www.build-review.com BUILD ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2026
Architecture Awards 2026 Architecture Awards 2026 BUILD Magazine is proud to announce the Architecture Awards 2026, a programme dedicated to celebrating excellence, creativity, and innovation across the global architecture industry. From emerging studios and independent practitioners to established international firms and multidisciplinary practices, the Architecture Awards recognise the organisations and professionals shaping the built environment through thoughtful design, technical expertise, and visionary thinking. Championing Excellence in Global Architecture Architecture plays a defining role in how societies grow, connect, and evolve. Across residential, commercial, cultural, and public spaces, architects balance creativity with functionality, sustainability, and social responsibility. In 2026, the profession continues to navigate a complex global landscape shaped by urbanisation, environmental pressures, and shifting client expectations. Architecture sub-sectors such as residential and mixed-use design, masterplanning, and landscape design continue to expand, while specialist areas including heritage restoration and education design remain in high demand. Innovation is also transforming the profession. Firms that can combine creative vision with technical advancement are leading the way in addressing both environmental challenges and user-focused design. Sofi Parry- Senior Editor Phone: 01283 365204 Website: www.build-review.com Sofi Parry- Senior Editor Joshua Beardsmore- Writer Kita Thomas- Writer Emma Hunt- Createive Team Manager Lauren Baldwin- Graphic Designer Editorial Team No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
Contents 4. James Newhall Smith, Architect: Best High-End Residential Architecture Practice 2026 – Northern California & Best Luxury Custom Residence Project 2026 (Northern California): Teh Residence 6. Paradise Design-Build: Best Luxury Custom Home DesignBuild Firm 2026 – Florida & Best Luxury Waterfront Residence Project 2026 (Florida): Keola 8. Ayla Oasis Development Company: BUILD Excellence Award in Eco-Luxury Architecture 2026 – Jordan 10. BllendDesignOffice: Furniture Design & Architecture Firm of the Year 2026 – Athens 12. Jaroff Studio: Best Architectural Metal & Glass Design/ Build Studio 2026 – USA & Best Luxury Residential Amenities Project 2026 (USA): Waterline Club 13. Heres Arquitectura SLP: Architectural Rehabilitation Specialists of the Year 2026 – Spain 14. Expect Nothing: Best Creative Set Design & Lighting Studio 2026 – Italy 15. Carlos Lamas: Best High-End Residential Architecture Practice 2026 – Marbella & Turnkey Luxury Home Design Excellence Award 2026 – Marbella 16. NH Interiors: Best Interior Architecture & Furniture Design Company 2026 – Lebanon 17. Queensdale Residential Ltd: Residential Design & Renovation Sector Disruptor of the Year 2026 – UK 18. Jeff Clarke Architect Inc: Best Detail-Driven Architecture Studio 2026 – British Columbia & BUILD Client-Focused Boutique Architecture Excellence Award 2026 – British Columbia 19. CORD Architects: Most Innovative Architecture Practice 2026 – Ireland & Contemporary Architectural Design Excellence Award 2026 – Ireland 20. Synergy Initiative of Architecture + Design Inc: Best Emerging Architectural Design/Construction Firm 2026 – Western Canada & BUILD Passive House Design Excellence Award 2026 – Western Canada 21. HH Interiors: Best Residential Interior Design Business 2026 – Hertfordshire & Best Family Home Interior Project 2026 (Hertfordshire): Harpenden Contemporary Refurb 22. Nieves Millar + Associates: Best Luxury Lifestyle Interior Design Studio 2026 – Los Angeles 23. SODA Group Limited: Best Emerging Hospitality Design & Build Practice 2026 – UK & Bespoke Interiors Innovation Award 2026 – UK 24. urbanARQ: Best Contemporary Architecture & Urban Design Studio 2026 – Ireland & Design Impact Award 2026 – Ireland 25. Boytorun Architects: Best Commercial Architecture & Interior Design Studio 2026 – Türkiye 26. Black Factory Studio Ltd: Best Luxury Architecture & Project Management Studio 2026 – UK 27. Chapterhouse Design: Best Bespoke Gothic Home & Garden Products Manufacturer 2026 – England & Architectural Restoration Craftsmanship Excellence Award 2026 – England 28. JTDS Architecture: BUILD Excellence in Sustainable Architectural Design 2026 – England & Wales & Best SEND Education Design Project 2026 (Midlands): Pegasus School 29. Rentfrow Design, LLC: Best Boutique Residential Architecture Firm 2026 – Colorado 30. BDK Architects: Architecture Practice of the Year 2026 – Channel Islands & Excellence Award for Planning & Listed Building Consulting Services 2026 31. Robinette Architects Inc: Best Luxury Residential Architecture Firm 2026 – Southwest USA 32. Ferreira de Almeida, Arquitectos: Best Architecture & Urban Development Practice 2026 – Portugal 33. MASA Architectural Canopies: Architectural Canopy Design Innovators of the Year 2026 34. JAG Form Architecture Inc.: Best Emerging Technical Architecture Practice 2026 – North America & Integrated Project Delivery Innovation Award 2026 – North America 35. PureEdge Lighting: Best Architectural Lighting Solutions Manufacturer 2026 – USA 36. CADS: Best Retail Store Planning Team 2026 – UK & Digital Retail Surveying Excellence Award 2026 – UK 37. R.J. Heisenbottle Architects: Leading Historic Theatre Restoration Architects 2026 – North America 38. The Fox Group: Most Client-Focused Luxury Residential Architecture & Design Studio 2026 – USA & Most Innovative Residential Design/Build Project 2026 (USA): France Residence 39. West Wady Archadia (WWA): Best Planning-Led Architecture & Urban Design Practice 2026 – South East England & Best Retirement Community Project 2026 (South East England): Michaelmas Court
