International Architecture & Design Awards (IADA) 2027
The International Architecture & Design Awards (IADA) include a Lighting discipline for luminaires, lighting products, control systems and lighting design for buildings, interiors, landscapes, public spaces and events. IADA 2027 is open to lighting designers, manufacturers, architects, studios and students, and every entry is evaluated by an independent international jury. This page covers the 40 lighting nominations, IADA 2027 fees and deadlines, how entries are judged and recent winners.
Why enter the lighting design category of IADA?
Good lighting is often noticed only as atmosphere, and the designer behind it can stay invisible. An independent award makes that contribution explicit: it gives a lighting scheme or a product documented, third-party recognition that you can cite in proposals, product sheets and communication with clients.
Each IADA winner receives a published winner page with the project description, images, design team and credits. Certificates, winner logos and graphic materials are available in the participant account, and a physical trophy can be ordered separately; it is optional. IADA is organised by Architecture & Design Community (ADC) and has run since 2019; IADA 2027 lists 19 disciplines and 640 nominations in total.
Lighting nominations at IADA 2027
The Lighting discipline includes 40 nominations. Some describe an application (facade, retail, healthcare, stage, street), others a product type (pendants, downlights, task lamps, control systems). Choose the nomination that best describes the application or the product you are entering. If a second nomination also fits, you can add it during registration or later while registration remains open; each additional nomination is paid separately.
| Nominations | |
|---|---|
| Agricultural and Landscape Lighting | Ambient and Mood Lighting |
| Architectural and Facade Lighting | Automotive and Transportation Lighting |
| Bathroom and Vanity Lighting | Built-In and Integrated Lighting |
| Ceiling and Flush Lights | Chandeliers and Pendant Lighting |
| Deck, Step, and Outdoor Lighting | Decorative and Custom Lighting |
| Desk, Reading, and Task Lamps | Downlights and Spotlights |
| Dynamic and Interactive Lighting | Emergency and Safety Lighting |
| Energy-Saving and Sustainable Lighting | Entertainment and Theater Lighting |
| Floodlighting and Security Lighting | Floor Lamps and Standing Lamps |
| Guidance and Wayfinding Systems | Healthcare and Medical Lighting |
| Illuminated Ceilings and Home Decor | Innovative Lighting Design and Products |
| Lanterns, Torch Lights, and Portable Lamps | LED and Solid State Lighting |
| Light Bulbs, Tubes, and Accessories | Lighting Control and Automation Systems |
| Mobile and Temporary Lighting | Neon and Artistic Lighting |
| Outdoor and Street Lighting | Pendant and Hanging Lights |
| Post Lanterns and Pathway Lighting | Retail and Commercial Lighting |
| Solar and Renewable Energy Lighting | Special Purpose and Customized Lighting |
| Sports and Stadium Lighting | Stage and Event Lighting |
| Track and Adjustable Lighting | Wall and Sconce Lighting |
| Workspace and Office Lighting | Other Unique Lighting Design |
Lighting also appears in other disciplines: Architecture includes Lighting, Facade & Building Envelope Design, Interior includes Lighting & Fixture Design, and Landscape includes Lighting Design for Landscapes. Compare all options on the IADA categories and nominations page.
Lighting schemes and lighting products
Both lighting design for a specific place and lighting products can be entered. For a scheme, the jury looks at how light shapes the space and supports its use; for a product, at its design, performance and how it is used in real settings. Built projects, manufactured products and concepts are all accepted. Participants enter as professionals or as students; students receive a 50% discount on entry fees.
IADA 2027 fees and deadlines
The entry fee depends on the registration period. The fee for the first project includes one nomination; each additional nomination for the same project costs less.
| Registration period | Register by | First project | Each additional nomination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | 13 November 2026 | $140 | $90 |
| Advance | 18 December 2026 | $170 | $110 |
| Standard | 29 January 2027 | $200 | $130 |
| Extended | 5 February 2027 | $230 | $150 |
| Late | 9 April 2027 | $260 | $170 |
- Project submission deadline: 12 April 2027
- Winners announced: 14 May 2027
- Students: 50% discount on entry fees
Registration and project submission have separate deadlines. Full details are on the entry fees and deadlines pages.
