The 2026 NOMA Awards

Honoring Excellence. Celebrating Leadership. Inspiring the Future.

 

Each year, the NOMA Awards recognize architects, designers, students, chapters, and industry leaders whose exceptional work, leadership, service, and dedication advance the profession, strengthen our communities, and inspire future generations.

Join us at the 2026 NOMA Conference in South Florida as we celebrate and honor outstanding contributions to design, leadership, innovation, service, and community impact.

 
 
Award Categories

Four Categories,
One Shared Legacy

 

Whether recognizing exceptional design, outstanding leadership, chapter achievement, or student excellence, the NOMA Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the individuals and organizations shaping the future of the profession.

01

Phil Freelon Professional Design Awards

Celebrating excellence in architectural design and the impactful work of current NOMA members.

02

NOMA Member Awards

Honoring leadership, service, and outstanding contributions to NOMA and the profession.

03

Professional Chapter Awards

Recognizing chapters that demonstrate exceptional programming, engagement, and community impact.

04

NOMAS Student Awards

Celebrating the next generation of architects, designers, and student leaders whose talent and dedication are helping shape the future of the industry.

 
 
Important Dates

Mark Your Calendar

 
01

June 17, 2026

Award Submissions Open

Opens
02

August 7, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET

Student Member & Chapter Awards deadline

Deadline
03

August 7, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET

Phil Freelon Design Awards deadline

Deadline
04

August 21, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET

Professional Member & Chapter Awards deadline

Deadline
05

October 16, 2026

Awards Gala · JW Marriott Miami Turnberry

Event
Phil Freelon Professional Design Awards
01 Design Excellence

Phil Freelon Professional Design Awards

Named in honor of the late Phil Freelon, NOMAC, FAIA, the Phil Freelon Professional Design Awards recognize outstanding architectural work that demonstrates innovation, design excellence, and a positive impact within the built environment.

The awards celebrate projects that reflect the talent, vision, and leadership of NOMA members while advancing the profession and strengthening communities through impactful design.

Award Categories
Built Work Un-Built Work Vision Historic Preservation, Restoration & Renovation Small Projects
Eligibility

Current NOMA members who are registered architects

Entry Fee

$200 per submission

Deadline

August 7, 2026 ·
11:59 PM ET

Submit Entry
 
 
NOMA members celebrating
02
Leadership & Service

NOMA Member Awards

The NOMA Member Awards recognize individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on NOMA, the profession, and the communities we serve.

Awards
Founder's Award President's Award Member of the Year Distinguished Service Award · New NOMAC Elevation & Induction
Submission Deadline For Member of the year & distinguished service award

August 21, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET

Submit Nomination
 
 
03
Chapter Excellence

Professional Chapter Awards

The Professional Chapter Awards recognize NOMA chapters that demonstrate excellence in leadership, programming, member engagement, and community impact.

Awards
Chapter Awards Program Large Chapter of the Year Small Chapter of the Year Most Improved Chapter
Submission Deadline

August 21, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET

Submit Nomination
 
 
04
The Next Generation

NOMAS Student Awards

The NOMAS Student Awards celebrate student achievement, chapter excellence, leadership, and design innovation while recognizing the next generation of architects and designers.

Awards
Student Member of the Year Student Chapter of the Year
Signature Event

Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition

A signature event of the annual NOMA Conference, challenging student teams to develop innovative solutions to a real-world design problem. Teams present their work before a live jury, with participating schools remaining anonymous throughout the judging process. Winning teams are recognized during the NOMA Awards Gala.

Prizes
First Place

$2,000

Second Place

$1,500

Third Place

$1,000

Submission Deadline

August 7, 2026 · 11:59 PM ET

Submit Entry
 
 
 
 
Black Tie The Awards Gala

A Night of Recognition & Celebration

An elegant evening honoring the leaders shaping our profession.

 
Date

Friday, October 16, 2026

Venue

JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort

Attire

Black Tie

Program
6:30 – 7:30 PM

Pre-Gala Cocktail Reception

Cash Bar

7:30 – 10:00 PM

Awards Dinner & Presentation

Seated dinner service throughout the ceremony

Featured Moment

20th Anniversary of Project Pipeline

Ceremonial

Passing of the Staff

Please Note

A separate Awards Gala ticket is required and is not included with conference registration. Add the Awards Gala to your schedule and complete payment during conference registration.

Add Gala to Registration
 
 
Questions?

We're Here to Help

 

For questions regarding award submissions, eligibility requirements, nominations, or the Awards Gala, please reach out to the team below.

General & Professional Enquiries

NOMA Awards Team

awards@noma.net NOMA Connect · Chapter Awards
Student inquiries · University Liaisons
Midwest Region

Tianna St. James

Assoc. AIA, NOMA midwestliaison@noma.net
South Region

Colby Mitchell

Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, NOMA southliaison@noma.net
West Region

Jamilla Afandi

AICP, NOMA, Assoc. AIA westliaison@noma.net
Northeast Region

Joshua Ssebuwufu

AIA Assoc., NOMA neliaison@noma.net