Design Skill
International Excellence Awards 2027: Adaptive Reuse & Restoration Category
International Excellence Awards 2027
The International Excellence Awards recognise forward-looking architecture and design. Adaptive reuse and restoration projects have a dedicated nomination in the Architecture discipline. Early Bird registration for IEA 2027 is open until 30 October 2026: $130 for the first project.
Adaptive reuse nominations
The International Excellence Awards include Adaptive Reuse and Restoration Projects in the Architecture discipline, for buildings given a new use, restorations and transformations.
| Nomination | Discipline |
|---|---|
| Adaptive Reuse and Restoration Projects | Architecture |
| Heritage and Vernacular Architecture | Architecture |
| Cultural and Heritage-Driven Interiors | Interior |
Preparing a strong entry
- Show the building before and after, and explain what was kept and what changed.
- Explain the new use and how the design supports it.
- Describe structural and material decisions made for the existing fabric.
- State the project status (built or concept) and credit the full team.
IEA 2027 fees and deadlines
| Registration period | Register by | First project | Each additional nomination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | 30 October 2026 | $130 | $70 |
| Advance | 24 November 2026 | $150 | $80 |
| Standard | 8 January 2027 | $170 | $90 |
| Extended | 9 February 2027 | $190 | $100 |
| Late | 16 March 2027 | $210 | $110 |
- Project submission deadline: 19 March 2027
- Winners announced: 6 April 2027
Entry fees are payable at registration and are non-refundable. Fees include 23% VAT for private individuals; companies with a valid VAT number are invoiced under reverse charge, and the total fee is unchanged. Students receive a 50% discount on everything except trophies. In the current Early Bird period a student entry costs $65 for the first project and $35 for each additional category. Projects registered under a student entry compete in the dedicated Student Category.
How projects are judged
Each juror scores every project individually against three published criteria, and a project’s final score is the average of all juror scores:
- Innovation & Originality
- Design & Aesthetic Quality
- Functionality & Spatial Integration
Awards are presented at four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Meet the jurors on the jury page.
Recent IEA winners
| Project | Studio / designer | Country | Award | Nomination | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Living Infrastructure: Reimagining Housing as a Cooperative Organism | Ricardo Ribeiro | Portugal | Platinum, IEA 2026 | Adaptive Reuse and Restoration Projects | Concept |
| CAFE SALSERA | B.RUSSO DESIGNS | United States | Bronze, IEA 2025 | Adaptive Reuse and Restoration Projects | Completed / Built |
| From Hangar to Hope: A Self-Guided Refugee School | Siyuan Liu and Edward Hu | United States | Gold, IEA 2025 | Adaptive Reuse and Restoration Projects | Concept |
Browse more projects on the International Excellence Awards winners page.
What winners receive
Winners are listed on the International Excellence Awards winners page and receive a digital kit by email with a certificate, digital banners and logos. Trophy ordering follows the announcement of winners.
IEA adaptive reuse and restoration category FAQ
Which nomination fits a building converted to a new use?
Adaptive Reuse and Restoration Projects in the Architecture discipline.
Can students enter?
Yes. Students receive a 50% discount on everything except trophies, and projects registered under a student entry compete in the dedicated Student Category.
How much does it cost to enter?
In the current Early Bird period, until 30 October 2026, the first project costs $130 and each additional category $70. Students receive a 50% discount on everything except trophies.
When is the submission deadline?
Project materials are submitted after registration. The current submission deadline is 19 March 2027, and winners are announced on 6 April 2027.
Who judges the entries?
An international jury; each juror scores every project against three published criteria, and the final score is the average of all juror scores. See the jury page.
Where do I register?
On the International Excellence Awards registration page.
Enter your adaptive reuse project
Early Bird registration for IEA 2027 is open until 30 October 2026: $130 for the first project.