Global architecture and design converge in the USA for the world’s leading live-judged awards festival

The World Architecture Festival (WAF) will be held in the United States for the first time in its 18-year history. Taking place from November 12 to 14, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida, the festival will welcome architects and designers from around the world for three days of live awards judging, talks, exhibitions, and networking. Aoyama Design Forum (ADF) is proud to serve as an official media partner for the 2025 edition.

The theme for 2025 is “Hearts and Minds.” Through keynotes and panel sessions, international speakers will explore the dual nature of architecture and design—as rational and emotional, intellectual and sensory.

WAF Awards 2025 Now Open for Entries

The WAF Awards, the core of the festival, are now accepting submissions across 45 categories, including Completed Buildings, Interiors, Future Projects, and Landscape. WAF is the only global architecture awards program where finalists present their work live to a jury of international experts and festival delegates. A new category, WAF Interiors, highlights interior design in yachts, ships, and houseboats. Category winners will advance to the final stage, competing for global titles such as World Building of the Year, Interior of the Year, Landscape of the Year, and Future Project of the Year.

Darlington Public School by fjcstudio

Past Winners – Quay Quarter Tower by 3XN

Introducing “40 under 40” for Emerging Architects in North America

WAF 2025 will debut the “40 under 40” program, recognizing the next generation of architects under 40 based in North America. In partnership with The Architect’s Newspaper, this initiative will showcase selected architects through exhibitions and talks, offering a platform for emerging talent on the global stage.

Key Dates

• Early Bird Deadline: March 14, 2025
• Final Submission Deadline: April 25, 2025
• Live Judging: June 2025
• Shortlist Announcement: July 2025
• Festival Dates: November 12–14, 2025
• More on how to enter

Venue & Program Highlights

Venue

Miami Beach Convention Center

Highlights

• Live judging in 17 critique rooms
• Talks programme based on the theme “Hearts and Minds”
• Dedicated sessions and awards for WAF Interiors
• Business and practice management streams hosted by Design Intelligence
• Digital gallery of all award entries
• Miami architecture tours and fringe networking events
• “40 under 40” exhibition featuring North America’s top young architects
• Gala dinner announcing overall winners

GROHE

GROHE continues its longstanding commitment as WAF’s founding sponsor. For 2025, GROHE will present the North American debut of its luxury sub-brand “GROHE SPA” with a special installation themed “Health Through Water.” As a global leader in water innovation and sustainability, GROHE continues to inspire design professionals worldwide.