For the Jury to consider entries for an AIA El Paso Design Award, entrants must submit projects in accordance with the following requirements:  

• All Architectural Projects (including Temporary Installations and Studio Projects): The jury will only consider projects that were built and finally completed after January 1, 2021. 

• Built Projects: Only members of the architectural team who produced the project and are active members of the AIA El Paso Chapter may submit built projects. If the project is submitted by another firm on their behalf, the team must acknowledge the Architect of Record. 

• Individuals or firms whose primary offices are in El Paso, Texas may enter any number of projects located anywhere in the world.  

• Only the design architect who is registered with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners (TBAE) at the time the project was executed may submit entries. To verify proper attribution for projects executed in collaboration with other firms, all contributing firms must sign the Entry Form with a description of their respective roles. 

• The firms that executed the commission must submit the project in their name only. If that firm is dissolved, or its name was changed, an individual or successor firm may enter the project under the name of the firm in effect at the time the project was executed. 

• The jury will not accept multiple entries for the same project by successor individuals or firms. 

• Associate Members and Architecture Students are eligible to submit projects for an AIA El Paso 2026 Studio Award. Projects may include theoretical, real, or un-built projects currently on board. Projects awarded become eligible for the Texas Society of Architects Studio Awards submissions in the Summer of 2027. 

By submitting an entry, you understand and agree to the following: 

• The Architect or representative of the firm will attend the Awards Ceremony at the Hotel Paso del Norte and present the project live at the event in the PechaKucha format if the Jury selects your project as an award winner. 

• AIA El Paso will automatically submit Design Award recipient projects to America by Design (CBS), who will consider selected projects for filming, featuring and broadcasting.  

• Submission does not guarantee selection or broadcast. By signing this entry form, the entrant authorizes AIA El Paso to submit their project and supporting materials for this opportunity

A complete submission for each individual project is composed of the following five items:

• A completed Design Award Entry Form due September 7, 2026.

• Design Award Entry Fee Payment per submission via Eventbrite.

• A 300 word (or less) written description of the project’s primary design problem and solution(s). Include program requirements and information supporting objectives such as sustainability, energy-efficient performance, etc. It will also include evidence of its positive impact on individuals and communities and the extent to which it achieves client/user goals. No firm names or logos are permitted. AIA El Paso will include firm names or logos on the second slide of the presentation.

• A single file PDF Presentation of 18 slides in 16 x 9 format. The Jury will disqualify any submission that includes the name of the entrant, entrants firm, or firm logo on any of the PDF presentation images or slides. Reference PDF Presentation Criteria below for detailed requirements.

• AIA El Paso will only publish one,1200 pixels wide x 800 pixels tall JPEG image of the presentation on the AIA El Paso website.

Format PDF presentation and images as follows: 

• PDF presentations must contain 18 pages/slides per project; however, each slide may contain more than one image. 

• Format the PDF file name as “project name.pdf” Do NOT submit PowerPoint files. 

• Floor plans and a site plan or an aerial photo are required. 

• Include graphic scales, directional north arrows, and indications of context and preexisting conditions to ensure a complete understanding of the project.  

• Include building sections and elevations if relevant to communicating intent. 

• Provide both interior and exterior images of the project. 

The First Slide must include: 

• One photo of the project 

• The project title  

• Project total square footage  

• Project location  

The Second Slide must include the 300-word (or less) description of the project with bullet points and/or paragraph format in black text on a white background.  This slide should include the project name and may also include an image. 

Large amounts of text on slides are discouraged. This is the purpose of the 300-word written brief document. The intent of the PechaKucha format is to present visual imagery, not a text heavy powerpoint full of bullet points. You may use small amounts of text for labels and captions if required for clarity. 

Special Criteria by Project Category

• Urban Design

  Urban design projects may involve landscape architecture, planning programs, civic improvements, environmental considerations, and redevelopment fixes. Only built Urban design projects are eligible.  

• Interior Architecture

  Include a photo of the building’s exterior, along with floor plans and interior photography. 

• Restoration/Rehabilitation/Renovation

  Projects can range in scope from restoration to the renovation of historically significant buildings. Indicate pre-existing conditions via plans and/or photos.