WESTSIDE URBAN FORUM PRESENTS
DESIGN AWARDS 2026
The Westside Urban Forum is looking for work, small or large, built or unbuilt, that addresses the issues of planning and building for a livable future. Our goal is to recognize projects, programs, policies and academic studies that demonstrate excellence in city making and community building.
Deadline to submit — August 28th 2026
Submission instructions below
CATEGORIES
Schools
Mixed-Use
Adaptive Reuse
Public/Institutional
Public/Open Space
Retail/Restaurant
Multi-Unit Housing (49 or less units)
Multi-Unit Housing (50+ units)
Affordable Housing
Office
Hospitality
PROJECT TYPES
BUILT
Projects built in 2024 or later.IN PROCESS/UNBUILT
Projects with actual sites in Los Angeles County that have been commissioned by identified clients and are either (a) in an active stage of design or construction but not yet completed or (b) will not be built but are/ were commissioned in 2023 or later and are/were expected to demonstrate a high level of innovation.COMPETITIONS
Competition entries are allowed as long as the entry was originally elicited by a client and the competition is over, with the winner selected.PLANS
Specific plans, master plans, redevelopment plans or other governmental policies that have been formally approved or adopted in 2024 or after which are impacting Los Angeles County.
POLICIES
Academic or government studies or policies completed in 2024 or after, which are not yet formally adopted, but which represent innovative thinking in the areas of land use and planning relevant to Los Angeles County.
ELIGIBLE WORK
Boundaries include projects, programs, policies within all of Los Angeles County.
How to Submit
1. PAY THE $100 ENTRY FEE
2. COMPLETE THE ONLINE SUBMISSION FORM
All submissions must include the following:
→ Up to 10 images, all clearly labeled with your project name, which may include: site plan, context information and key project plans and/or views which illustrate its significant features. Image file names must include the name of the project
(e.g. MyProject1, MyProject2, etc.)
→ Written project objective (200-500 words) PLEASE INCLUDE AS TXT
WUF follows a blind entry protocol. Do not identify firm, client, or subs anywhere within the project submission form or as part of the name under which you save your entry.
JUDGING PROCESS
Projects, plans, or programs that revitalize or contribute to sustaining their larger urban or community context through the use of new services, utilities, green technologies, public spaces or amenities, etc. Might include, but is not limited to, transportation, health, recreation, education, resource conservation and energy generation.
Projects that have as their intended goal the increased density, compactness and/or intensity of use of existing vacant and/or previously developed urban sites.
Projects or programs other than those listed above that provide new and innovative views for addressing urban growth issues, for example through the use of open space, sustainable buildings, “smart” planning, etc. The jury will consist of industry professionals invited by the Westside Urban Forum Board of Directors.