Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- International Competition Association (ICA)
- Deadline
- 11/25/2026
In short
The un Design Award is an annual international design competition by the International Competition Association (ICA), based in Washington, D.C., USA. It seeks to recognize influential designs and innovative talents globally, centered on the theme "The Self is the World" and an "undefined" operational philosophy. It is open to architects, designers, developers, manufacturers, and clients. Submissions are due by July 1, 2026, with registrations open until November 25, 2026. Prizes include Best of the Year, Platinum, Gold, and Silver, with specific benefits for winners such as certificates and online display.
un Design Award
By International Competition Association (ICA)
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 11/25/202671 days left
International Design Competition
Type
Washington, D.C., USA
Location
English
Language
The Self is the World
Theme
Undefined operational philosophy
Approach
Overview
The un Design Award is an annual international design competition established by the International Competition Association (ICA) and initiated in Washington, D.C., USA. The competition operates under the theme "The Self is the World" and is guided by an "undefined" operational philosophy. Its primary goal is to identify and honor the most influential and outstanding designs, as well as innovative talents, from around the world. This competition is open to a broad range of participants, including architects, designers, developers, manufacturers, and clients globally. To ensure fair evaluation, professional entries are judged against other professionals, and student entries are judged against other students. Participants are required to register through the official website, create an account, and pay an entry fee. Entries are rigorously evaluated by judges based on several key criteria: artistry, innovation, functionality, societal impact, and sustainability. This comprehensive assessment aims to provide authoritative verdicts for all submissions. Winners receive an electronic certificate, a winner's logo for various uses, and online display of their winning works. While all winners receive basic benefits, the "Best of Year" recipients in six major categories are awarded a free winner package. Other winners have the option to customize trophies and certificates at their own expense. The competition's timeline includes multiple registration deadlines, culminating in an announcement date for winners on December 15, 2026.
Prizes
Best of the Year
Free winner package, electronic certificate, winner's logo, online display.
Varies
Platinum
Electronic certificate, winner's logo, online display. Customizable trophies and certificates at own expense.
Varies
Gold
Electronic certificate, winner's logo, online display. Customizable trophies and certificates at own expense.
Varies
Silver
Electronic certificate, winner's logo, online display. Customizable trophies and certificates at own expense.
Varies
Key dates
- Submission DeadlineJuly 1, 2026
- Early Bird Registration DeadlineAugust 31, 2026
- Regular Registration DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026
- Final Registration DeadlineOctober 31, 2026
- Extended Final Registration DeadlineNovember 25, 2026
- Registration DeadlineNovember 25, 2026
- Announcement DateDecember 15, 2026
Eligibility
The un Design Award welcomes architects, designers, developers, manufacturers, and clients from all over the world to participate. Professional entries will be judged against other professionals and student entries against other students.
How to enter
- Create an account on the official website.
- Provide personal information including username, email, and phone number.
- Submit entries, including design descriptions and high-resolution images.
- Pay the required entry fee.
Submission requirements
- Design descriptions
- High-resolution images
- Required entry fee
Judging criteria
- Artistry
- Innovation
- Functionality
- Societal impact
- Sustainability
Sponsors & partners
International Competition Association (ICA)