Find your category.
Explore 30+ recognitions across seven groups.
C1 — Jury Choices
Jury Choice Recognitions under C1 are not open for direct application. There is no project-style nomination form for these six recognitions. The Jury identifies recipients from the pool of nominees who have filed competitive nominations under C2 – C5, and from individuals proposed by recognised institutions through a Letter of Recommendation route.
Lifetime Achievement — Educator
Letter of Recommendation from a recognised School of Architecture or COA-recognised Architect on Letterhead, plus Detailed Profile (max 4 pages) and Media coverage file. Submitted directly to PHDCCI.
Lifetime Achievement — Practicing Architect
Letter of Recommendation from a recognised professional body (IIA, COA chapter, etc.) or Architect on Letterhead, plus Detailed Profile and Media coverage file. Submitted directly to PHDCCI.
Lifetime Achievement — Public Service Government Architect
Letter of Recommendation from the relevant Government department / PSU, Architect on Letterhead, plus Detailed Profile, Notable Works portfolio, and Media coverage file. Submitted directly to PHDCCI.
Boundless Achievement as an Architect
Letter of Recommendation from an Architect on letterhead, community body, NGO, craft cluster, or local administration documenting work with disadvantaged communities, arts & crafts, rehabilitation, or infrastructure rejuvenation. Plus Project Portfolio (max 6 pages).
Architect of the Year
Minimum 2 competitive nominations filed under C2 / C3 / C4 / C5. Verified automatically from the nomination portal. No separate documentation required beyond what was filed for each project nomination.
Harbinger of Change — Architect Under 40
Minimum 2 competitive nominations filed under C2 / C3 / C4 / C5, AND age below 40 as on 31 March 2026 (auto-verified from the nomination form). No separate documentation required.
For C1R1 – C1R4 (Lifetime Achievement and Boundless Achievement), a separate “Submit a Nomination via Recommendation” path accepts: (a) Letter of Recommendation on institutional letterhead, (b) Detailed Profile PDF (max 4 pages), (c) Media Coverage compilation PDF. There is no application fee for the Letter of Recommendation route.
C2 — Residential Design
C2R1. Residential Design
Independent House (up to 5,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area)
Architects with a completed independent house of up to 5,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area. Focus on economical space use, family-life flow, and aesthetic resolution within tight constraints.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval from the local authority
- Completion Certificate OR Occupation Certificate (OC). Where neither applies in the jurisdiction, a Functional Specifications declaration on the architect's letterhead substitutes.
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow)
- Built-up area and plot area certificate — signed by the architect
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Green Building Certificate (if held) │ Structural Engineer's Stability Certificate │ Energy / water consumption data post-occupancy │ Media coverage
C2R2. Residential Design
Independent House (more than 5,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area)
Architects with a completed independent house of more than 5,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area. Focus on personality, programmatic ambition, and design experimentation possible at scale.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval from the local authority
- Completion Certificate OR Occupation Certificate (OC). Where neither applies, a Functional Specifications declaration on the architect's letterhead substitutes.