Architecture Awards 2026 James Newhall Smith, Architect Best High-End Residential Architecture Practice 2026 – Northern California & Best Luxury Custom Residence Project 2026 (Northern California): Teh Residence
5 Whether undertaking a custom home, a renovation, or a commercial project, James Newhall Smith, Architect is a trusted partner that has made a name for guiding clients from initial concept to final design. Recognised for its individualised and personalised service, James Newhall Smith, Architect has become a name synonymous with excellence in design, carefully considering every aspect of a project – from the broader context of the specific site to the particulars of its interior look and feel. As James Newhall Smith, Architect earns further applause in the Architecture Awards 2026, we spoke with Architect and Founder James Newhall Smith for more information. “Our goal is to create homes that are timeless, beautiful, and a joy to live in every day.” Since its inception in 2004, James Newhall Smith, Architect has specialised in custom, high-end residential architectural projects for clients across the Monterey Peninsula and beyond. The firm is owned and operated by James Newhall Smith, an established architect well known for his work with refined detailing, thoughtful spatial planning, and sensitivity to each site’s natural character, from oceanfront estates to secluded hillside retreats. Supported by decades of experience and a deep appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship, James’s work reflects a lifelong connection to the landscapes of California. His education boasts architectural roots in Southern California, Colorado, Berkeley, Copenhagen, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, the latter of which providing him with a five-year professional degree in architecture. Drawn to the natural beauty of the Monterey Peninsula, James designs distinguished homes and select commercial projects for clients throughout Pebble Beach, Carmel, Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove, Fresno, Houston, Maui, and surrounding communities. He has dedicated more than two decades to designing high-end architecture in one of the most extraordinary coastal settings in the world, utilising a collaborative design process that has earned the trust of countless clients, builders, and partners across the region. At James Newhall Smith, Architect, every project begins with understanding the property’s highest and best use, as well as the unique goals of the client. The firm carefully studies the site, its views, its natural light, and surroundings to ensure that the design takes full advantage of every opportunity its environment presents. This observation is paired with a thoughtful floorplan based upon how the client actually lives, creating spaces that support their daily routines in a comfortable, intuitive, and natural way. The team prides itself on delivering an individualised and personal service throughout the entire design process. Meticulous attention to detail is paid to every aspect of the project, from consideration to the broader context of the site to the unique character, warmth, and functionality of each interior space. Through listening, mutual understanding, and respect, James Newhall Smith, Architect creates homes that reflect the client’s vision whilst fulfilling their goals for programme, style, and budget. Of course, every project brings its own unique set of challenges. This is common across the industry, but what truly matters is how these obstacles are overcome and turned into opportunities. Approaching every project as a “team sport”, the James Newhall Smith, Architect team works in close collaboration with the involved clients, consultants, and general contractors to maximise amenities and resolve challenges in a practical, and often graceful, manner. “We aim to create homes that are not only beautiful but enrich our clients’ lives every single day.” When a client approaches James Newhall Smith, Architect, they know they are approaching a reliable partner dedicated to helping them navigate the complex and expensive undertaking of building a signature home. A local team is assembled for every new client, comprised of seasoned professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that the client’s goals remain at the very forefront of every decision made throughout the process. “Our greatest differentiator is that we truly listen,” James told us. “Too often, architects focus on their own vision rather than fully understanding their clients’ goals, lifestyle, and aspirations. We believe a home should be a genuine reflection of the people who live there. We take the time to understand what inspires our clients and then elevate those ideas through thoughtful design, experience, and creativity.” James Newhall Smith, Architect put this approach into practice when undertaking the Teh Residence project on Rodeo, which demonstrated the team’s unrivalled ability to utilise the best features of a site. Earning the title of Best Luxury Custom Residence Project 2026 in Northern California, the Teh Residence’s main focus was to capture the best views for the client whilst building a