A three-day celebration of architectural excellence, the World Architecture Festival 2025 (WAF) is the only global architecture festival that combines a unique live-judged awards programme, inspiring keynote speeches, and networking opportunities. Witness leading architects and designers from around the world present their projects LIVE to an esteemed panel of judges, gain insights into cutting-edge design, and connect with peers and industry leaders.
This year the festival will be coming to the USA for the first time, taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center from 12 - 14 November 2025.
Gain global recognition and celebrate your work by entering the 2025 awards.
Why enter the WAF Awards?
-WAF is the only awards programme where all finalists present their projects live to a panel of judges at the festival in Miami. Discuss your project with the likes of Emre Arolat, Mary Bowman, Sir Peter Cook, Laurinda Spear and Sanjay Puri and use their feedback to strengthen your future work.
-The WAF awards generate more than 350 pieces of international press coverage each year. CNN, Al Jazeera, BBC, The New York Times, Telegraph, Designboom and ArchDaily are just a few of the media outlets you could be seen in and show clients you are at the forefront of design.
-Our finalists, judges and attendees span the globe. Develop an invaluable international network that you can seek advice from, partner with and win work from.
-The judging panel consists of 140+ leading architects, designers, journalists and industry experts. WAF’s unique, rigorous judging process strengthens your credibility and sets you apart from the competition.
-Have your project permanently listed on the World Buildings Directory. All entries will receive a listing complete with a full description and images.
-All winners will receive a complimentary press kit distribution, courtesy of our partner v2com newswire. v2com—the international newswire specializing in design and architecture—will share your press kit with 7000+ print and digital publications in 100+ countries!
Watch our short film on how to participate in this year’s awards!
The competition timeline:
-December 2024: online entries open to architects and designers across the world.
-25 April 2025 : Final entries close. All boards, images and descriptions must be uploaded to your entry form. (Any entries made after this date will be charged the late rate)
-June 2025: shortlist decided. Leading architects and industry professionals gather to look at the entry boards and decide the 2025 shortlist. You will be informed soon after if you are a finalist.
-July 2025: shortlist announced. All finalists will be published on WAF’s website, international press and by WAF’s renowned media partners.
-9 July 2025: finalist delegate rate ends. Don’t forget, all finalists must purchase two passes to attend the festival and present their project live!
-12 - 13 November 2025: live judging at WAF in Miami. All finalists present for 10 minutes to a panel of three category judges followed by 8 minutes of Q&A. Judging takes place in a ‘crit’ room open to the WAF audience. Category winners are announced at the end of each day.
-14 November 2025: live judging for overall winners in Miami. Each category winner presents again for the Completed Building, Future Project, Landscape or WAF Interiors Super-Jury. The overall winners and special prize winners are announced at the Gala Dinner.
Learn more and start your award-winning entry today!
