ENTRIES OPENING SOON

Our 2026 award categories are now live, giving you plenty of time to identify the projects you'd like to enter. Entries will open shortly through our new online awards platform.

Now is the perfect time to review the categories, gather your project information and prepare your submissions.

2026 AWARD CATEGORIES

22 Categories. Countless Collaborations.

One Northern Design Awards.

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THE NORTHERN DESIGN AWARDS CELEBRATE EXCEPTIONAL COMPLETED PROJECTS THAT SHAPE THE SPACES WHERE WE LIVE, WORK AND CONNECT

Our 2026 categories have been carefully refined to reflect today's design industry, recognising outstanding achievement across commercial, residential and specialist projects.

Whether you are an architect, interior designer, developer, contractor, specialist maker or supplier, if you have played a significant role in delivering an exceptional project, there's a category for you.

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NEW FOR 2026

Celebrating Collaboration

Exceptional design is never the work of one business alone. That's why, for the first time, every Northern Design Awards entry will recognise the wider project team behind each completed project.

Every project is submitted by a Lead Entrant, with opportunities to recognise the wider Project Partners who helped bring the project to life.

A COMPLETED PROJECT MAY BE ENTERED BY MULTIPLE BUSINESSES ACROSS DIFFERENT CATEGORIES.

For example, an architect may enter Best New Build Home, while the same project is entered by a kitchen designer in Best Kitchen Design or a landscape designer in Best Outdoor Living Space. Each submission is judged independently against the criteria for that category, while recognising the expertise and contribution of the wider project team.

BECAUSE EVERY GREAT PROJECT DESERVES EVERY GREAT CONTRIBUTOR TO BE RECOGNISED

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Entry Guidance

The summaries below provide an overview of each award category. Full eligibility criteria, submission requirements and judging guidance will be available within our online entry platform when entries open.

COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

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From inspiring workplaces and hospitality venues to retail destinations and community spaces, our commercial categories celebrate exceptional completed projects that shape the way we work, connect and experience the built environment.

01 Workplace Design

Celebrating outstanding completed workplace environments that inspire creativity, collaboration and wellbeing.

The workplace has evolved into far more than simply a place to work. Today's best office environments inspire creativity, encourage collaboration and support employee wellbeing while reflecting the culture and identity of the organisations they serve.

From corporate headquarters and co-working spaces to studios and hybrid workplaces, the judges are seeking completed projects that successfully balance aesthetics, functionality and user experience through innovative design, thoughtful planning and exceptional execution.

OPEN TO architects, interior designers, developers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed workplace project.

02 Hospitality Design

Recognising exceptional completed hospitality projects that create memorable guest experiences.

From boutique hotels and luxury resorts to restaurants, bars, cafés and leisure destinations, the judges are seeking completed projects that combine atmosphere, functionality and exceptional design. Attention to detail, innovation and guest experience should come together to create spaces that leave a lasting impression.

OPEN TO architects, interior designers, hospitality operators, developers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed hospitality project.

03 Retail Design

Celebrating completed retail environments that combine outstanding design with commercial success.

Exceptional retail design creates more than an attractive space, it delivers an engaging customer experience that encourages visitors to explore, interact and return. Whether an independent boutique, luxury showroom or flagship retail environment, the judges are seeking completed projects that successfully combine creativity, functionality and commercial performance.

OPEN TO architects, interior designers, retailers, developers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed retail project.

04 Healthcare & Wellness Design

Recognising completed healthcare and wellbeing environments that successfully balance design, comfort and functionality.

This category celebrates healthcare facilities, dental practices, aesthetic clinics, fitness studios, spas and wellness centres that enhance the experience of patients, clients and staff through exceptional planning, innovation and thoughtful design.

OPEN TO architects, interior designers, developers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed healthcare or wellness project.

05 Civic, Education & Community Project

Celebrating completed projects that make a lasting contribution to the communities they serve.

From schools, colleges and universities to museums, libraries, visitor attractions, community hubs and civic buildings, the judges are seeking projects that demonstrate outstanding design, accessibility, innovation and positive social impact.

OPEN TO architects, interior designers, developers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed civic, education or community project.

06 Commercial Project

Recognising outstanding completed commercial projects that demonstrate excellence in design, innovation and delivery.

This category celebrates completed commercial projects of any scale that have successfully combined exceptional design, functionality and execution. Whether a mixed-use development or another outstanding commercial environment, the judges are looking for projects that deliver lasting impact for both users and clients.

OPEN TO developers, architects, interior designers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed commercial project.

07 Adaptive Reuse Project

Celebrating the successful transformation of existing buildings into exceptional new spaces.

The most inspiring buildings often begin with an existing story. This category recognises completed projects that have sensitively restored, refurbished or repurposed an existing building while creating a successful new environment for modern use.

OPEN TO architects, interior designers, developers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed adaptive reuse project.

RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS

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From beautifully crafted homes to large-scale developments, our residential categories celebrate exceptional completed projects that enhance the way people live.

08 Residential Interior

Celebrating exceptional completed residential interiors that combine creativity, craftsmanship and outstanding design.