beautiful home that suits their needs. To achieve this mission, James Newhall Smith, Architect designed a “reverse floor plan”, placing the main living areas on the upper floor of the house. Of course, the team’s innovations were not limited to the floor plan; James Newhall Smith, Architect also created a large, open stair leading up to the second floor, with a dramatic pyramidal skylight sitting above to afford abundant lighting and additional views. Alongside this, the team also installed an elevator into the house for added ease of mobility, ensuring that the architecture continues to provide value for years to come. By placing the most important living spaces on the upper level, James Newhall Smith, Architect ensures that the home’s inhabitants are provided with expansive, uninterrupted views of the golf course and ocean surrounding their home. These views would have typically been obstructed by the housing lining the opposite side of the road, if not for the elevation provided by the team’s innovative floor plan. This decision has also played a key role in significantly enhancing the home’s value, along with the homeowner’s everyday living experience. The result of James Newhall Smith, Architect’s approach is always a home that feels deeply personal to the client whilst exceeding their every expectation. For this reason, the firm has built a strong base of repeat clientele, which its team believes to stand as the greatest testament to the unrivalled quality of its work and the relationships it builds. Now looking ahead, the firm is preparing to undertake a number of new projects that came through referrals from past clients and friends, further signifying a level of continued trust that the James Newhall Smith, Architect team will never take for granted. Now, named Northern California’s Best HighEnd Residential Architecture Practice 2026, James Newhall Smith, Architect will move forward with the intention of continuing to set new standards of architectural excellence across the Monterey Peninsula and beyond. Reflecting on the firm’s great successes, James concluded, “As we move through the rest of 2026, we remain focused on creating exceptional custom homes while continuing to welcome new clients who value a highly personalised design process and exceptional service.” Contact: James Newhall Smith Company: James Newhall Smith, Architect Web Address: www.jnsarch.com
Architecture Awards 2026 Paradise-Design Build is a full-service design and build firm offering architectural and construction services for homeowners, as well as business owners, across Florida. All of its homes, cabinetry, and millwork are designed and fabricated in its state-of-the-art facilities, and the blend of deep expertise with unique, magical design concepts sees the team here add a timeless beauty to every project they touch, especially their tropical residences. The team specialise in the architecture, interior design, and construction of these wholly unique masterpiece homes, which are usually in the range of $5 million to $11.5 million. This makes Paradise Design-Build a great choice for investment clients searching for unparalleled opportunities when acquiring a property, as every home can be designed and built according to exact specifications, all in the heart of a distinctive and coveted tropical paradise. “We are well known and sought after for our commitment to creativity, quality, and a one-of-akind personal approach, delivering high yields for our investment clientele.” Best Luxury Custom Home Design-Build Firm 2026 – Florida & Best Luxury Waterfront Residence Project 2026 (Florida): Keola Inviting its clients to design their tropical lifestyle in Florida, Paradise Design-Build has completed more than 7,000 projects since opening its doors in 1982. At its 3,800 sq. ft. showroom on Marco Island, the more than 45 members comprising the team here set about designing and building dreams, leveraging four generations of knowledge, experience, and dependability to serve as the design-build partner their clients seek. Gregory Pascale, the head of the Paradise design team, was on hand for more. Keola, its latest in a long line of exceptional projects, exemplifies all that Paradise Design-Build stands for across its designs, with this work of art on Marco Island spanning 6,800 sq. ft. and offering unparalleled comfort in unmatched style. Part of its signature Luxury Resort Home Collection, alongside Kalani, Kahua, and Makaha, Keola (or ‘The Life’ in Hawaiian) is set apart thanks to the spa-like experience it provides. The house offers a range of holistic therapies that would otherwise only be found at a lavish day spa, including a red-light therapy jacuzzi, a six-person sauna, a cold plunge from Sweden, a steam room, chronotherapy, a 12-person spa, and a lap pool. It is thanks to these amenities that Gregory is confident Keola sits as the centrepiece of the firm’s Luxury Resort Home Collection, which is Paradise Design-Build’s crowning achievement to date. Back to Keola itself, the home boasts six bedrooms, seven and a half bathrooms, two garages (perfect for his and hers cars), a butler’s pantry, a 16,000 sq. ft. living area, an outdoor kitchen area, and so much more. Since the house was completed late last year, it has set a new standard in resort living, thanks to its thoroughly modern design, luxury facilities, and enviable location making it the ultimate tropical paradise. Paradise Design-Build
