INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Fantastic interior design is about much more than simply making rooms look more stylish and attractive. It is about fulfilling the true potential of a space and enhancing our living experience.

At IDA, we are passionate about interior design and see it as an expression of creativity and potential, which transcends language barriers and speaks to everyone. Whether you specialize in classic or contemporary interior design, restoring or renovating heritage properties, or creating something completely different to anything that has been done before, we would love to see your ideas and creations.

Winning the title of IDA Interior Design of the Year is an amazing springboard to new career opportunities.

Categories

The IDA’s Interior Design of the Year Award recognizes the designers and design teams who set new standards and push boundaries in interior design, transforming the spaces in which we live and work.

This category recognizes interior design projects that shape functional and aesthetic indoor environments across a variety of building types. Submissions may include completed, in-progress, or conceptual projects.

  • Residential
    Interior design for private homes and personal living environments.
  • Mixed Use
    Interior design for multifunctional buildings combining residential, commercial, or public spaces.
  • Industrial / Infrastructure
    Interior design for industrial, manufacturing, or infrastructure-related environments.
  • Hospitality
    Interior design for hotels, resorts, restaurants, and other hospitality venues.
  • Cultural
    Interior design for museums, galleries, theaters, and cultural spaces.
  • Commercial
    Interior design for offices, retail, and other business environments.

This category celebrates interior design projects that enhance residential living, from private homes to small and large-scale residences. Submissions may include completed, in-progress, or conceptual projects.

  • Residential Renovation
    Interior design projects focused on renovated or remodeled residences.
  • Sustainable Living Design
    Residential interiors that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly solutions.
  • Residential Interior Lighting
    Interior lighting design for residential spaces.
  • Luxury Living
    High-end interior design for upscale residences.
  • Affordable Homes
    Interior design for cost-effective and accessible homes.
  • Small Living Spaces / Tiny Homes
    Interior design for compact homes, apartments, and tiny residences.
  • Other Residential Interior Design
    Residential interior projects that do not fit into other subcategories.
  • Minimalist Living Design
    Interiors emphasizing clean lines, and minimalism.
  • Rural Living
    Interior design for homes in rural or countryside settings.

This category celebrates interior design projects that enhance commercial and work environments. Submissions may include completed, in-progress, or conceptual projects.

  • Cafeteria / Office Canteen
    Interior design for cafeterias, canteens, and food service areas within commercial buildings.
  • Creative Space Design
    Interior projects that foster creativity, innovation, and unique work and business spaces.
  • Commercial Interior Lighting
    Lighting design specifically for commercial interiors, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
  • Innovative Meeting Spaces
    Design of creative and functional meeting rooms and collaborative areas.
  • Retail / Shopping Centers
    Interior design for retail stores, boutiques, shopping centers, pop-up shops, showrooms, department stores, experience-driven retail spaces, and brand-specific flagship stores.
  • Smart Office Design
    Designing modern office spaces with integrated smart solutions for productivity, comfort, and innovation.
  • Workspace Design
    Interior design for workspaces, including offices, co-working spaces, and professional environments.
  • Other Commercial Interior Design
    Commercial interior projects that do not fit into other subcategories.

This category celebrates interior design projects that enhance cultural, community, and public spaces. Submissions may include completed, in-progress, or conceptual projects.

  • Eco-Friendly Focus
    Projects that prioritize sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmentally conscious design within community or cultural interiors.
  • Educational Institutions
    Interior design for schools, universities, and other learning environments that support education and collaboration.
  • Healthcare Facilities / Institutions
    Interior design for hospitals, clinics, and healthcare institutions.
  • Galleries / Exhibition Spaces
    Interior design for galleries, exhibition spaces, and art installations.
  • Libraries / Learning Spaces
    Interior design of libraries, study areas, and other learning-focused interiors.
  • Lighting Design for Cultural / Community Spaces
    Lighting solutions specifically designed for public, cultural, and community interiors.
  • Museums / Heritage Spaces
    Interior design for museums, heritage buildings, and historical sites.
  • Religious Centers
    Design of churches, temples, mosques, and other places of worship.
  • Theaters / Auditoriums
    Interior design for performance spaces, auditoriums, and theaters.
  • Wellness / Fitness / Sports Facilities
    Interior projects for gyms, wellness centers, sports facilities, and recreational spaces.
  • Other Community Interior Designs
    Community or cultural interior projects that do not fit into other subcategories.

