturally and economically.
- Innovation: work that has artistically, technically or programmatically pushed the boundaries of conventual architectural practice.
- International impact: work that has introduced BC’s architectural excellence to the wider world.
- Spirit of generosity: practice that emphasises mentorship and support for the broader cultural role architects can play in society
ELIGIBILITY:
This category is open to AFBC members actively engaged in architecture or design in British Columbia and Yukon. AIBC registration is not a requirement.
+ 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 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, 2023 and July 1, 2025.
+ 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 that reflects modern architectural practice and the ever-changing nature of the profession.
ELIGIBILITY:
In addition to the general eligibility requirements listed above, eligible firms must have been registered with the AIBC within the last 5 years (2020 onwards).
+ 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.
2025 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 NEW Bing Thom Legacy Award for Architectural Excellence, 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.
The AFBC is now accepting applications for the 2025 Awards jury.
Applications close at 11:59 on Friday, July 25, 2025