2024 Design Awards

Jurors’ Overall Comments

It is challenging to pass over beautiful architectural works, but architects must lead the built environment toward a better future. Excellent design must now include excellence in social, environmental, and energy efficiency in addition to craft and parti. The Framework for Design Excellence offers a broad and flexible path toward this goal. While lobbying clients can be challenging, especially with recent construction cost escalations, it is crucial to highlight the efforts and positive influence the design team can bring to each project.

The jury was particularly impressed by projects that demonstrated design efficiency, both in terms of scale and energy use. However, we often sought more information about the surrounding context to fully appreciate how the design integrated with its environment and neighboring architecture. While drawings are essential communication tools, many submissions relied heavily on photographic images. This approach left the jury craving conceptual sketches, plans, and details to gain a deeper understanding of the projects. Submissions that effectively combined drawings and photographs conveyed a much more compelling narrative.

Moreover, the COTE Sustainability Documentation frequently seemed like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the design process. The jury rewarded submissions that clearly showed how the 10 principles of sustainable design inspired the project and the team. 

Incorporating these principles should be a priority in all projects whenever feasible. As architects, we must continue to promote and build upon these principles, striving to make them standard practice. By doing so, we can enhance our designs and become better stewards of our built and natural environments.