7 Exploring the collection itself in more detail, the firm created its Luxury Resort Home Collection to stand as the culmination of generations of history, interpretations, and creativity. Every property has been carefully chosen to offer the most desirable views of the beautiful state of Florida, and they all exceed Florida building codes and meet platinum levels of LEED certification. Inside, these homes have been thoughtfully designed to accommodate families looking to indulge in the unique luxury lifestyle southwestern Florida offers. Inspiration for the collection came from both world-class luxury resorts and the mind of Herb Savage, Jr., a local design visionary, and this led the firm to coin the term ‘Tropitecture’, which best describes its unique style. Essentially, Tropitecture is a combination of modern Polynesia and coastal-chic, and creates a sensory experience through a mix of light, scent, and sound. What follows is a seductive resort experience, with luxury in every detail. Adding to the success of the collection is that it has been completed according to the stellar approach the firm has refined over the years, which involves treating every project (and every client) like the only one. Relationships are at the centre of the firm, not only when it comes to its clients and their projects, but also regarding its own culture. The aforementioned design team that Gregory heads up embody this, with this incredible group including Betsy Rist, Jasmine Cockley, Linda Basili, Micheal Pascale, and Gavin Pascale. Every member of the team is a master of their trade, and Gregory is especially proud to amplify these skills by overseeing what feels like a family unit. The team are all aligned under the shared goal of creating an unsurpassed experience for their clients, and this supports both the environment of Paradise Design-Build and its enduring success. Continuing to drive this success is something the firm is focusing all of its efforts on as we move through the rest of 2026 and beyond, and with seven new homes currently being worked on by Gregory and the team, set for the tail end of the year and then into 2027, the standard for luxury living in Florida is soon to be elevated once more by this team. Excitingly, Gregory shared that Paradise Design-Build has also been designing a number of new, state-of-the-art restaurants across the region, with construction on these projects set to start next year. This is a great opportunity for the firm to carve out a reputation for itself in a field outside of Florida’s residential space, as despite previously carrying out designs and builds for the likes of the Snook Inn and Endless Summer Tattoo, it remains best known for house-based projects like the Luxury Resort Home Collection. Of course, this is not to say that Paradise Design-Build is anything but delighted with the fact that its luxury homes have garnered such acclaim, and as the firm is named Best Luxury Custom Home Design-Build Firm 2026 – Florida and Keola is recognised as being the Best Luxury Waterfront Residence Project 2026 (Florida), Gregory remains thrilled with the direction the firm is heading in as its 45th anniversary approaches. “Our aim is to not be the biggest or the busiest but to build the best homes and elevate our team and projects through daily attention to detail.” For more on how Paradise Design-Build can offer support across everything from interiors and exteriors to kitchens, remodels, flooring, bathrooms, and full builds, visit the company at the web address below. For those nearby, its design centre in the heart of Marco Island is open to welcome prospective clients looking to get the ball rolling. Whether this project is a remarkable waterfront residence or a commercial property, Gregory and his team of expert designers will make sure it represents the realisation of a dream. Contact: Gregory Pascale Company: Paradise Design-Build Web Address: https://www.paradisedesignbuild.com/
Architecture Awards 2026 Spanning over 432 hectares and boasting 235 metres of seafront on the Gulf of Aqaba, Ayla is a unique development anticipated to dramatically transform the city. This project is part of a series of developments under the strategic masterplan of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), which promises to transform Aqaba from a port of commerce into a true sustainable waterfront community offering opportunities for quality living, entertainment, and business. Developed as an integrated master-planned community, Ayla brings together residential, hospitality, leisure, commercial, marina, and golf components within one destination, creating a spectacular setting that supports both everyday living and tourism experiences. Each of the destination’s residential communities – including Island Apartments, Golf Residences, and Azure Beach Apartments – are designed BUILD Excellence Award in Eco-Luxury Architecture 2026 – Jordan Ayla Oasis Development Company is the developer behind Ayla, a mixeduse waterfront destination in Aqaba, Jordan. The company was established in June 2003 with the sole mission of undertaking the development of Ayla. With this mission, the company aspired to create a world-class destination that embraces tourism by creating recreational and residential communities around a series of manmade lagoons in Aqaba. We spoke with Hala Araj, Executive Director of Facilities and Technical Services at Ayla, as the company is named in the Architecture Awards 2026. to offer a distinct lifestyle experience within the development’s wider environment. These communities