AYDA Awards 2026 Goes Global, Offering Next-Gen Designers a Chance to Win the Harvard Prize

Architecture and Interior Design students around the world are once again being invited to showcase their creativity as the AYDA Awards officially launches its 2026 season.

Now in its 18th year, the competition formerly known as the Asia Young Designer Awards returns with a new theme: “Converge: Embracing Hyperlocal.” While design today is more connected than ever, AYDA 2026 challenges students to look closer to home and find inspiration within their own communities, cultures, and local environments.

The competition continues to grow beyond its Asian roots, bringing together young designers from different parts of the world while encouraging solutions that remain grounded in local identity.

Why “Converge: Embracing Hyperlocal” Matters
The 2026 theme reflects how design is evolving in an increasingly interconnected world. "Converge" highlights the meeting point of cultures, technologies, and ideas. At the same time, "Embracing Hyperlocal" reminds designers that innovation does not always need to come from global trends. Sometimes, the most meaningful solutions can be found in local traditions, materials, and community experiences.

For countries like the Philippines, the idea feels especially relevant. As cities continue to expand and communities face challenges related to sustainability and climate resilience, architects and interior designers are being encouraged to think about how local knowledge can help shape better spaces.

Whether it's preserving heritage structures, using indigenous materials, or creating community-focused housing projects, hyperlocal design offers a practical approach to solving modern problems while keeping cultural identity intact.

A Growing Global Design Platform

Organized by Nippon Paint, AYDA has evolved into one of the most recognized design competitions in the region. Since launching in 2008, the program has received more than 50,000 entries from over 1,300 tertiary institutions across 20 geographical locations worldwide.

But AYDA is more than a competition. Over the years, it has become a platform where students can connect with industry professionals, participate in mentorship programs, attend workshops, and expand their professional networks. The program has also helped build a community of designers who use creativity to address real-world challenges.

Encouraging Designers to Create Meaningful Spaces
As design trends continue to spread quickly across borders, AYDA 2026 is encouraging students to reconnect with local wisdom and cultural heritage.

Participants are challenged to create spaces and experiences that strengthen communities, celebrate local culture, and respond to the needs of future generations.

For Filipino students, the theme aligns with ongoing discussions about sustainable development and culturally responsive design. With rapid urbanization affecting many cities across the country, young designers have an opportunity to explore ideas that are both globally relevant and deeply connected to local communities.

“Design today is no longer just about creating beautiful spaces. Young designers are being challenged to solve real problems, strengthen communities, and create environments that people can genuinely connect with,” said Chen Lee Siong, General Manager of Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc.

“With AYDA 2026, we want to encourage students to embrace local identity and culture while thinking boldly about the future. Some of the most powerful design ideas come from understanding the communities around us,” he added.

Harvard Prize Awaits International Winners
One of the biggest attractions of AYDA Awards 2026 is the highly sought-after Harvard Prize. The award is given to the International Gold Winners who are named AYDA Designer of the Year in both the Architecture and Interior Design categories.

Winners will receive a fully sponsored three-week Design Discovery Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) in the United States.

    Valued at up to USD 10,000, the prize includes:

    Tuition fees
    Airfare
    Accommodation
    Visa support

The experience gives students direct exposure to one of the world's most respected design schools while allowing them to learn from global peers and industry experts.

More Than Just a Competition
Beyond the Harvard Prize, AYDA Awards 2026 offers several opportunities for students to gain recognition and industry exposure.

Gold and Silver winners will receive cash prizes and internship opportunities, while Honorary Mention recipients and special category winners will also receive monetary rewards.

    Special awards include:

    Nippon Paint Colour Award
    Best Sustainable Design
    Best Design Impact

Each special award comes with a USD 1,000 cash prize.
Mentors of winning students will also gain access to the Design Discovery Virtual (DDV) Program conducted by Harvard University's Graduate School of Design.

AYDA Awards Philippines Prizes
For participants in the Philippines, the competition offers attractive rewards alongside the opportunity to represent the country at the international level.

• Gold Award winners in both Architecture and Interior Design categories will receive ₱50,000.
• Silver Award winners will receive ₱30,000, while eight finalists will each receive ₱10,000.
• Special awards such as Best Colour Choice and Best Green Innovation also come with ₱10,000 cash prizes.

Beyond the financial rewards, AYDA provides valuable exposure, mentorship opportunities, professional networking, and the chance to compete on the international stage.

Entries Open This June
Architecture and Interior Design students interested in joining AYDA Awards 2026 won't have to wait long. Entries for the AYDA Awards Philippines officially open this June, giving aspiring designers an opportunity to showcase ideas that celebrate local identity while addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Students who want to learn more about the competition and upcoming announcements can visit the official AYDA Awards Philippines Facebook page.