Awards

The OAA Awards runs on a two-year cycle. It includes the Design Excellence Awards, Best Emerging Practice, and career achievement awards (Lifetime Design Achievement and the Medal of Service) in even years (2028, 2030, etc.) alternating with SHIFT Challenge program in odd years. (2027, 2029 etc.) The SHIFT Architecture Challenge  was created to highlight the distinct contribution that the architecture profession and architectural thinking bring to addressing key societal issues.

The Streets: The 2027 SHIFT Challenge theme is here. This edition invites ides for streets that are sustainable and welcoming for all. Submissions open this fall, with a January 2027 deadline.

The 2026 OAA Award winners are featured on the link below. Winners of the Michael V.  and Wanda Plachta, People's Choice and Lieutenant Governor's Award for Design Excellence in Architecture were announced at the OAA’s Celebration of Excellence, which was held in Cambridge in May 2026. To learn more, read the press release.