This category celebrates interior design projects that enhance hospitality environments and guest experiences. Submissions may include completed, in-progress, or conceptual projects.

  • Cafes / Coffee Shops
    Interior design for cafés, coffee shops, tea houses, and specialty beverage spaces.
  • Eco-Focused Hospitality
    Hospitality interior projects that prioritize sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmentally responsible design.
  • Hotels / Resorts
    Interior design for hotels, resorts, boutique accommodations, and extended-stay properties.
  • Hospitality Interior Lighting
    Lighting solutions specifically designed for hotels, restaurants, bars, and other hospitality interiors.
  • Night Clubs / Pubs
    Interior design for nightclubs, cocktail bars, lounges, and pubs.
  • Restaurants
    Interior design for fine dining establishments, casual restaurants, and themed dining venues.
  • Spa / Wellness Facilities
    Interior design for spas, wellness centers, and relaxation-focused hospitality spaces.
  • Other Hospitality Interior Design
    Hospitality interior projects that do not fit into other subcategories.

This category celebrates interior design projects within industrial and infrastructure environments. Submissions may include completed, in-progress, or conceptual projects.

  • Breweries and Distilleries
    Interior design for breweries, distilleries, and beverage production facilities.
  • Factories Interiors
    Interior design for manufacturing plants and factory environments.
  • Mills
    Interior design for grain mills, textile mills, and other industrial milling facilities.
  • Refineries Interiors
    Interior design for oil, gas, and other industrial refinery facilities.
  • Other Industrial Interior Design
    Industrial or infrastructure interior projects that do not fit into other subcategories.

This category celebrates interior design projects that prioritize sustainability, environmental responsibility, and innovative green solutions.

  • Sustainable Commercial Design
    Sustainable interior design for commercial and workplace environments.
  • Sustainable Conceptual Project
    Conceptual interior projects centered on sustainable and green design strategies.
  • Sustainable Cultural / Institutional Design
    Sustainable interior design for cultural, educational, healthcare, and institutional spaces.
  • Sustainable Hospitality Design
    Sustainable interior design for hotels, restaurants, resorts, and hospitality environments.
  • Sustainable Industrial Design
    Sustainable interior solutions for industrial facilities and production environments.
  • Sustainable Infrastructure Design
    Sustainable interior design within infrastructure-related environments.
  • Sustainable Lighting
    Lighting design projects that emphasize energy efficiency, environmental impact reduction, and sustainable technologies.
  • Sustainable Mixed-Use Design
    Sustainable interior design for mixed-use developments combining multiple functions.
  • Sustainable Multi-Unit Residential Design
    Sustainable interior design for apartment buildings and multi-residential developments.
  • Sustainable Residential Private Home
    Sustainable interior design for private residential homes.
  • Sustainable Sports & Recreation Design
    Sustainable interior design for sports, fitness, and recreational facilities.
  • Other Sustainable / Green Designs
    Sustainable interior projects that do not fit into other subcategories.

This category recognizes interior design projects that do not necessarily fit within the primary established categories, including eco-friendly designs and temporary or pop-up spaces. Submissions may include completed or in-progress projects, except Conceptual Interior Design Projects, which are reserved exclusively for conceptual proposals.

  • Conceptual Interior Design Projects
    Interior design projects developed as conceptual proposals.
  • Eco-Friendly Designs
    Interior design projects that prioritize sustainability, environmental responsibility, and green solutions.
  • Temporary / Pop-up
    Interior design for temporary installations, pop-up spaces, and short-term environments.

Deadlines & Fees

The International Design Awards invite interior designers and design teams to submit conceptual, in-progress or completed work. Entries may be submitted by any company or individual involved in the creation or production of the project, including designers, the firm, and clients.

