Every IADA entry goes through the same path: a preliminary review, scoring by the jury and an award level based on the averaged scores. This guide explains each stage as published in the IADA terms and conditions, so you can prepare a presentation that the jury can assess on its merits.
Meet the IADA jury · IADA categories and nominations · IADA winners
Content and format are checked against the rules.
Each juror scores three criteria from 1 to 100.
The final score is the average of all scores received.
Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze; Honourable Mentions may be given.
1. The preliminary review
Before any scoring, every project is checked for compliance with the content and format requirements. In practice this means the presentation follows the submission guidelines in the terms:
- All text is in English. If the project is described in another language, provide an accurate English translation.
- The jury presentation does not show names, logos or other identifying elements, unless you enter the Logos or Branded Content category. Authorship and studio details go in their dedicated fields.
- The cover is square, and images stay legible without zooming, because they are compressed for display.
- The description gives a concise summary of the concept, objectives and key project elements.
Entries that break the anonymity or content rules may be modified, and submissions that severely breach the rules may be disqualified at the organisers’ discretion. The IADA entry checklist helps you catch these points before you submit.
2. A single entry in a nomination
If only one project is submitted in a nomination, it is automatically awarded Platinum. All other projects are evaluated by the jury on a dedicated judging platform.
3. The three criteria and the 1–100 scale
Each juror scores every project in its nomination on three criteria. Each criterion is scored from 1 to 100.
- Innovation & Originality: the idea behind the project and how new or distinctive it is.
- Design & Aesthetic Quality: the quality of form, materials, light and detail.
- Functionality & Spatial Integration: how well the project works for its users and in its setting.
The final score is calculated as an average of all scores received. Because the jury sees your project only through what you submit, each criterion needs evidence in the presentation: a plan that shows how the spaces work, a detail that proves the quality of a material, a short paragraph that explains the idea. The guides on writing a project description and preparing images and credits show how to build that evidence.
4. Award levels
The award levels are Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Honourable Mentions may also be given. Every winning project is published on the IADA winners page with its award, edition, nomination, project status and credited team.
5. Splitting and reassigning nominations
The organisers may split a nomination if that is necessary for a fair assessment. They may also reassign a project to a more suitable nomination if this increases the project’s chances without affecting existing winners. Choosing the nomination that matches your project from the start still matters: it decides which projects yours is compared with.
6. Who the jurors are
Projects are evaluated by an independent international jury. The jurors’ biographies are on the IADA jury page. Participants must not contact jury members in an attempt to influence the outcome; projects associated with such actions may be disqualified.
7. After judging
Winners are announced on 14 May 2027 and listed on the official winners page. Winners receive a digital kit by email with a certificate, digital banners and logos; results also appear in your participant account. Ordering a trophy is optional and must be done within 30 days of the winner announcement.
Judging FAQ
How are IADA projects scored?
Each juror scores each project on Innovation & Originality, Design & Aesthetic Quality, and Functionality & Spatial Integration. Each criterion is scored from 1 to 100, and the final score is the average of all scores received.
What happens if my project is the only entry in its nomination?
If only one project is submitted in a nomination, it is automatically awarded Platinum.
Can my project be moved to another nomination?
Yes. The organisers may reassign a project to a more suitable nomination if it increases the project’s chances without affecting existing winners. They may also split a nomination for a fair assessment.
Are built projects and concepts judged together?
Both built projects and concepts are eligible, subject to the competition terms. The project status is shown on each winner page, so state it accurately when you register.
Can I contact a jury member about my entry?
No. Contacting jury members in an attempt to influence the outcome is not allowed, and projects associated with such actions may be disqualified.
When are the results announced?
Winners are announced on 14 May 2027. The full schedule is on the IADA deadlines page.
Enter IADA 2027 Early Bird registration is open until 13 November 2026: $140 for the first project.