Returning to the USA for a second year, World Architecture Festival (WAF) brings together the global architectural community to celebrate and share. You'll discover groundbreaking ideas from visionary designers, cutting-edge solutions from innovative practices, and inspiration from engaging keynote talks. Get ready for three days of unparalleled global networking, world-class learning, and the unique opportunity to witness the world's largest live-judged architecture awards.
Attend WAF 2026
Join us in Fort Lauderdale!
WAF 2026 returns to Greater Miami, this time in an exciting new location, the Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale from 18 - 20 November 2026.
What's on
WAF is the only global architecture festival that combines a unique live-judged awards programme, seminars, a product exhibition and networking events. Discover what's on during WAF 2026!
Book tickets
Two ticket packages are available, including our popular premium option which includes a seat at the Gala Dinner on Friday evening and a place on one WAF Tour. Explore the tickets and book yours today.
New location for 2026
Welcome to Fort Lauderdale for World Architecture Festival 2026
World Architecture Festival 2026 returns to Greater Miami, this time in an exciting new location, Fort Lauderdale. Often described as the 'Venice of North America', Fort Lauderdale boasts 165 miles of inland waterways, a spectacular natural feature that shapes the city’s character and lifestyle. The waterways attract residents and visitors alike, including the iconic cruise ships that form a distinctive part of the skyline. These impressive vessels can be seen from our outstanding venue, the Broward County Convention Center, which is surrounded by excellent hotels both adjacent to the centre and throughout the nearby area.
WAF 2026 will take place from the 18 - 20 November 2026.
The WAF Awards
What are the WAF Awards?
WAF is the only architectural awards programme where all finalists present their projects LIVE to a panel of judges and an audience of peers at the festival. This distinctive peer-to-peer judging experience enables participants and attendees to explore and exchange the most groundbreaking architectural innovations from around the world!
The 2026 Judges
Each year at WAF your submissions are scrutinised LIVE at the festival by an expert panel and the world's most groundbreaking architectural and design achievements are recognised.
What is WAF Interiors?
Formerly known as Inside, WAF Interiors is the sister awards programme of WAF and celebrates the finest examples of global interior design with 9 dedicated categories. Finalists go on to present LIVE at the festival with category winners going on to compete for the prestigious title of World Interior of the Year.
Other WAF Competitions
The Architecture Drawing Prize
Supported by Iris Ceramica Group
Curated by WAF, Make Architects and Sir John Soane’s Museum, TADP celebrates the importance of drawing as a tool in capturing architectural ideas. Entries for 2026 are now open.
The GROHE Water Prize
Supported by GROHE
The GROHE Water Prize awards visionary projects that are pushing the boundaries of design within the built environment and water. Free submissions are now open. Learn more and submit your work.
Student Charrette
WAF's global student design charrette is an integral part of the Festival. Student teams are invited to submit proposals and present live during the festival. Free submissions are now open.40 Under 40 South America
WAF will once again present its 40 Under 40 programme, this time we are partnering with Architecture Hunter and shining a light on South America. The 2026 edition will highlight 40 outstanding individuals from across the region. Entries now open.
Architecture Book of the Year Award
Publishers are invited to submit entries to the Architecture Book of the Year Award programme. The 2026 competition is now open for submissions.
WAFX Awards
What is WAFX?
Launched in WAF’s 10th year, WAFX celebrates international proposals which embrace cutting-edge design addressing major world issues. Ranging from tackling the climate emergency to building community resilience.
The WAFX entry process
All WAFX winners are chosen from the WAF Future Projects shortlist with no additional cost or material needed from the entrant. Winners will go on to present their project live at WAF with an overall WAFX winner announced at the Gala Dinner.
2025 winners
The winning projects for each of the 2025 WAFX categories have been revealed, they all went on to present their projects live on the Festival Hall Stage at WAF Miami. The overall WAFX winner was revealed at the Gala Dinner on the final day of the festival.
Special Prizes
Recognising excellence
Alongside the WAF award categories are a host of special prizes awarded to projects from the main shortlist. Entrants do not have to pay any additional fees to be considered for the prizes.
The 2026 special prizes
Best Use of Natural Light, supported by VELUX, The Sustainability Prize supported by ROCKWOOL, Best use of Stone Supported by Turkish Stones, Best Use of Colour Prize, Best use of Timber and Small Project of the Year are this year's special prizes. The finalists will be revelaed in August!
WAF 2025 took place in Miami - congratulations to all the winners!
From churches and chapels to airports and ecological spaces, view all of the projects that took home the coveted trophies in WAF's inaugural year in the USA.
Films
Hear from previous winners and keynote speakers by watching WAF’s latest films.
WAF 2025 Photos
Take a look at the photos from last year's event in Miami!
2025 Shortlist Photo Gallery
If you had your photo taken by our famous shortlist wall at WAF 2025 in Singapore then you can download your image here!
World Buildings Directory
The World Buildings Directory is the only place to view projects entered into past and present WAF awards. The site includes some of the most innovative and ground-breaking designs in the world.
Entry FAQs
Need help with your entry? You may be able to find the answers to your questions in our handy entry FAQs.
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