are complemented by offerings such as Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort, Cloud7 Residence, and the soonto-open The Pulse boutique hotel, further strengthening Ayla’s position as a place for both short-term stays and long-term investment. The destination also boasts marina facilities that support marine and boating activities, while Marina Village serves as the commercial and social hub, bringing together retail, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences. Furthermore, Ayla Golf Course offers an 18hole championship gold course designed by renowned Australian golfer Greg Norman, along with a nine-hole floodlit academy course. With over 800,000 square metres of rolling green fairways, both beginner and Contact: Hala Araj Company: Ayla Oasis Development Company Web Address: www.ayla.com.jo
9 expert golfers will enjoy this one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly golf course situated to overlook Aqaba’s magnificent mountainous landscape. Offering an annual membership, daily green fees, beginner’s classes, and an Ayla Hawks junior programme, the Club has been designed for golfers of all ages and abilities. Like any large-scale destination, Ayla works in a competitive market where expectations continue to evolve. Buyers, homeowners, and visitors are looking for quality, convenience, lifestyle, and long-term value all at once. Ayla Oasis Development Company views these challenges as opportunities to keep improving, pushing the team to strengthen its planning, enhance its services, invest in better infrastructure, and continue developing experiences that respond to the needs of its community and visitors. One of the main challenges Ayla Oasis Development Company faces is creating architecture that is distinctive, memorable, and capable of becoming a statement, while still remaining financially responsible and feasible to deliver. In a destination such as Ayla, every project must contribute to the wider identity of the place, so the ambition is not simply to build functional spaces, but to create buildings and environments that leave a lasting impression and add value to the overall experience. Ayla stands out within this competitive market because it was not developed as one isolated residential project, resort, or leisure facility. The development was successfully built as a complete waterfront destination, where different parts of the experience can come together naturally. A homeowner can live by the marina or golf course; a visitor can stay at one of the hotels; families can spend time at Marina Village; and guests can enjoy the beach, dining, golf, events, and outdoor spaces all within the same destination. “This is Ayla’s main strength,” Hala stated. “Residents and visitors are not simply coming to one place for one purpose; they are experiencing a destination that offers different layers of living, leisure, hospitality, and connectivity. We continue to showcase this through the communities that have been delivered, the events and experiences hosted across the destination, our digital and media presence, and the recognition Ayla continues to receive locally, regionally, and internationally.” The development is further distinguished by its advantageous location. Situated in Aqaba, one of the three points of Jordan’s Golden Triangle, Ayla benefits from a setting that connects the Red Sea with some of the country’s most iconic tourism destinations. The development is easily accessible by land, air, and sea, with proximity to King Hussein International Airport, direct road connections to key destinations in Jordan and neighbouring countries, and marina facilities that support access by water. Rather than merely benefitting from its surroundings, Ayla has been developed with a commitment to protecting and enhancing its natural environment. Sustainability is carefully considered across the development, from infrastructure and energy use to landscape design and ecological enhancement. Ayla operates solar plants that support public loads across the destination, including lagoon water circulation, golf course irrigation and lighting, as well as shared residential services such as swimming pools, landscape lighting, public stairs, and corridors. Reducing water and electricity consumption is also a top priority when planning the details of each project. This is achieved through measures such as water-saving fixtures, energy-efficient LED lighting, motion detectors, restrained planting, and low-maintenance hardscape solutions that are irrigated with treated water. Its water management infrastructure operates as a closed-loop system, with water primarily drawn from underground wells. Freshwater is supplied by the Aqaba Water Company, while tertiary treated effluent from the same source is used for golf course and landscape irrigation. This commitment to Aqaba and its long-term sustainability goes beyond Ayla’s operations, reflected in Ayla Oasis Development Company’s approach to development. The company uses local materials and local construction expertise wherever possible; rather than relying only on imported solutions, Ayla Oasis Development Company aims to reinterpret materials, textures, craftsmanship, and environmental responses that belong to the region, giving them a contemporary expression that feels authentic to Aqaba whilst meeting international standards of quality and design. In many cases across its projects, Ayla Oasis Development Company aims to combine international expertise with