USAF Design Awards Program

The United States Air Force Design Awards Program was established in 1976 to publicize and recognize projects that have achieved the Air Force goal of design excellence as it relates to the natural and built environment. Over its history, it has become a viable and important program that is institutionalized within the Air Force. It is widely recognized throughout the federal government and is supported by the enthusiastic participation of notable professionals in the private sector. Much more than simply an awards competition, the winning projects establish the benchmark of design excellence that the Air Force expects for all its facilities and installations.

Entry Information

Three levels of awards are given below. There are no annual quotas as to the number of awards given, neither is there a ranking of winners within any of the award levels. Each entry competes on its own merit and entries can be funded through MILCON, NAF, Privatization, etc.:

Category A Facility Renovations and Additions

Projects submitted under this category must be 100% constructed, furnished, and landscaped, as applicable. This is a broad category, which includes all facility types and infrastructures that have been substantially renovated, altered, or otherwise improved. Entries will be judged on the degree to which programming requirements were met, effectiveness of the design solution, compatibility with other facilities on the installation, the sustainable and energy conservation aspects of the design, and integration of architectural, engineering, interior design, and landscape design, and construction execution, as applicable. Entries in this category will also be judged on their initial cost and projected life-cycle cost efficiency.

Category B Landscape Architecture

Projects submitted under this category must be 100% constructed and must have passed at least two growing seasons. Entries in this category may be focused on specific sites, an area of an installation, or an entire installation. Entries will be judged on design concept, water, energy and resource conservation, use of native/compatible plant material, site element detailing, construction execution, aesthetic quality, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with adjoining natural and man-made facilities and landscapes. Entries in this category will also be judged on their initial cost and projected life-cycle cost efficiency.

Category C Facility Design

Projects submitted under this category must be 100% constructed, furnished, and landscaped, as applicable. This is a broad category, which includes engineering or industrial projects, and architectural design projects. Entries will be judged on the degree to which programming requirements were met, creativity and effectiveness of the design solution, compatibility with other facilities on the installation, the sustainable and energy conservation aspects of the design, and integration of architectural, engineering, interior design, and landscape design, and construction execution, as applicable. Entries in this category will also be judged on their initial cost and projected life-cycle cost efficiency.

To submit an entry, please create a WBDG account. Once your account is validated, contact the WBDG Staff to request access to the USAF Design Awards electronic entry form. You will be notified via email once the review is complete and be provided with additional information. All nominations for the 2021 USAF Design Awards Program must be made via this site no later than July 12, 2021. No hardcopy submissions will be accepted. Entries are judged during late August each year.