Register your lighting project
How lighting entries are judged
Each member of the jury evaluates every project in its nomination against three criteria:
- Innovation & Originality: the strength of the lighting idea or the product concept.
- Design & Aesthetic Quality: the quality of the light itself, the form of the fixtures and how they are integrated.
- Functionality & Spatial Integration: how the lighting serves the people using the space, and how it fits the architecture or setting.
The jury scores each entry against these published criteria and the scores are averaged. The highest-ranked projects receive Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze awards, and Honourable Mentions may also be given. Meet the jury on the IADA jury page.
Recent IADA lighting winners
A selection of Platinum winners in lighting from IADA 2024, 2025 and 2026, from facade lighting to decorative installations and lighting products.
| Project | Studio | Country | Award | Nomination |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Merchants Shekou Nantong Heyuan | Music of Architects | China | Platinum, IADA 2026 | Architectural and Facade Lighting |
| Afangora | LOFTLIGHT | Poland | Platinum, IADA 2025 | Wall and Sconce Lighting |
| Cloud 9 | Jan Flook Lighting | Australia | Platinum, IADA 2024 | Retail and Commercial Lighting |
| Cabochon Column | BURDIFILEK | Canada | Platinum, IADA 2024 | Decorative and Custom Lighting |
| 4 Elements | Ocubo | Portugal | Platinum, IADA 2024 | Dynamic and Interactive Lighting |
| NANEI NISHIKI Building | MR STUDIO | Japan | Platinum, IADA 2024 | Architectural and Facade Lighting |
Browse more projects in the IADA winners archive.
Preparing a strong lighting entry
Lighting is the one discipline where photographs can easily mislead: overexposed or heavily edited images hide exactly what the jury wants to judge. Show the light as people actually experience it, and explain the design intent behind it.
- For schemes: show the space at night and, where relevant, in daylight, and explain the lighting concept for each zone.
- For products: show the fixture itself, its details and at least one real installation.
- Describe light sources, control and energy decisions where they matter for the concept.
- State the project status honestly (built, manufactured or concept) and credit the full team, including architects and interior designers.
Our guide How to enter IADA covers the materials you need and the order in which to prepare them.
How to enter IADA 2027 in four steps
- Create your participant account. Registration and submission are managed in your account.
- Register your project and pay the entry fee. Choose your lighting nomination and any additional nominations.
- Prepare your presentation. Project description, images and drawings; our guide How to enter IADA explains what to prepare.
- Submit before 12 April 2027. Winners are announced on 14 May 2027.
IADA lighting design category FAQ
Can I enter a lighting product rather than a project?
Yes. The Lighting discipline covers luminaires, lighting products and control systems as well as lighting design for buildings, interiors, landscapes and events. Choose the nomination that describes the product type or its application.
Which nomination fits facade lighting?
Architectural and Facade Lighting in the Lighting discipline. If the facade itself is the main subject of the project, the Architecture discipline also includes Lighting, Facade & Building Envelope Design.
Can one lighting project be entered in several nominations?
Yes. The first nomination is included in the project entry fee; each additional nomination is paid separately. Choose only nominations that your presentation supports.
How much does it cost to enter IADA 2027?
In the current Early Bird period, until 13 November 2026, the first project costs $140 and each additional nomination $90. Fees increase with each registration period (see the fee table). Students receive a 50% discount.
Who judges the lighting entries?
An independent international jury. Each member scores projects against three published criteria, and the scores are averaged. See the IADA jury.
When are the IADA 2027 winners announced?
On 14 May 2027. The project submission deadline is 12 April 2027.
Ready to enter your lighting project?
Early Bird registration for IADA 2027 is open until 13 November 2026: $140 for the first project. Register early: fees increase with each period.