Celebrating the best of the best in design excellence, craftsmanship, and sustainability year-round

The best of the best in San Diego/Tijuana

The annual design awards shine a light on projects that are pushing innovation, growth, sustainability and renewal in San Diego and Tijuana. Celebrate groundbreaking architectural projects, treasured icons, and exceptional design concepts that have redefined the boundaries of creativity and design in our region.

Legendary design pros  

Every year the Design Awards Ceremony attracts over 250+ architects, design experts and advocates as we gather in celebration of the places, spaces, and people that make our region unique, making this a tremendous opportunity for fraternizing and networking.

Distinguished work

Gain inspiration from the remarkable achievements of the award winners, groundbreaking architectural projects and exceptional design concepts. These exemplary projects are selected through a rigorous process and demonstrate sustainability, social responsibility, and a strong sense of place. 

2025 AWARDS PROGRAM

To provide a fair and equitable review, a jury is recruited from esteemed architect members from non-local metropolitan areas. The recruitment of a non-local jury of highly distinguished architects ensures that the work awarded embodies design excellence to the highest extent.

2025 dESIGN aWARDS jURY COMING SOON

Showcasing design excellence in San Diego and Tijuana in this the San Diego Region’s year as 2024 World Design Capital, the Design Awards program includes a ceremony, talks, tours, and discussions celebrating the work and the people behind it.

THE PEOPLE | CONNECT WITH INDUSTRY LEADERS

The annual celebration marks a unique opportunity to come together as one design community and foster connections across borders and disciplines. Engage with distinguished architects, designers, and industry professionals shaping our region's future and beyond. Forge valuable connections and expand your professional network while mingling with like-minded individuals who share your passion for architecture and design.

THE PROJECTS | DISTINGUISHED WORK

The AIA San Diego Design Awards recognizes Design Excellence - Those exemplary projects that demonstrate design skill of formal, functional and technical requirements, including ecological and environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and a strong sense of place. 

THE PROCESS | RIGOROUS, ANONYMOUS

Each year, we receive hundreds of submissions in multiple diverse categories.The selection process is rigorous and focused on both function and form, with an emphasis on sustainability. The recruitment of a non-local jury of highly distinguished architects means that the projects awarded embody design excellence to the highest extent.

Awards Archives

Project Information and credit to project partners is provided by the architectural firm or entrant of record in AIA San Diego's Design Awards Call for Entries. AIA San Diego, its Design Awards Committee/Representatives, and its Design Awards Jury (Juries) are not the authors of this content, nor are they responsible for verifying its accuracy. Companies/consultants/contractors should contact the firm of record to address discrepancies. To be eligible for consideration and receipt of award in AIA San Diego's Design Awards, entries must be made by AIA members in good standing who abide by the Ethical Standards of Attribution of Credit set forth by the American Institute of Architects.

 
 
 

Thank you to our annual Sustaining partners

T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc.

CONSTRUCTION, DESIGN-BUILD, INNOVATIVE CONCRETE SYSTEMS

It takes an agile company like T.B. Penick to meet today’s aggressive schedules and tighter budgets, offer cutting-edge methodologies such as BIM, advocate best practices and offer safe and sustainable construction practices.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING, CIVIL Engineering & land SURVEYING

BWE is dedicated to providing industry leading engineering and professional services through efficient, cost-effective and sustainable solutions that make positive impacts in our community.

LEADING LIGHTINg and controls manufacturer’s representative

We are a forward-thinking lighting agency that offers an expansive line of lighting and controls products from leading manufacturers. At SDLA, we stand behind our products 100% . We respond to your needs quickly, efficiently and accurately to provide onsite assistance to ensure the job exceeds expectations.

Annual Supporting partners

Architecture and Interior Design

Miller Hull has a passion for creating dynamic and environmentally sensitive buildings. It is the essence of the firm and continues to push our work forward.

 

Architecture is a Shared endeavor

We craft innovative solution which enrich programmatic and sensory intent, engage the greater community and achieve tangible success.

unprecedented performance and exceptional aestheticS

Designed in America and manufactured in Europe, INICIO's products exemplify a fusion of exceptional quality, precision, and innovation for residential applications.


lighting industry with innovative products and best in class service. 

Our team is on the forefront of the latest technologies, trends, and requirements meaning our customers are always one step ahead of their competition. We are result and ROI driven, and are passionate about making lighting more than just an afterthought.

Providing Design Professionals with Confidence in the FutureMake it stand out

We’ve served Design Professionals since 1992, with a focused expertise that gives our architectural, engineering, and construction management clients a critical advantage. As the exclusive broker for two of the top A&E insurance companies, we’re experts at negotiating appropriate coverage and competitive pricing.