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow)
- Built-up area and plot area certificate — signed by the architect
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Green Building Certificate (LEED / GRIHA / IGBC if held) │ Structural Engineer's Stability Certificate │ Smart-home / automation specification summary │ Media coverage or published features
C2R3. Residential Design
Affordable Housing (as per PMAY and similar schemes)
Architects of completed housing built under PMAY (Urban or Gramin) or equivalent state / central housing-for-all schemes. Focus on dignity, ingenuity within tight cost envelopes, and beneficiary outcomes.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- PMAY scheme registration / scheme allotment document (Central / State / ULB)
- Sanction Letter from the Urban Local Body or Rural Development Authority
- Completion Certificate AND Occupation Certificate for at least one phase
- Beneficiary handover register or sample allotment letters (with names redacted)
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow)
- Beneficiary count, average unit size, and cost-per-unit declaration
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Beneficiary testimonials (anonymised, with consent) │ Construction technology innovation note (max 200 words) │ Media coverage │ Government department endorsement letter
C2R4. Residential Design
Group Housing (other than PMAY)
Architects of completed group housing schemes outside the PMAY framework — gated communities, apartment complexes, townships. Focus on family-scale design within urban density.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- RERA Registration Certificate (mandatory for the project)
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Completion Certificate AND Occupation Certificate — for the nominated phase or block
- Fire NOC — Final
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), plus typical-unit plans for representative apartment types
- Total number of units, unit-mix table, and common-area FAR declaration
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Resident Welfare Association feedback or testimonials (anonymised) │ Green Building Certificate (LEED / GRIHA / IGBC) │ Sales-to-occupancy ratio post-handover │ Media coverage
C2R5. Residential Design
Innovative Residential Design
Architects of residential projects (independent or group) whose primary distinction is ingenuity — off-grid homes, alternative materials, micro-housing, prefabricated systems, climate-radical solutions, etc.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval (where applicable) OR Functional Specifications declaration where the project is outside the building-law regime
- Completion Certificate / Occupation Certificate (where applicable)
- Innovation Note — typed, max 300 words: what is innovative, the problem it solves, evidence of replicability
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow)
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Third-party validation or research partnership documentation │ Patent / IP filing acknowledgement (if any) │ Performance data after occupancy (energy, water, comfort) │ Media or peer-reviewed coverage
C3 — Commercial Design
C3R1. Commercial Design
Office Building (less than 100,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area)
Architects of completed standalone office buildings under 100,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area. Focus on collaboration, focus, and energy of the working environment within a compact footprint.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Completion Certificate AND Occupation Certificate
- Fire NOC — Final
- Tenant occupation evidence OR Owner-Occupier declaration confirming the building is in active commercial use
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow)
- Gross Built-Up Area certificate
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
C3R2. Commercial Design
Office Building (more than 100,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area)
Architects of completed office buildings over 100,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area. Focus on scale, sustainability, and working experience at large workforce capacity.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Completion Certificate AND Occupation Certificate
- Fire NOC — Final
- Green Building Certificate (LEED / GRIHA / IGBC) — at any level. Mandatory for this size class given sustainability expectations.
- Tenant occupation evidence OR Owner-Occupier declaration
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow)
- Gross Built-Up Area certificate and number-of-floors declaration
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
C3R3. Commercial Design
Industrial Building
Architects of completed industrial buildings — manufacturing, processing, assembly, heavy R&D. Focus on workflow translation, man-machine harmony, and productivity outcomes.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Factory Plan Approval under the Factories Act 1948 (Form 1 / Form 1A)
- State Pollution Control Board Consent to Operate (CTO) — current
- Fire NOC — Final
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Completion Certificate (where issued)
- Hazardous Waste Authorisation (if applicable to the process)
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), plus a Process / Functional Zoning Plan and Material Flow / Logistics Yard Plan
- Plant capacity, worker count, and shift-pattern declaration
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
C3R4. Commercial Design
Hotels & Resorts (up to 45 keys)
Architects of completed hotels and resorts of up to 45 keys (rooms). Focus on adequacy of necessity-and-luxury within a compact key inventory.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Completion Certificate AND Occupation Certificate
- Fire NOC — Final
- Hotel Operating Licence from the State Department of Tourism (or municipal trade licence where applicable)
- FSSAI Licence (if F&B is operated on the property)
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow)
- Number of keys / suites / villas declaration; date of commercial opening
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
C3R5. Commercial Design
Hotels & Resorts (more than 45 keys)
Architects of completed hotels and resorts above 45 keys. Focus on multi-programme hospitality — workcation, staycation, banqueting, F&B variety, wellness — within a single architectural narrative.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Completion Certificate AND Occupation Certificate