local knowledge, enabling the project to benefit from global experience whilst remaining practical, buildable, and relevant to Aqaba and the natural environment. When international consultants or specialists are involved, the company ensures that local consultants, contractors, and relevant team members are introduced at an early stage. “This is important not only for coordination, but also for the transfer of knowledge,” Hala explained. “By involving local expertise from the beginning, we help ensure that design ideas are properly understood, adapted to local conditions, and carried through into delivery. This approach gives each project the attention it needs to flourish, while also strengthening local capability and creating a more sustainable model for future development.” Ayla Oasis Development Company’s latest work includes the continued expansion of Ayla’s residential portfolio. This includes the construction launch of Golf Residences Phase II, as well as the construction completion and handover of Island Apartments Phase II. These projects play key roles in Ayla Oasis Development Company’s wider vision to create residential communities that connect to the marina, lagoons, beach, golf course, and the overall lifestyle of Ayla. “My favourite part is the Ayla Golf Club building, which stands out for both its architectural concept and the technical challenge of bringing it to life in Jordan,” Hala shared. “Inspired by the undulating coastal dunes, the building lifts and carves the desert landscape to create quiet, poetic structures, while its dynamic concrete shell wraps the interior beneath one continuous surface, giving it a sculptural quality that reflects its natural setting.” The main challenge of this project was constructing this concrete shell, particularly because the required technology and specialist execution were not readily available in Jordan at the time. This required a practical solution that responded to the human, environmental, and technical context of Aqaba. Shotcrete became the optimal construction method, allowing international specialists to work closely with local Aqaba builders and combine advanced knowledge of complex steel superstructure curves with the craftsmanship and adaptability of local teams. Looking ahead, Ayla Oasis Development Company has already launched the design process of a new residential area with direct access to the lagoons. This project will further expand Ayla’s waterfront living offering and respond to continued demand for lifestyle-led residential communities. The team will also soon begin the design of the second phase of Marina Village, which will further strengthen the social and commercial hub, while continuing to create places that feel active, walkable, and connected to the wider Ayla experience. “For the rest of 2026, Ayla will continue focusing on residential development, destination growth, and enhancing the overall experience across its communities and facilities,” Hala concluded. “This includes progress across upcoming residential phases, continued improvements to the lifestyle offering, and further activation of Ayla as a year-round place to live, visit, and invest in. Our focus remains on building longterm value while continuing to strengthen Ayla’s position as one of Jordan’s leading waterfront destinations.” Contact: Hala Araj Company: Ayla Oasis Development Company Web Address: www.ayla.com.jo
Architecture Awards 2026 Apr23339 Based in Athens, Greece, BllendDesignOffice is a multidisciplinary design and research office renowned for defining unique architectural identities. The firm’s work has earned international acclaim for going beyond simply building structures to cultivate organic synergy between form, material, light, and the human condition, engineering spectacular spaces dedicated to wellness, impact, and longevity. As BllendDesignOffice is recognised in the Architecture Awards 2026 for transcending standard design norms to pioneer future-proof architectural solutions, we spoke with CoFounder and Design and Research Director Helen Brasinika for more information. Furniture Design & Architecture Firm of the Year 2026 – Athens
11 BllendDesignOffice operates as a multidisciplinary hub that specialises in defining unique architectural identities. The firm fuses architectural identity, landscape, furniture, craftsmanship, holistic interior architecture, bespoke objects, and atmospheric lighting design into cohesive, living ecosystems. This internationally acclaimed work, recognised by prestigious benchmarks around the world, spans high-end residential projects and strategic, branded commercial environment. BllendDesignOffice shapes its services around its unwavering commitment to its clients. “‘People First’ is our axiom,” Helen told us. “To support that, we keep informed on the latest advancements in technology and research, whilst remaining loyal to the inhabitants and the end-users of our designs and their longevity, which will not be sacrificed for the sake of design.” Led by the visionary direction of Helen Brasinika, BllendDesignOffice serves a highly sophisticated, global clientele of design-conscious residential owners, premium developers, and high-end commercial and hospitality brands. These are clients who reject standardised solutions, actively seeking out highly bespoke, tailormade services that reflect their unique identities and values. They are visionary individuals and brands who uncompromisingly prioritise wellbeing and experiential design, understanding