The Grand Valley Society of Architects (GVSA) proudly announces the fifth cycle of our 3rd-year design competition for architecture students studying at local post-secondary institutions. This awards program aims to foster stronger engagement between the GVSA and the upcoming generation of architects, designers, and technologists within
our community.
We are also happy to announce we will be showcasing the winning entries at the OAA 2026 Conference which is being held in Waterloo region this May.

 

Submission Guidelines:

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To make a submission, please format projects onto (1) Arch D (24” x 36”) PDF presentation panel. The panel should include the names of all contributing project members, the eligible program, and a 200-word description that outlines the project's intent and highlights up to 5 key features for judges' consideration. Group projects are accepted, the person submitting will be considered the point of contact for communication between the GVSA and the submitting group. Submitted projects must originate from an academic course (e.g., design studio, technical course, or related architectural coursework) completed during the 2025 - 2026 academic year, formatted and curated as required to present the best version of your work.
Submissions not adhering to the technical requirements will not be considered.

 

Submissions Open: Monday, February 23, 2026, at 8 am EST

Submissions Close: Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:59 pm EST

 

Technical Requirements 

 

Direct submissions to grandvalleyarchitects@gmail.com 

Subject line: 2026 Student Design Competition

File Labeled: 2026_GVSA_ProjectTitle.pdf

Format: Portable Document Format (PDF) with one (1) ARCH D (24”x36”)

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Eligibility:

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T​The award is open to students enrolled or completed their 3rd year of study at the following
programs between Spring 2025 and Spring 2026 (See dates below):
- University of Waterloo School of Architecture (3A & 3B)
- University of Waterloo Architectural Engineering (3A & 3B)
- Conestoga College: Architecture - Construction Engineering Technology & Bachelor of Applied Technology (Honours) - Architecture - Project and Facility Management (Level 5 and Level 6)
- Conestoga College: Architecture - Construction Engineering Technology (Level 5 and Level 6)
Project work submitted must have been completed between May 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026

 

Awards:

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Judges will assess submissions before the showcase and award prizes as follows:

• Judges Choice for Most Technical Architectural Project: $1000 Cash Award

  • Recognizing exceptional technical ingenuity and innovation, this accolade celebrates projects showcasing advanced structural engineering and pioneering technological integration. Judges will prioritize integrated system design, setting new standards of excellence in architectural innovation and functionality.

• Judges Choice for Most Creative Architectural Project: $1000 Cash Award

  • This esteemed accolade celebrates boundless creativity and visionary thinking in architectural design. From unconventional concepts to imaginative spatial arrangements, this award honors projects that redefine the boundaries of architectural innovation, inspiring awe and imagination in every detail.

• Judges Choice for Collaborative Achievement Award: $1000 Cash Award

  • This award acknowledges teams that have demonstrated exceptional collaboration and teamwork in their architectural projects. It celebrates the ability to work cohesively towards a shared vision, regardless of individual technical or creative strengths. This category values teamwork, communication, and collective effort in producing outstanding architectural work.

• People's Choice: Prize to be awarded on the night of the reception.

  • The People's Choice Award allows attendees at the reception to vote for their favorite project among those showcased. Each attendee will have the opportunity to cast their vote during the gallery viewing, and the project with the highest number of votes will be announced as the winner during the reception.

 

Questions:

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​For inquiries about the program, please email grandvalleyarchitects+2026award@gmail.com. Questions should be submitted no
later than Thursday, March 12th, 2026, at 5:00 pm EST.

 

Gallery Viewing and Showcase:

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​The GVSA is excited to host a gallery viewing and reception featuring all submitted student work. This event offers a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the projects, encouraging dialogue between GVSA members and architecture students from across the region. Please mark this date on your calendar as it promises to be an exciting opportunity to meet the judges and local architects from the Kitchener-Waterloo region.

Date: March 24th, 2026, 5:45 to 7:00 pm

Time: Viewing and Peoples Choice Voting will coincide with the GVSA Social Event, Voting will be closed after approximately and hour with awards announced shortly after.

Location: To be communicated via GVSA socials as details are firmed up.  This event will be
taking place in Waterloo Region.

Registration is Free with submission entry. Link will be provided upon closure of submissions.

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Terms and Conditions:

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By submitting an entry, applicants agree to have their name and Submission Content shared publicly by the Grand Valley Society of Architects for promotional purposes, including but not limited to presentation on the GVSA website and social media platforms, as well as in print media. Full credit will be given to the applicant for their work.

 

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