- Fire NOC — Final
- Ministry of Tourism Star Classification (where rated) OR State Tourism Operating Licence
- FSSAI Licence — covering all F&B outlets on the property
- Bar Licence (where applicable)
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), plus key-floor layouts, banquet / event layouts, all-day-dining and specialty F&B layouts
- Number of keys, F&B covers, banquet capacity, and spa / wellness footprint declaration
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Ministry of Tourism Star Classification (if held) │ Bar Licence (if applicable) │ Guest review aggregate from TripAdvisor / Booking / Google (screenshot) │ Media coverage │ Sustainability / green certification
C4 — Social & Public Spaces Design
C4R1. Commercial Retail
Space Design (up to 5,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area)
Architects of completed standalone retail spaces under 5,000 sq ft — boutiques, specialty stores, showrooms, jewellers, bookstores. Focus on distinct retail personality and customer-mind cues.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval (or lease/ownership document where the retail is a fit-out within an existing shell)
- Trade Licence / Shop & Establishment Registration from the local authority
- Fire NOC — where applicable to the occupancy
- Occupation Certificate (where applicable)
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow)
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Brand brief and design response note (max 200 words) │ Footfall / sales-per-sq-ft data post-opening │ Media coverage or design press features
C4R2. Commercial Retail
Space Design (more than 5,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area)
Architects of completed retail spaces above 5,000 sq ft — flagship stores, multi-brand outlets, large-format retail. Focus on inviting atmosphere, exploration, and engagement at scale.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Trade Licence / Shop & Establishment Registration
- Fire NOC — Final
- Occupation Certificate
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), plus circulation diagrams showing customer-flow logic
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Brand brief and design response note (max 200 words) │ Footfall / sales data post-opening │ Tenant-mix table (if multi-brand) │ Media coverage
C4R3. Healthcare
Space Design (up to 50 beds, including Clinics)
Architects of completed healthcare facilities up to 50 beds, including clinics, polyclinics, Primary Health Centres, and Community Health Centres. Focus on patient flow, doctor-patient ergonomics, and care-pathway clarity.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Clinical Establishments Act Registration (Central or State) for the operating entity
- Fire NOC — Final
- Biomedical Waste Authorisation from the State Pollution Control Board
- Occupation Certificate / Completion Certificate
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), plus departmental layout (OPD / IPD / OT / Diagnostics) and circulation flows
- Bed count, OT count, and specialty list declaration
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: NABH or NABH Entry-Level certification (if held) │ Patient / staff testimonials (anonymised) │ Infection control and HVAC zoning notes │ Media coverage
C4R4. Healthcare
Space Design (more than 50 beds)
Architects of completed hospitals above 50 beds — multi-specialty, tertiary care, super-specialty. Focus on complex departmental adjacencies, infection-control zoning, and clinical-technology integration.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Clinical Establishments Act Registration
- NABH accreditation certificate (current) OR NABH application acknowledgement
- Fire NOC — Final
- Biomedical Waste Authorisation
- Occupation Certificate / Completion Certificate
- AERB Licence for radiation-emitting installations (if applicable)
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), plus departmental zoning and circulation flows (clean / dirty / patient / staff / public)
- Bed count, ICU/HDU count, OT count, and specialties served declaration
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: JCI accreditation (if international) │ Green Hospital certification (IGBC / GRIHA / LEED Healthcare) │ Patient experience score from Mera Aspataal or internal survey │ Media coverage
C4R5. Educational Institution Design
Architects of completed educational institutions — schools, colleges, universities, vocational institutes. Focus on safety, inviting overtures, and spatial support for the diverse pedagogical activities of the institution.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Affiliation / Recognition certificate from the relevant body (State Board / CBSE / AICTE / UGC / NMC / BCI as applicable to the institution type)
- Fire NOC — Final
- Occupation Certificate
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), plus campus master plan if applicable
- Student capacity, faculty count, and hostel beds (if any) declaration
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: NAAC / NBA accreditation level (for HEIs) │ Green Campus certification (IGBC / GRIHA) │ Universal-access / disability-friendly design notes │ Media coverage or institutional publications
C4R6. Urban Space Intervention
Architects of completed urban interventions — entry gates, flyover undersides, roundabouts, sidewalks, memorials, public plazas — that reinvent dead or underused public space.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Authorisation Letter from the relevant Municipal Authority / Smart City Mission / Development Authority sanctioning the intervention
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval (where the intervention involves structural construction)
- Functional Specifications declaration on the architect's letterhead — required where the intervention falls outside the conventional building-law regime
- Before / After Photo Documentation — clearly labelled, dated, same vantage points
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable. (in addition to the before/after pair)
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow)
- Public-use evidence: footfall observation log, community-use note, or maintenance-handover document
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Local-community testimonials or signed petition of support │ Media coverage of the intervention │ Maintenance & adoption arrangement (RWA, corporate CSR, etc.)
