PRINCETON, N.J. — AIA New York State celebrated 25 award-winning projects at its 2026 Design Awards on November 3 at the Hyatt Regency Princeton. The event marks the awards’ first in-person celebration since 2019, recognizing design excellence across architecture, interiors, housing, adaptive reuse, and urban planning.
This year’s honorees demonstrate how thoughtful design can renew historic buildings, advance sustainability, strengthen communities, and respond to the evolving needs of the built environment.
The 2026 Best of the Best distinction goes to KPF’s TCC DAKA Renewable Resource Recycling Center in Xiulin Township, Taiwan. The project combines a waste-to-energy plant, visitors’ center, and public park, making resource recovery accessible to the public while connecting industrial processes with environmental stewardship.
“The jury appreciated the breadth and quality of exceptionally creative submissions for the 2026 Design Awards. These innovative solutions, addressing climate challenges, urban complexities, and material applications, reflect the remarkable architectural talent in New York State.”
— Marcus Carter, AIA, 2026 Design Awards Jury Chair
“These awards reflect the power of architecture to make a lasting difference; from revitalizing existing places to creating thoughtful spaces that bring people together. I’m proud to celebrate the talent and commitment of this year’s honorees and the ways their work strengthens communities across New York State and beyond.”
— Jeff Pawlowski, AIA, 2026 AIA New York State President
The five-member jury was chaired by Marcus Carter, AIA, assistant professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s School of Architecture and partner at OBJECT TERRITORIES, a design practice working across architecture, landscape, and urbanism. The jury also included Andy Rockmore, AIA, founding principal of SAR+ Architects; Susan C. Knight, AIA, associate principal at Studio Enée and chair of the Boston Society of Architects’ Ethics Committee; Darguin Fortuna, AIA, founding principal of Flow Design Architects and chair of AIA’s Small Firm Exchange; and Ginny Squire, CCIM, sales manager and licensed associate real estate broker at Yaman Commercial. Peter Arsenault, FAIA, served as facilitator.
To read the full press release and list of award recipients, click here.