15 APRIL
2026

Early Bird Deadline

-10% Discount

15 MAY
2026

Extended Earlybird

-5% Discount

15 AUGUST
2026

Regular Deadline

15 SEPTEMBER
2026

Extended Deadline

15 OCTOBER
2026

Final Deadline

EXPERTISE

PROFESSIONAL

STUDENTS

1ST ENTRY

€250

€80

ADDITIONAL ENTRY

€200

€60

ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES**

50% DISCOUNT

50% DISCOUNT

* Multiple entries must be paid at the same time as your first entry in order to be counted as “additional entries”. An entry paid at a later time will be counted as a “first entry”.
** You may submit an entry into multiple categories at the same time but must be in the same disciplines. The first Category will be charged as per the original submission fee. Additional categories (2 or more) will be charged at 50% in the same discipline.

You may choose to pay online via PayPal or Credit Card.
Please note that entry fees are non-refundable. Also, once your submission fee is paid, you will NOT be able to edit or change your entries.
Once you have paid your submission fee, your entry is complete. There are no hidden expenses further down the line. Winners will not be charged any additional fees for publication, publicity, or the IDA trophy.

PROJECT DATE

Work submitted must have been created within the last 5 years.

Awards Titles

INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE YEAR, PROFESSIONAL

The Interior Design of the year winner will receive publication of his/her work in the International Design Awards Book of Designs, to be distributed to museum bookstores internationally; promotion in a newsletter to 100,000 design professionals and potential clients worldwide; year-long coverage on the International Design Awards website; and critical acclaim by our distinguished panel of judges. He/she will also receive the IDA certificate of achievements and winners seal to use it online announcing his/her winning, along with a personalized press release and the IDA awards winning stainless steel trophy.

EMERGING INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR, STUDENT

This award will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated devotion to elevating the art of interior design. He/she will receive publication of his/her work in the IDA Book of Designs, to be distributed to museum bookstores nationwide; promotion in an newsletter to 100,000 design professionals and potential clients worldwide; year-long coverage on the International Design Awards website; and critical acclaim by our distinguished panel of judges.

Prizes and Promotions

The Winner of the Interior Design of the Year Award will receive the coveted IDA trophy and be highlighted on the main page of the IDA website and published in all our social media platforms throughout the coming year.

Along with all the sub-category winners, they will also receive a Winner Certificate, Winner Seal, and a personalised press release to use for promotional purposes. All the winning designs will also be featured in the Annual IDA Book of Design.

Our winners will receive extensive publicity all throughout the following year, showcasing their designs to a worldwide audience. They will be promoted on the IDA website in the Winners Gallery and in IDA Newsletters sent out to 100,000 design industry professionals and potential clients.

Winners will also be listed in the IDA online Design Directory, making it easier for them to be reached by potential customers.

PRESS CAMPAIGN

to over 100,000 design professionals, press and potential clients worldwide.

ONLINE DESIGN DIRECTORY

inclusion, with contact information of all IDA winners, and on the IDA website Gallery of Winning Work.

PUBLISHED IN THE ANNUAL BOOK

The IDA Book of Designs is distributed through Art Publishers and Dubb Publications around the world.

CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT

A handsome certificate to promote your winning.

IDA WINNERS SEAL

Promote your winnings on the website and all your printed material.

Submission Details

SUBMISSION IS ONLINE AND IS COMPLETED IN 4 SIMPLE STEPS:
1. Click “submit” to create a free membership and password. If you are already a member, log in.

2. Fill in the simple online submission form–remember you can select multiple categories for each entry.

3. Upload the images for your entry. (Repeat the first 3 steps if you have multiple entries.

4. The final step is to pay your submission fees.

Up to 10 images (JPG/PDF) and 1 PDF can be submitted per entry—For best results, make sure your images are a jpg/png file cropped to a 4:3 format, are at least 1000px wide, and no larger than 4mb. Size for PDF files: Please save as “screen view” and limit it to only 6 pages per file, Max 4 MB.

Entries should include as much detail as possible, including images of each side of the building or environment along with the contextual surroundings. Please include floor and small-scale (8.5”x11”) site plans showing the project in its context.

Where the project is a group of buildings, entrants should provide a rendering that illustrates the complete project. If the entry concerns an alteration or restoration, please include both “before” and “after” images.

Entries can be submitted as completed, in-process, or conceptual works. Projects completed more than 5 years before the time of submission are not eligible.

Description of the project should be limited to 600 characters or less.

Projects will not be judged until payments have been received.