C4R7. Large Civic Projects
Architects of completed large civic / public-utility projects — Railway Stations, Airports, Bus Stands, Stadiums, Toll / Billing Stations, Public Conveniences at scale.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Government Project Sanction / Contract Award document
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- Completion Certificate from the commissioning authority
- Operating Permit / Commissioning Certificate from the relevant sectoral authority (Indian Railways / AAI / DGCA / RTO / Sports Authority of India / Municipal Body as applicable)
- Fire NOC — Final
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), plus passenger / spectator / user circulation flows
- Daily footfall / passenger / spectator capacity data (last 12 months)
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Universal-access compliance certificate (Accessible India) │ Sustainability / green certification │ Passenger / user satisfaction data │ National-level media coverage
C5 — Distinctive Design
C5R1. Distinctive Building Design
Space Design (up to 5,000 sq ft Gross Built-Up Area)
Architects of completed buildings with a unique project brief — designs for persons with disabilities, designs for animals, places of worship, memorials, or other one-of-a-kind purposes that fit no other category.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval (where applicable) OR Functional Specifications declaration where the project sits outside the building-law regime
- Completion Certificate / Occupation Certificate (where applicable)
- Distinctiveness Note — typed, max 300 words: what makes the project distinctive and the user community it serves
- Relevant Authority Approval for the special purpose served (e.g. Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Animal Welfare Board, religious trust authorisation)
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow)
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Universal-access audit report (if for persons with disabilities) │ User-community testimonials │ Media coverage │ Awards / recognition
C5R2. Mixed-Use Projects
Architects of completed mixed-use developments that integrate two or more functions (residential, commercial, hospitality, retail, civic) in a single project, with unique programmatic complexity and urban impact.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Mixed-Use Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval (specifically endorsing the mixed-use programme)
- RERA Registration (where the residential or commercial component falls under RERA)
- Completion Certificate AND Occupation Certificate — for the nominated phase or the full project
- Fire NOC — Final
- Trade Licences for non-residential components
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), plus programme-mix layouts showing how the uses are integrated and segregated
- Programme-mix declaration (% residential / commercial / hospitality / civic / other) and the rationale
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Green Building Certificate (LEED / GRIHA / IGBC) │ Tenant / resident testimonials (anonymised) │ Footfall and occupancy data │ Media coverage
C5R3. Highway-Side Projects
Architects of completed buildings prominently located along major expressways, highways, or arterial roads — landmark hospitality, retail, corporate or services structures designed for high-speed visibility.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Building Plan Approval
- NHAI / State PWD NOC for setback, approach, and signage compliance along the highway
- Completion Certificate AND Occupation Certificate
- Fire NOC — Final
- Trade Licence / Operating Licence for the function the building serves
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable.
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), plus highway-approach and parking plan
- Highway / expressway name, chainage (km), and approximate daily traffic count declaration
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Signage / branding integration drawings │ Environmental Clearance (if applicable for size / location) │ Visitor / customer footfall data │ Media coverage
C5R4. Conservation & Restoration Projects
Architects of completed conservation / restoration of heritage structures — temples, forts, palaces, colonial buildings, vernacular dwellings, industrial heritage — that preserve historical identity while ensuring structural safety.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Authority NOC from the body of jurisdiction — Archaeological Survey of India (Centrally Protected), State Archaeology Department (State Protected), or local heritage committee / INTACH chapter (locally listed)
- Conservation Plan approved by the body of jurisdiction or by a recognised conservation consultant
- Structural Stability Certificate post-intervention — from a registered Structural Engineer
- Before / During / After Photo Documentation — clearly labelled, dated, same vantage points
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable. (in addition to the before/during/after series)
- Drawings PDF — single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 10 pages: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, sections (with scale bar and north arrow), with EXISTING and INTERVENTION clearly distinguished
- Original year of construction and heritage status (ASI Centrally / State Protected / locally listed / unlisted)
- Material Conservation Report — materials retained, materials substituted, sourcing rationale
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Use / function post-restoration (museum, hotel, public, residential) │ Visitor footfall post-restoration │ Awards from INTACH / ASI / UNESCO-style bodies │ Published research or media coverage
C5R5. Landscape Design
Architects / landscape architects of completed landscape projects — public parks, private gardens, urban greens, campus landscapes, rooftop / vertical landscapes — that work with living and non-living material to tell a spatial story.
