About Design Awards
The AIA Santa Barbara annual Design Awards program recognizes and honors excellence in architecture within our local built environment. The Design Awards draws attention to the extraordinary legacy of great architecture in Santa Barbara, the value of quality design to our community and all those who contribute to its creation. Design Awards program entries reflect the eclectic and inspired thought around our community’s famed historical architecture. Entries are submitted in varied categories from Unbuilt to Santa Barbara Architectural Heritage. A select jury of three distinguished architects recognize projects with awards of Honorable Mention, Merit or Honor.
Submissions for Design Awards begin in April and end in June. Check out our Submissions page for up to date information on the process of submitting your project for an AIA Santa Barbara Design Award.
About Design Awards Gala
The AIA Santa Barbara Design Awards Gala is held annually in December. At this event, the recipients of the Design Awards are announced in the categories of Honorable Mention, Merit, and Honor Awards. A black tie dinner, this event is a fun night of celebration for the Santa Barbara architectural community. Often selling out to more than 120 guests, members and non members attend this event, which features a social hour, a dinner and awards program at a downtown venue. Tickets go on sale in November, and we recommend purchasing a ticket for a representative from your firm if you submit a project.
Design Awards Exhibition
The AIA Santa Barbara Design Awards program recognizes design excellence in architecture, residential architecture, restoration/renovation, and urban design. Criteria to be used by the jury include quality of design, resolution of the program idea, sustainable responsibility, innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique.
Sponsorship
Both the Gala and the Exhibition need support from local companies for sponsorship! Please contact us or check out the sponsorship page for more information.
Sponsors for the Gala get passes to the event as well as exciting promotion opportunities.