that luxury is often defined by how a space feels, breathes, and functions over time. Each new project BllendDesignOffice undertakes is first approached by entirely deconstructing standard design frameworks from scratch before delivering a tailored, site-specific user experience. This is an approach shaped by the firm’s “Architecture of Well-Being” philosophy, which focuses on deconstructing standard frameworks to build human-centric, evolving ecosystems that enrich the daily human experience and create memorable, immersive moments. BllendDesignOffice ensures that every new project has the potential to flourish by maintaining a strict boutique studio workflow. Its team oversee every phase of the project, from the initial master planning and environmental impact analysis down to the specific fabrication details of its studio-designed furniture and lighting fixtures. Every design choice is backed by experiential, educational, and research feedback, with each final design becoming a dynamic organism that grows, adapts, and breathes in harmony with its natural and built surroundings. Across the design process, climate adaption is treated as a fundamental design requirement, enabling BllendDesignOffice to create adaptive landscapes that actively protect local communities and property infrastructure from urban flooding and fire destruction. Operating as an active research studio, the team views strict environmental regulations and material limits as creative boundaries, utilising technical experimentation to deliver affordable sustainability and custom ergonomics, transforming technical restrictions into award-winning contemporary statements. One of BllendDesignOffice’s most favourite milestone projects to date is the Agora Floreasca Urban Leisure Mall in the vibrant district of Floreasca, Bucharest. The team was challenged with converting a small-scale urban mall into a compelling, contemporary lifestyle journey for modern city dwellers, set in a laid-back atmosphere that seamlessly blends culinary, beverage, health, and wellness services. BllendDesignOffice aimed to create a compelling design statement with the landscape architecture, integrated green spaces, global rainwater management practices, innovative construction materials, and atmospheric lighting. The master plan features a curated selection of premium dining, fusion cuisine, traditional restaurants, and boutique wine bars, whilst the venue’s health and wellness services provide advanced aesthetic cosmetology, specialised hair clinics, and modern fitness centres. Through this project, BllendDesignOffice accomplished two distinct design achievements, the first of which being the venue’s interior identity. The team conceptualised an innovative interior that mimics the city at night; the surrounding urban fabric fades into dark silhouettes, while traffic-ways turn into vibrant lines of light via linear LED ribbons and contrasting blackand-white custom elements, complemented by an innovative interior scheme featuring linear LED ribbons and illuminating buttons. What’s more, the BllendDesignOffice team also encountered challenges with sustainable landscape architecture. BllendDesignOffice built a pioneering outdoor ecosystem relying on global rainwater management practices and integrated green spaces. This advanced drainage network actively captures, filters, and manages urban runoff, showcasing precisely how commercial design can seamlessly protect natural resources. “Crucially, these exact rainwater management practices have been perfected by our accumulated experience and strategically adapted to Greece,” Helen shared, “a region that has increasingly faced severe, disruptive flood challenges during the past year. By scaling and modifying these advanced hydrological drainage systems to fit the local Mediterranean microclimate, we ensure our current Greek projects are not just architecturally beautiful but resilient.” The experience BllendDesignOffice gained working on the Agora Floreasca Urban Leisure Mall in Bucharest, value engineering and working under strict safety protocols and fire regulations, urged the necessity to optimise the practices for every residential and rental project in Athenian Urban Properties, despite their scale. The team has realised the continuous industry challenge that is shifting away from static, copied structures to prevent sustainability from becoming merely a superficial trend. Building on from this, the remainder of 2026 is highly dynamic, marked by a strong focus on the adaptive reuse of existing old building stock near the Piraeus port. The team is currently transforming historic urban structures into sustainable, fully digitalised short-term rental properties. This project addresses the modern demand for high-tech, eco-conscious hospitality while preserving the existing architectural fabric of Greece’s primary gateway. The firm is also preparing to launch a signature line of custom architectural furniture that reflects the minimalist, well-being principles of BllendDesignOffice. Since its inception, BllendDesignOffice has effectively bridged high-concept aesthetics with a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. The has earned renown for never treating architecture, landscapes, and custom furniture as separate entities, instead implementing rigorous academic and empirical research to fuse them into a singular, highly functional narrative. This fluid transition from largescale structural design down to microscale product ergonomics – backed by data on environmental psychology and spatial wellness – is what sets BllendDesignOffice apart and earned the firm its status as Athens’s Furniture Design and Architecture Firm of the Year 2026. Reflecting on this significant achievement, Helen shared, “Our recognition from BUILD Magazine is a celebration of design that goes beyond visual novelty, proving that modern architecture must act as a sustainable, health-oriented sanctuary for its community.” Contact: Helen Brasinika Company: BllendDesignOffice Web Address: www.bllend.com
