Call for Entries
PIA VOICES & VISIONS AWARDS 2026
A celebration of architectural impact – through public recognition and bold creativity
The Pretoria Institute for Architecture (PIA) proudly introduces Voices & Visions – a new awards platform that broadens the lens through which we recognise architectural excellence.
While our formal awards continue to honour technical rigour and professional achievement, Voices & Visions shifts the spotlight to the emotional, social, and creative resonance of architecture. These two categories – The People’s Voice and Creative Visions – celebrate projects that connect with the public, spark conversation, and push creative boundaries.
By inviting the public to vote and by recognising experimental and socially significant work, Voices & Visions creates space for a more inclusive and vibrant architectural dialogue. It honours not only what we build, but why and how we build – and the impact it leaves on people and place.
This initiative reflects the PIA’s commitment to evolution, accessibility, and innovation in the built environment.
Launch 12 JANUARY 2026
Introducing Voices & Visions – the PIA’s newest awards celebrating architecture that connects and inspires.
🏆 The People’s Voice – voted for by YOU, the public
🎨 Creative Visions – bold, innovative, and socially impactful work
Because great architecture isn’t just seen – it’s felt.
VoicesAndVisions
#PIAAwards2025
#ThePeoplesVoice
#CreativeVisions
#ArchitectureForAll
#PIAConnects
| PEOPLE’S VOICE AWARD |
| A Voices & Visions Award Category Celebrating architecture that captures hearts and connects communities — as voted for by the public. Purpose of the People’s Voice Award The People’s Voice is about recognising the project that resonates most with the public. It celebrates built environments that are loved, remembered, talked about — not just for how they look, but how they make people feel. This is not a technical award, but a public celebration of spaces that matter. |
| Nominations for the People’s Voice Award All important eligibility criteria, logos and information needed to guide you through the submission can be downloaded by following the link below. Voices & Visions Information Documentation To be considered for The People’s Voice, a project must meet the following criteria: Completion Date: Projects must have been completed in the last 5 years to date. Location: Projects must fall within the PIA Awards Domain, which includes: All of Gauteng & North-West province. Project Type: There is no restriction on building type, use, size, or budget. We would like to see work that improves lives, tells stories, or challenges spatial inequality. Entry Instructions a. Public Nominations: 1. Submit your nomination online: LINK TO SUBMIT NOMINATION 2. Provide the following (submit online via link above): Project name Project location Estimated date of completion Architect or practice name Contact details of nominator and architect / practice One medium-resolution photograph. Short description on why you believe this project exhibits architectural excellence. (max 100 words) Category entered into b. Entry Fee: No entry fee for nomination CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS: 1 MARCH 2026 |
for the People’s Voice Award Nominated persons/practices will be contacted by the PIA Once nomination is accepted by the Architect / Practice entry fee will be payable by the Nominee/Architect. o R350 for PIA Members o R1050 for Non-Members • Payment details will be provided upon submission. Proof of payment must be uploaded with your entry form. Once a firm Accepts the nomination they will be requested to online submit the following information by FRIDAY 10 APRIL 2026 AT 17:00: o 100–200 word abstract describing the project o One high-quality feature image (landscape format preferred) o Up to 10 additional medium-resolution photos (JPEG, 150–300dpi) o A short video (max 2 minutes) that showcases the project, thought process, or user interaction. Deadline for nominations and submission of material: • Acceptance of Nomination by Architect FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2026 AT 17:00 • Online Material submission by Architect FRIDAY 10 APRIL 2026 AT 17:00 SUBMIT YOUR ONLINE PEOPLE’S VOICE ENTRY HERE |
relating to the People’s Voice Award Award Presentation The winners will be announced at the PIA VOICES AND VISIONS Awards Evening on 24 JUNE 2026 and will receive a special People’s Voice trophy IN EACH CATEGORY and recognition across PIA’s digital platforms. Why Nominate and Enter? – Let everyone know what the public really like! – Increase public visibility for your work – Celebrate the human impact of your design – Join a dialogue between architecture and society – Be recognised as a space the public loves and remembers Questions & Support Contact: management@pia.org.za |
