2026 AWARD CATEGORIES:

• Constructed Design

  • Recognizes excellence in constructed, site-specific works of landscape architecture.

    The jury will consider the quality of the design and execution; design context and the expression of local or regional characteristics; environmental sensitivity and sustainability; and demonstration of design value to the client and to other designers.

• Exploratory Design (Unbuilt)

  • Recognizes excellence in design thinking and method for un-built works of landscape architecture.

    The jury will consider the quality of design, including context and the expression of local or regional characteristics; environmental sensitivity and sustainability; and demonstration of design value and/or innovation.

• Planning & Analysis

  • Recognizes the wide variety of professional activities that lead to, guide, and evaluate landscape architectural practice.

    The jury will consider the quality of the analysis and planning effort; context; environmental sensitivity and sustainability; likelihood of successful implementation; and value to the client, the public, and other designers.

• Research & Communication

  • Recognizes research and communication projects that identify and investigate challenges posed in landscape architecture and in communicating techniques, technologies, history, or theory, and the lesson value to an intended audience.

    The jury will consider how the research is framed; the methods of inquiry; the results of investigation; and the lesson value of the research conclusions to the profession. The jury will consider the effectiveness of message presentation, the innovation in approach or delivery, and the value to the intended audience.

• Student Work

  • Recognizes excellence in student works of landscape architecture.

    For student project submissions, the jury will consider the quality of design, including context and the expression of local or regional characteristics; environmental sensitivity and sustainability; demonstration of design value and/or innovation; and effectiveness of the project to communicate the ideas and intent.

    For student thesis submissions, the jury will consider the importance or significance of the topic; the methods of inquiry; and the value and applicability of the research conclusions.

2026 AWARD DESCRIPTIONS

Award of Excellence: One award may be given from all categories combined, if so determined by a unanimous vote of all the jurors.

Excellence in Sustainability Award: One award may be given from all categories combined to recognize excellence in sustainability.

Honor Award: One award may be given in each category for the most outstanding project in that category.

Merit Award: Any number of awards may be given in each category to recognize superior professional accomplishment.

JURY

Members of the Arizona Chapter of ASLA will jury the awards program.