The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the winners of its 2026 Awards during the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design in San Diego. More than 100 winners were celebrated in 10 categories, and many residential projects were honored in the Housing, Architecture, Interior Architecture, COTE Top Ten, and Small Project award programs.
“Every project honored across these 10 award programs is a powerful reminder of architecture’s profound impact on our communities—and its role in shaping a stronger future for generations to come,” said 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA. “The projects being [honored] are forward-looking, creating spaces that uplift, connect, and inspire. Together, the winners demonstrate how thoughtful design can enrich lives and help build a better future for all.”
Below, you will find residential projects that received awards this year. For more information on the 2026 AIA Awards and to view all winners visit the AIA Awards website.
Small Project Awards
The AIA Small Project Award raises public awareness of the value and design excellence that architects provide regardless of the limits of size and scope. The following residential projects won 2026 awards:
The Cootie Catcher by Cotton Estes Architect
San Antonio | Residential – Single-Family Attached
RD Editors’ Note: This project won a Citation Award for Renovation in the 2026 Residential Design Architecture Awards.
Camp Meeker by Renée del Gaudio Architecture
Allenspark, Colo. | Residential – Single-Family Detached
RD Editors’ Note: This project won a Citation Award for Custom Rural or Vacation House in the 2026 Residential Design Architecture Awards.
Tinyleaf by GO’C
Winthrop, Wash. | Residential – Single-Family Detached
RD Editors’ Note: This project won a 2024 RDAA Citation Award for Custom Rural or Vacation House.
Housing Awards
The AIA Housing Award exemplifies the importance of good housing as a necessity of life, a sanctuary for the human spirit, and a valuable national resource. The following residential projects won 2026 awards:
One- and Two-Family Custom Residences
OFFbeat by Nick Deaver Jes Deaver Architecture
Austin, Texas | Residential – Single-Family Detached
RD Editors’ Note: See Residential Design‘s case study for this project.
Pine Flat by Faulkner Architects
Healdsburg, Calif. | Residential – Single-Family Detached
Spoonbill Ranch by Johnsen Schmaling Architects
Braddock, N.D. | Residential – Single-Family Detached
Excellence in Affordable Housing
Albina One by LEVER Architecture
Portland, Ore. | Residential – Multi-Family, Mid-Rise/High-Rise
Beach Green Dunes III by Bernheimer Architecture PLLC
Queens, N.Y. | Residential – Mid-Rise/High-Rise
Betty Greene Apartments by Utile, Inc.
Boston | Residential – Multi-Family
Isla Intersections Supportive Housing & Paseo by Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects
Los Angeles | Residential – Multi-Family
Specialized Housing
Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center by John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects
Palm Springs, Calif. | Residential – Multi-Family
UC San Diego Theatre District Living & Learning Neighborhood by HKS, Inc. and Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects
La Jolla, Calif. | Residence Hall/Dormitory
Community-Engaged Design
Bozeman Cohousing by Studio Co+Hab
Bozeman, Mont. | Residential – Multi-Family
Interior Architecture Awards
The AIA Interior Architecture Award celebrates the most innovative and spectacular interior spaces. Impressive building interiors make their mark on the cities, places, and spaces where we live and work. The following residential project won a 2026 award:
Casa Luce by HK Associates
Tucson, Ariz. | Residential – Single-Family Detached
Architecture Awards
The AIA Architecture Award celebrates the best contemporary architecture regardless of budget, size, style, or type. These stunning projects show the world the range of outstanding work architects create and highlight the many ways buildings and spaces can improve our lives. The following residential projects won 2026 awards:
Arbour House by Patkau Architects
Victoria, British Columbia | Residential – Single-Family Detached
Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center by John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects
Palm Springs, Calif. | Residential – Multi-Family
COTE® Top Ten Awards
Now in its 29th year, the COTE® Top Ten Award highlights projects that meet the AIA Framework for Design Excellence’s rigorous sustainability criteria for social, economic, and ecological value. The following residential project won a 2026 award:
Kapuso at the Upper Yard by Mithun
San Francisco | Residential – Mid-Rise/High-Rise