Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter multiple projects in one category, or one project in multiple categories?
Yes and yes! We even offer discounts on additional entries.
Fees
Early-bird Fees: For entries submitted by Tuesday January 31, 2025 at
11:59 pm EST
- A+ Award for Student Work: $35 per submission
- All other categories: $250 for the first submission, $225 for the second submission, $200 for each following submission
Regular Fees: Entries submitted after the early-bird deadline
- A+ Award for Student Work – $45 per submission
- All other categories: $275 for the first submission, $250 for the second submission, $225 for each following submission
Each entry includes a 1-year digital subscription to AZURE Magazine, valued at $28.95 CAD.
Full payment must be received by the submission deadline. Entries submitted without the appropriate submission fee will not be eligible for judging. Payments are only accepted online.
Can submissions be made in a format where the text and images are graphically integrated in a designed page layout?
Please submit images and text documents separately.
How do I fill out my project description in the most effective manner?
First provide a short description (a synopsis, or abstract) that provides us with the main gist of your project, as well as a long description that goes into detail. The short description should be 150-200 words at most.
When do projects need to have been completed to be eligible for the 2025 AZ Awards?
The completion date of projects should be within the past three years, i.e. between November 1, 2021 and December 31, 2024.
Do you have a student award?
Yes! Our A+ Award is open to any post-secondary student enrolled in a design or architecture program in 2024.
Can I submit my entry in another language?
While we accept – and encourage – entries from all around the world, at this time we can only accept submissions written in English.
Do I need to include images and/or video with my submission?
To properly assess a project, we need multiple images (say, five to 15), plus renderings/drawings if necessary to understand the project. We ask for high-resolution, print-quality jpg or tiff images. Videos are optional, but encouraged.
Can I make changes to my entry?
If you don’t want to complete your entry in one sitting, you are welcome to start the entry, save it as a draft, and come back at a later date to make changes before submitting. Please note that edits cannot be made after an entry is submitted, so please ensure that your entry is complete before clicking ‘submit’!
What criteria is the jury looking for?
Each project is evaluated on its own merits according to the following criteria:
- Aesthetics: Is the design contemporary, visually and intellectually stimulating? Does it provoke curiosity, have the capacity to uplift spirits or simply delight?
- Function: How well does it serve its intended use? Does it effectively resolve problems?
- Creativity: Does it incorporate a unique approach, use a new medium or materials? Is it technologically innovative, forward-looking?
- Social and Environmental Responsibility: Does it make respectful use of materials and resources? Does it possess a long life span? Does it contain recycled materials and/or can it be recycled? Does it provide a social benefit?
How do I submit payment for my entry?
You can pay through our online entry system by Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
Do I have to pay anything in addition to the entry fee?
There aren’t any mandatory payments other than the entry fees. Winners don’t have to pay for their trophy and certificate. Finalists receive a special, discounted offer to the AZ Awards Gala (attendance is not mandatory).
What happens after I submit my entry?
You will receive a confirmation email letting you know your entry has been successfully submitted. The jury will convene in March. Mid April, Finalists will be notified by email and will be announced on the AZURE site, on azuremagazine.com. Winners will be announced live at the AZ Awards Gala in Toronto on Friday, June 20, 2025 and will be published in the annual AZ Awards issue – AZURE’s July/August issue –available end of June.
What do winners receive?
- The AZ Awards trophy – a unique one-of-a-kind trophy re-imagined each year by a prominent designer, and produced in limited editions exclusively for the AZ Awards winners
- Recognition of their achievements in print, online and at the AZ Awards Gala in Toronto
- Winner’s name and project viewed by thousands of AZURE readers and their networks
- International exposure through our media partners
- A complimentary press kit distribution on v2com newswire
- Student winner receives a $5000 cash prize
Is it mandatory to attend the AZ Awards Gala?
No. But, the AZ Awards Gala is an evening of celebration in the great company of our design and architecture industry. The AZ Awards Gala is where winners are announced and all finalists and winners are honoured. Your attendance is not mandatory but it’s strongly recommended, especially if you are a finalist.
How will I receive my digital subscription?
Digital subscriptions are fulfilled by Zinio, the world’s largest digital newsstand. After you create an account on Zinio.com, you will receive an email each time a new issue is released. You can access your magazine via your account or the Zinio app from any device, and easily read your issues on your mobile phone, tablet or desktop.
What if I have an existing digital subscription?
If you have an existing digital subscription, the term will be extended by one year (six issues).
When will I receive my digital subscription?
Digital subscriptions will start following the closing of the AZ Awards submissions in late February 2024. The first issue will be May/June 2025, available in late April.
