Now Accepting Submissions for 2025 Arlington Design Awards Program

Arlington County's design awards program, DESIGNArlington, is now accepting submissions for architectural, historic preservation, landscape, and public art projects. Submissions will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025.  

Established in 2009, DESIGNArlington seeks to highlight excellence and diversity in the County’s built environment. Winning residents, property owners, developers, architects, or other members of the design community will be recognized in January 2026.  

Only projects completed since 2019 are eligible. The competition is a showcase of projects for all to enjoy, therefore, submissions should represent exterior design excellence. They can be submitted in one or more of the following categories:  

• Residential (single family-detached and multi-family)  

• Commercial  

• Institutional/Civic  

• Historic Preservation/Building Rehabilitation  

• Public Art  

• Public Space (plazas/parks/streetscapes)  

• Sustainable Design  

• Biophilic Design  

The 2025 entry form is available on the County's website, which also includes detailed information about the awards process and submission requirements. Submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 21, 2025, to be considered.  

An independent jury of architecture, urban design, historic preservation, public art, and landscape design professionals will review all nominations and select several winners. Previous winners include Clarendon West, 1770 Crystal Drive, Cardinal Elementary School, Crystal City Water Park, Ruthie’s All Day, and single family detached homes throughout Arlington.