The countdown to The Architect’s Newspaper’s 2024 Best of Design Awards has begun. The program, now in its 12th edition, seeks to elevate the best designs across the world and 53 categories—from landscapes, facades, and urban design to interiors, cultural and civic buildings, infrastructure, unbuilt work, and more. With the deadline quickly approaching on September 13, there’s only about two weeks left to submit projects for a chance to be featured as a winner by AN and in our year-end Best of 2024 issue.
Alexandra Lange and David M. Powell join the jury this year, which also includes Omar Gandhi, Li Hu, Mónica Rivera, Joshua Aidlin, Katherine Darnstadt, Walter Hood, and AN’s own Jack Murphy and Emily Conklin. Lange brings her expertise in reviewing and critiquing design for numerous publications, such as Architect, Harvard Design Magazine, and Metropolis, The Atlantic, New York Magazine, The New Yorker, and The New York Times—just to name a few. The Bloomberg CityLab columnist and author of Meet Me by the Fountain: An Inside History of the Mall told AN, “What [she’s] looking for in architecture right now is less, but better. Simplicity, impact, smart use of materials, clever planning.”
For those filling out submissions, Lange advises: “Be succinct both verbally and visually. What’s the most important thing about this project? Show that! I don’t need the whole song and dance.”
Powell shares similar advice. The principal at HASTINGS has garnered over fifty AIA design awards. Projects include GEODIS Park, Peabody Union, Sony Music Nashville, Warner Music Nashville, and more. He suggested, “Be clear and succinct to convey the unique aspects of the project. Handle these submissions like a design project—rigorous editing leads to clarity and more compelling outcomes.”
Powell will look for “story, expression, and experience” in applications. In particular, he will be asking, “What is the deeper story behind the project (context, aspirations, values, and ecological conditions). How are these expressed through thoughtful, intentional design ideas? What is the resulting experience for the end users and greater community?”
Previously, Joshua Aidlin, Katherine Darnstadt, Omar Gandhi, and Li Hu weighed in on what they hope to see in 2024 entries with Aidlin emphasizing “Design Rigor.” Hu recommended a “clear and powerful presentation,” while Darnstadt seeks to ask, “How is your evolving definition of design excellence coming through on this project?”
The submission process is straightforward and quick, requiring a project description, list of applicable credits and manufacturers, and up to six images. This year, AN offers discounted entry for emerging firms (firms founded within the last five years) to uplift new practices.
Submissions for 2024 Best of Design are currently open and will close midnight on September 13, 2024.