- COA Membership Certificate (individual) OR Council of Architecture Firm Registration / equivalent firm incorporation document
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, occupation status, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Sanction Letter / Approval from the owning authority (Municipal / Development Authority / Private Owner) for the landscape installation
- Functional Specifications declaration on the architect's letterhead — required where the project is standalone landscape outside the building-law regime
- Completion Certificate / handover document from the client / commissioning authority
- Site Plan + Planting Plan + Hardscape Plan (the landscape equivalent of conventional architectural drawings)
- Plant Species List — botanical names, sources, native vs. introduced status
- Maintenance Protocol — handover document or maintenance contract evidence
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable. — at least 2 of the 6 should be taken at least 12 months apart to show the landscape maturing
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Theme / goal note for the design (max 200 words) │ Biodiversity / native-species ratio │ Water consumption (irrigation) and rainwater integration │ Media coverage
D1 — Residential Interior Design
D1R1. Residential Interior Design
Independent House
Interior designers of completed independent (standalone) house interiors. Focus on cohesive, personalised, functional living that reflects the occupants' aspirations and lifestyle.
- PRIMARY CRITERIA — Professional Qualification: a bachelor's or master's degree in interior design from a recognised institute or university is preferred; individual interior design consultants / practitioners may apply
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, active use, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable. — at least 2 photographs should include the family / occupants in active use of the space, with their written consent
- Drawings PDF — before/after layouts, key elevations, ceiling plan, lighting layout, joinery details (single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 8 pages)
- Material & Specification List — typed summary covering key materials, finishes, joinery details, lighting, and any custom-fabricated elements
- Design Concept Note — typed, max 300 words: client brief, design response, individual aesthetic, and timeless-appeal rationale
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Smart-home / automation specification (if integrated) │ Indoor air-quality or sustainability notes │ Sources / artisans for custom pieces │ Press / shelter-magazine features
D1R2. Residential Interior Design
Apartment in Group Housing
Interior designers of completed apartment interiors within multi-family / group-housing developments. Focus on optimising spatial functionality within a standard residential shell.
- PRIMARY CRITERIA — Professional Qualification: a bachelor's or master's degree in interior design from a recognised institute or university is preferred; individual interior design consultants / practitioners may apply
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, active use, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Society / Resident Welfare Association (RWA) NOC — required where the work involved structural alterations, plumbing relocation, electrical load change, or any modification visible from common areas
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable. — at least 2 photographs should include the family / occupants in active use of the space, with their written consent
- Drawings PDF — before/after layouts, key elevations, ceiling plan, lighting layout, joinery details (single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 8 pages)
- Material & Specification List — typed summary covering finishes, joinery, lighting, soft furnishings
- Design Concept Note — typed, max 300 words: how the standard apartment shell was reinterpreted, ergonomic considerations, lifestyle response
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Apartment carpet area and configuration (e.g. 3BHK 1,450 sq ft) │ Sustainability / acoustic comfort notes │ Sources / artisans for custom pieces │ Press / shelter-magazine features
D2 — Commercial Interior Design
D2R1. Commercial Interior Design
Office
Interior designers of completed commercial office interiors. Focus on productivity, collaboration, employee well-being, and reflection of the organisation's brand identity and values.
- PRIMARY CRITERIA — Professional Qualification: a bachelor's or master's degree in interior design from a recognised institute or university is preferred; individual interior design consultants / practitioners may apply
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, active use, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Lease / Ownership document for the office premises — to verify the location and tenure
- Trade Licence / Shop & Establishment Registration for the operating entity
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable. — at least 3 photographs should show the office in active use by the workforce, with their written consent
- Drawings PDF — before/after layouts, key elevations, ceiling plan, lighting layout, joinery details (single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 8 pages)
- Material & Specification List — partitioning, flooring, ceiling, lighting, acoustic treatment, furniture, joinery
- Workspace Concept Note — typed, max 300 words: brand response, work-style support, evolving-flexibility considerations
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Workstation count, meeting-room mix, collaboration-zone ratio │ Acoustic / lighting / IAQ measurements │ Employee feedback summary post-occupancy │ Press / corporate-real-estate media features
D2R2. Commercial Interior Design
Retail
Interior designers of completed retail interiors — flagship stores, brand boutiques, specialty retail. Focus on shopping-experience design, brand conveyance, and engagement-to-conversion flow.
