The RIVA Prize for Excellence in Sustainable Design recognizes projects that demonstrate inventive, integrated, and contextually responsive approaches to sustainability in dynamic, climatic environments. Partnering with AIA Miami, RIVA Spain has offered this prize to AIA Architects throughout the US. Submissions are open to all AIA Architects and their Studios, who present a clear, thoughtful architectural agenda for energy and environment.

First Prize:

A Trip for Two to Spain!

RIVA PRIZE SCHEDULE

JUNE 5 - SUBMISSIONS OPEN

SEPTEMBER 5th SUBMISSION FEES DUE

SEPTEMBER 15th @ 11:59PM - FINAL DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS

OCTOBER 24 - DESIGN AWARDS

Submission Materials
Each submission must include the following:

1. Written Project Statement (300 - 700 words)

Clear explanation of the design concept and description of how the project meets sustainability goals, including:

Materials used and their origin
Use of recycled or upcycled materials
Construction processes or technologies
How the project integrates with or responds to its environmental and cultural context
Discussion of how sustainability is embedded in both form and function.

2. Sustainable Design Strategy Narrative

Demonstrate how the project addresses each of the following three core sustainability themes:

Connecting Materiality with Building: Highlight innovative or responsible material choices and their integration in the architecture.
Demonstrating Climate Equity: Explain how the project addresses social, cultural, or economic dimensions of climate justice.
Addressing Climate Adaptation: Show how the project anticipates and responds to climate-related challenges (e.g., temperature extremes, flooding, drought, etc.).

Note: Projects that address less than the three strategies will still be evaluated and scored based on those they do meet.

3. Visual Documentation

Minimum 5, maximum 12 images, including:

Project photographs
Renderings
Diagrams or drawings
Site context images
Optional but encouraged: 1–2 minute video (MP4 or link to hosted video) explaining the project or showcasing the built work.

4. Project Details

Title of the project
Location (city, state)
Type of project (new build, renovation, etc.)
Completion status and year
Project team and collaborators (with roles)

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be judged by a multidisciplinary jury based on:

Inventiveness and sophistication of material use
Clarity and originality of sustainable design strategies
Integration of architecture with environmental and cultural context
Effectiveness in addressing one or more of the three sustainable themes
Visual and narrative communication of the project’s sustainability agenda

Submission Deadline & Format

All submissions must be completed through the online portal by August 22, 2025.
The winner will be announced at the Prize ceremony on October 24th, 2025
All text must be submitted in PDF format.
Images must be high-resolution (JPG/PNG, 300 dpi).
Videos may be uploaded or linked (YouTube/Vimeo).

There are no refunds for this, or any category.

RIVA PRIZE for Excellence in Sustainable Design

This category is for all AIA Members in the US only - Any US Chapter is eligible.