A Guide to the Best Interior Design Competitions and Awards

Interior design is an art form that can transform spaces and enhance the way we live and work. With its creative and functional approach to design, the industry continues to grow in popularity, and has inspired a variety of interior design competitions around the world. These competitions showcase the best and brightest in the industry, and give designers a platform to display their skills and innovation.  

2023 Interior Design Competitions

Interior design contests range from focusing on specific areas such as kitchen and bath design, to recognizing outstanding achievements in overall design excellence.  

Below, we explore some of the top interior design awards in 2023, with categories and criteria for each.

Dezeen Awards: 2023 Edition

Dezeen Awards is a yearly program that recognizes the top architecture, interiors, design, and sustainability projects, as well as the most exceptional work produced by architects, designers, and studios worldwide.

Competition Details

• Categories: 39 categories, including architecture, interiors design, sustainability, and the Bentley Lighthouse Award.
• Submission Deadline: June 1, 2023.
• Winning Prize: Trophy, Certificate, and Online Announcement.

For more information, visit deezen.com.

Collaboration of Design+Art: CODA Awards 2023

The CODAawards is an internationally acclaimed competition that celebrates the seamless integration of commissioned art into interior, architectural, and public spaces.  

Competition Details

CODA invites artists, designers, architects, public art administrators, art consultants, industry resources, technologists, cross-disciplinary creators, and landscape architects, among others, to submit their projects for consideration.

• Categories: Commercial, Education, Healthcare, Hospitality, Institutional, Landscape, Liturgical, Public Spaces, Residential, and Transportation.
• Submission Deadline: May 31, 2023.
• Winning Prize: Global Recognition and Publication.  

Find more information at codaworx.com.

National Kitchen and Bath Association: 2024 NKBA Design Competition

While the NKBA may be best known for its exceptional Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), it also hosts a national interior design competition. The competition offers an opportunity for participants to showcase their creativity, planning, and design skills for a chance to win cash prizes.

Competition Details

• Categories: Residential Kitchens and Bathrooms.
• Submission Deadline: July 29, 2023.
• Winning Prize: Best Overall Kitchen - $20,000; Best Overall Bath - $20,000.

Discover more details at nkba.org.

International Interior Design Association: IIDA/WestEdge 2023 Design Fair Product Awards

The IIDA hosts several interior design competitions and awards throughout the year, with each event highlighting different aspects of the industry.  

Competition Details

For example, the IIDA/WestEdge Design Fair Product Awards is a competition for product manufacturers taking place at the 2023 WestEdge Design Fair in Los Angeles.

• Categories: Indoor and Outdoor Décor and Furnishings.
• Submission Deadline: October 26, 2023.
• Winning Prize: Recognition and Publicity.

Explore more information at iida.org.

American Society of Interior Designers: ASID National Awards

ASID presents the highest level of professional recognition with the National Awards, honoring individuals, organizations, and teams who demonstrate the impact of design on human lives.

Competition Details

These awards are presented in several categories, encompassing all aspects of design and contributions to the industry and beyond.

• Categories:

          Legacy - Career Contributions.

          Annual - Significant Achievement and Contributions of the Year.

          Focus – Projects for Health, Equity, and Environmental Impact.

• Submission Deadline: May 15, 2023.
• Winning Prize: Recognition and Industry Opportunities.

Learn more about the ASID National Awards guidelines at asid.org.

Architectural Digest: The AD100 Hall of Fame

The AD100 is an annual list compiled by the Architectural Digest magazine that showcases its top 100 architects and designers worldwide. It has become a highly anticipated publication in the design world and is often considered a mark of prestige and recognition for those who are featured.  

Competition Details

This list is based on recommendations from the AD editorial team, industry experts, and the overall impact of the designers' work. Read more about the AD100 at architecturaldigest.com.

What Are the Benefits of Winning Interior Design Contests?

• Recognition and credibility: Winning a competition can boost your reputation and showcase your talent to potential clients, employers, and peers. It can also help you stand out from the competition and gain exposure in the media and the industry.
• Awareness and impact: Getting first place can raise awareness of your design ideas and solutions, and how they address contemporary challenges such as affordability, sustainability, and small-scale architecture. It can also demonstrate your ability to innovate and create value for society and the environment.
• Prestige and reward: If you win an interior design competition, you may earn prestige and respect from the professional community and the public. It can also reward you with prizes such as trophies, certificates, publications, scholarships, internships, invitations to gala events, and more.  

What Is the Process of Entering Interior Design Competitions?

• Check the eligibility criteria and the submission guidelines of the competition you are interested in.
• Prepare your project portfolio and any written components that describe your design concept, objectives, challenges, and solutions.
• Submit your entry online before the deadline and pay any fees if applicable.
• Wait for the announcement of the winners and finalists.

Celebrating Design Excellence  

As the world of interior design continues to grow and evolve, competitions offer a valuable platform for showcasing creativity, innovation, and skill. These competitions not only bring attention to talented designers, but also inspire others in the industry and promote the importance of good design.  

Whether the winner is a luxury bathroom with bathroom shelving ideas or a functional workspace, these interior design awards set the standard for what is possible in the world of design. As these competitions continue to expand and gain attention, we can only imagine what stunning designs and unique perspectives the future holds for the world of interior design.