- PRIMARY CRITERIA — Professional Qualification: a bachelor's or master's degree in interior design from a recognised institute or university is preferred; individual interior design consultants / practitioners may apply
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, active use, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Trade Licence / Shop & Establishment Registration in the operating retail entity's name
- Lease / Ownership document for the retail premises
- Fire NOC (where applicable to the occupancy)
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable. — photographs should show the retail space in operation, with shoppers / staff in frame where possible, with consent
- Drawings PDF — before/after layouts, key elevations, ceiling plan, lighting layout, joinery details (single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 8 pages), plus visual-merchandising / display layouts
- Brand & Design Response Note — typed, max 300 words: brand brief and how the interior conveys it
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Footfall / sales-per-sq-ft data post-opening │ Visual-merchandising / window-display photography │ Other store locations using the same design language │ Press / retail-design media features
D2R3. Commercial Interior Design
Hospitality
Interior designers of completed hospitality interiors — hotels, resorts, restaurants, cafés, bars. Focus on immersive guest experience, mood, atmosphere, and brand-narrative reinforcement.
- PRIMARY CRITERIA — Professional Qualification: a bachelor's or master's degree in interior design from a recognised institute or university is preferred; individual interior design consultants / practitioners may apply
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, active use, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Hotel Operating Licence / Restaurant Trade Licence / Bar Licence — as applicable to the venue type
- FSSAI Licence (where food or beverage is served)
- Fire NOC — Final
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable. — photographs should show the space in operation with guests where possible, with consent
- Drawings PDF — before/after layouts, key elevations, ceiling plan, lighting layout, joinery details (single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 8 pages)
- Material & Specification List
- Hospitality Narrative Note — typed, max 300 words: the experiential story the design tells, mood and atmosphere intent, and the cuisine / service-style response
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Guest review aggregate from TripAdvisor / Google / Zomato (screenshot) │ Lighting plot or scheme-by-time-of-day notes │ Acoustic treatment / sound design │ Press / hospitality-design media features
D2R4. Commercial Interior Design
Recreational
Interior designers of completed recreational interiors — gyms, spas, theatres, clubs, gaming venues, wellness centres. Focus on engagement, safety, comfort, and support for the recreational activity.
- PRIMARY CRITERIA — Professional Qualification: a bachelor's or master's degree in interior design from a recognised institute or university is preferred; individual interior design consultants / practitioners may apply
- Client Letter of Satisfaction on client letterhead — confirming completion, active use, and consent for the project to be evaluated
- Key team members for Gala Night: name, designation, mobile, photo (min 1, max 5) — needed so the ceremony can be planned
- Operating Licence relevant to the venue type — gym / spa / theatre / club registration; AYUSH licence for traditional wellness centres
- Lease / Ownership document for the premises
- Fire NOC — Final
- Safety Compliance Declaration — for equipment-driven venues (gyms, theatres), confirming installation conforms to manufacturer specifications and applicable safety codes
- Photographs — 6 to 9 real images (3,000 px+ on long edge, 300 dpi). No AI-generated imagery. No firm watermark or logo. Standard post-processing (exposure, white balance, lens correction) acceptable. — photographs should show the venue in active use by members / patrons, with consent
- Drawings PDF — before/after layouts, key elevations, ceiling plan, lighting layout, joinery details (single A3 landscape PDF, anonymised, ≤ 8 pages)
- Material & Specification List
- Recreational Concept Note — typed, max 300 words: activity support, ambience, and brand identity
★ Jury-Encouraged — strongly valued, not strictly mandatory
- Photographs that include the original occupants / users of the space — with their written consent
- Architect's site walk-through video (max 3 minutes, plain narration, no firm-branded titles or logos) — the architect themselves explaining the design choices on site
Supporting / Optional: Acoustic and ventilation specifications (especially for gyms / spas / theatres) │ Member retention or footfall data post-opening │ Hygiene / sanitation protocol (for spas / wellness) │ Press / lifestyle media features