Great interior design transforms the way we live. This category celebrates completed residential interiors that successfully balance beauty, functionality and personality through exceptional space planning, thoughtful detailing and a strong response to the client's brief. Whether a contemporary apartment or a country home, the judges are looking for projects that create inspiring places to live.

OPEN TO interior designers, architects, developers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed residential interior.

09 Residential Renovation

Recognising outstanding completed renovations that have transformed an existing home through exceptional design.

Renovating an existing property requires vision, creativity and a deep understanding of how people live. The judges are seeking completed renovation projects that successfully combine innovation, craftsmanship and intelligent design while respecting and enhancing the original building.

OPEN TO architects, interior designers, developers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed residential renovation.

10 Residential Extension

Celebrating completed residential extensions that enhance both the home and the way people live.

The very best extensions seamlessly connect old and new, creating spaces that feel effortless, functional and beautifully integrated. Judges are looking for completed projects that demonstrate exceptional architectural thinking, innovative design and outstanding execution.

OPEN TO architects, designers, builders, developers and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed residential extension.

11 New Build Home

Recognising exceptional completed new-build homes that showcase excellence in architecture, interior design and construction.

Building a home from the ground up offers the opportunity to create something truly unique. The judges are seeking completed new-build homes that demonstrate outstanding creativity, innovation, craftsmanship and attention to detail while delivering an exceptional living environment.

OPEN TO architects, interior designers, developers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed new-build home.

12 Residential Development

Celebrating completed residential developments that create exceptional places for people to live.

From boutique developments to large-scale residential schemes, this category recognises completed projects that demonstrate excellence in planning, architecture, design quality and overall delivery while creating vibrant communities and desirable living environments.

OPEN TO developers, architects, interior designers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed residential development.

13 Heritage Restoration

Recognising exceptional completed restoration projects that preserve the past while creating spaces for the future.

Sensitive restoration requires a careful balance between conservation and innovation. The judges are seeking completed projects that demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship, respect for heritage and the successful adaptation of historic buildings for modern living.

OPEN TO architects, conservation specialists, interior designers, contractors and project teams responsible for the restoration of a completed heritage project.

14 Outdoor Living Space

Celebrating beautifully designed completed outdoor spaces that enhance the way we live.

Outdoor spaces have become a natural extension of the home, providing places to relax, entertain and connect with nature. This category celebrates completed gardens, terraces, courtyards and landscaped environments that combine exceptional design, planting, materials and craftsmanship to create inspiring outdoor living experiences.

OPEN TO landscape designers, architects, garden designers, contractors and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed outdoor living project.

15 Compact Space

Recognising exceptional design where every square metre matters.

Outstanding design isn't defined by size. This category celebrates completed residential or mixed-use projects that demonstrate innovative thinking, intelligent space planning and exceptional creativity in making the most of compact environments without compromising style or functionality.

OPEN TO architects, interior designers and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed compact space.

SPECIALIST PROJECTS

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From beautifully crafted kitchens and luxurious bathrooms to bespoke design and emerging talent, our specialist categories celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship and expertise that bring exceptional completed projects to life.

16 Kitchen Design

Celebrating exceptional completed kitchen projects that combine outstanding design, craftsmanship and functionality.

The kitchen has become the heart of the modern home, bringing together family, entertaining and everyday living. This category recognises completed kitchen projects that demonstrate exceptional planning, innovation, material selection and attention to detail while delivering beautiful and highly functional spaces.

OPEN TO kitchen designers, interior designers, architects, specialist joinery companies, manufacturers and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed kitchen project.

17 Bathroom Design

Recognising completed bathroom and wellness spaces that combine innovation, luxury and exceptional design.

Today's bathrooms are designed to be more than simply practical spaces. From luxurious spa-inspired retreats to compact, beautifully considered bathrooms, the judges are seeking completed projects that demonstrate outstanding creativity, craftsmanship, functionality and attention to detail.

OPEN TO bathroom designers, interior designers, architects, manufacturers and project teams responsible for the design or delivery of a completed bathroom project.

18 Bespoke Design

Celebrating exceptional craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind design solutions created for a completed project.

The finest projects are often defined by the bespoke elements that make them truly unique. This category recognises outstanding custom-made features including joinery, cabinetry, furniture, staircases, metalwork, specialist finishes and handcrafted design elements that elevate a completed project through exceptional skill, creativity and craftsmanship.

OPEN TO designers, makers, manufacturers, specialist contractors, craftspeople and project teams responsible for delivering bespoke elements within a completed project.

19 Emerging Talent

Recognising the next generation of design excellence.

This award celebrates individuals, studios and practices established within the last five years that are already making a significant impact through creativity, innovation and outstanding design. The judges are looking for emerging talent that demonstrates exceptional promise and a passion for shaping the future of the design industry.

OPEN TO individuals, studios and practices established within the last five years.

JUDGES' AWARDS

Selected exclusively by the judging panel

The Judges' Awards recognise outstanding projects, exceptional collaboration and those who have made a significant contribution to the design industry.

The Judges' Awards for 2026 will be announced soon.

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