| CREATIVE VISIONS AWARDS |
| CREATIVE VISIONS AWARD A Voices & Visions Award Category Celebrating bold ideas, alternative projects, and the creative edge of architecture. Purpose of the Creative Visions Award Creative Visions honours work that challenges convention, sparks dialogue, and expands the boundaries of architecture. Whether it’s a striking interior, a socially impactful community project, research work, or speculative design — this award gives recognition to creativity in all its forms. This category welcomes the unconventional, the passionate, the unpolished-yet-powerful — work that may not find space in formal frameworks, but that enriches the architectural landscape and pushes it forward. |
| Eligibility Criteria for Creative Visions Awards Location of Work: • The project, intervention, research, or concept may be located anywhere in the world • The architect or architectural practice must a PIA member or can join the PIA to enter into the awards. Completion / Presentation Date: • Work must be completed, currently ongoing, presented, or published/produced in the last 5 years. |
| Eligible Work Creative Visions is about recognizing alternative, creative, and courageous contributions to architecture — both within and beyond the built form. This category is intentionally broad and inclusive, to embrace the evolving roles of architects as thinkers, makers, researchers, storytellers, and provocateurs. The following types of work may be submitted: Small scale architectural work under R 2 000 000 budget New builds, alterations, additions etc. Non-Building Work of Architectural Relevance Public art, furniture, or object design Spatial strategies, wayfinding systems, or adaptive reuse concepts Work that explores the relationship between people, place, and space in creative ways Entries that express architectural thinking through unconventional mediums. Temporary Installations and Experimental Work Temporary structures, pavilions, or event-based architectural expressions Experiments in material use, construction technique, or environmental response Work that embraces uncertainty, imagination, and risk-taking Student-Led or Emerging Architect Work Initiatives showcasing early-stage talent and fresh architectural thinking Self-initiated projects, or design activism Architects as Artists, Makers, or Creators Architects exploring artistic practices, including sculpture, painting, digital art, photography, or mixed media Design of products, furniture, or crafted objects rooted in architectural principles Architectural enterprises that blur the line between business, craft, and creative entrepreneurship Work that reflects the multifaceted role of architects in today’s creative economy   |
1. Self-nomination or Public Nomination Submit your entry: LINK TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY 2. Provide the following: Project or work title Type of work (e.g., research, installation, interior) Completion/publication date Author or architect’s name and practice (if applicable) Contact details 100–200 word abstract describing: The concept Purpose or impact Why it is worthy of recognition in this category One high-quality feature image (landscape format preferred) Up to 10 additional medium-resolution photos (JPEG, 150–300dpi) A short video (max 2 minutes) that showcases the project, thought process, or user interaction. i. Entry Fee: R350 for PIA Members (Non members that wish to enter can join the PIA as a member) Proof of payment must be uploaded with your entry. Payment details are available on the entry form. ii. Submission deadline: FRIDAY 10 APRIL 2026 AT 17:00 SUBMIT YOUR ONLINE CREATIVE VISIONS ENTRY HERE |
| Additional Information relating to the Creative Visions Award 1. Judging & Evaluation Entries will be reviewed by a PIA-appointed panel with experience in architecture, design, and academia. Evaluation Criteria: Creativity & originality Entrepreneurial Diversity Clarity of concept and execution Innovation in approach or medium Potential influence or inspiration for the profession Shortlisted entries may be requested to provide additional documentation or clarifications. 2. Award Announcement The winner will be announced at the PIA VOICES AND VISIONS Awards Evening on 24 JUNE 2026 and will receive: A custom Creative Visions trophy Recognition on all PIA platforms and channels A feature interview or article post-awards 3. Why Enter? Showcase work that pushes creative limits Gain recognition for research, activism, and innovation Open doors to new professional and collaborative opportunities Celebrate the diverse ways architects contribute to society 4. Questions & Support Contact the PIA Awards Team: management@pia.org.za |