Architecture Awards 2026 Best Architectural Metal & Glass Design/Build Studio 2026 – USA & Best Luxury Residential Amenities Project 2026 (USA): Waterline Club Since 1982, Jaroff Studio has brought together different trades, materials, and innovations to create masterpieces for its clients. Delivering exceptional custom metal and glass design and fabrication services for the construction, architecture, interior design, and art communities, the company works in close collaboration with owners, developers, architects, and contractors on all manner of complex creative challenges, whether designing a feature element for a hotel chain or designing an ark for the scrolls of a synagogue. Jaroff Studio’s exceptional work shines through the creation of the Waterline Square Club, a project based in the heart of the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Designed to serve as the centrepiece of a new three-tower, 2.5 million square foot residential complex, the Waterline Square Club houses all of its amenities, including a swimming pool, tennis and racquetball facilities, a movie theatre, daycare centre, recording studio, medical facilities, party rooms, and many other features. Within this project, Jaroff Studio was tasked with working alongside developer GID and architect Craig Chowaniec of The Rockwell Group to refine the core concept, select materials, solve problems, and build the club within budget. Partnering with GID and Craig from the very beginning, Jaroff Studio helped to ensure that the finished space accompanied the client’s vision for it: inspiring joy, fun, energy, and spiritual awe. Each layer of this project is expansive, illuminating, and varied from level to level. At the base level, one looks up to discover taut wood bridges inspired by the organic ingenuity of vines stretched taut from tree to tree against the open sky. A sprawling cloudscape of thin white fins arches overhead, inspired by the capillaries of palm fronds, and a seamlessly finished wood-clad staircase beckons visitors to climb and explore the looping pathways suspended overhead. The second level, also the entry level, reflects transition. It provides the overall vista of the space, giving its inhabitants a clear path to the pool, gym, yoga rooms, and soccer court. As a designer, Joe Jaroff understood that this room would serve as the beginning of an adventure, and that passing through this space should feel like an ever-changing journey presenting new challenges, destinations, and experiences. “I focused on sourcing a warm, richly toned wood and nestling colour-cued LED lights into the ceiling so that both could evoke a living, changing, growing space,” said Joe. “At one point in the early development, I was asked to use fiberglass instead of wood when cladding the bridges and stairs. I noted that it would ruin not only the tactile and grounding aspects of the material but also add the negative energy of an unnatural material. I am glad I prevailed.” The third, and final, level of the Waterline Square Club is an entirely different experience. It offers an intimate space: somewhere to stroll, contemplate, and get lost in its complexity and beauty. Parametric modeled ceiling fins make waves of white that catch the various coloured lights, coming together like branches Based in Garden City, Jaroff Studio is a high-end architectural metal and glass company that specialises in creating one-of-a-kind sculptural showpieces for residential and commercial clientele across religious, museums, restaurants, offices, universities, entertainment, and hospitality sectors. The studio has earned significant renown for helping building owners and their architects make highly inspirational statements within their spaces. We spoke with CoFounder Joe Jaroff for more information, as Jaroff Studio is named in the Architecture Awards 2026. of a tree coalescing into its trunk. The remaining striations evoke the xylem and phloem of a plant’s vascular system, tracing the circulatory coursing of lifeblood through the room. “Creating this literally multilayered, metaphorically resonant, materially sensuous space has been a significant adventure for me,” Joe reflected. “Taking the idea from a computer rendering provided by the architect to a safely engineered, expertly executed reality took over four years, and required incredibly complex team coordination, patient project management, and an artistic vision that was carried into each decision.” Ultimately, Jaroff Studio often takes on the projects that other designers and fabricators shy away from. Its team has built a stellar reputation for pairing unrivalled creativity with technical expertise, establishing the studio as a reliable, in-demand partner for architects, designers, and contractors across the industry. In addition to earning recognition for the Waterline Square Club as the Best Luxury Residential Amenities Project 2026, Jaroff Studio has been rightfully named the USA’s Best Architectural Metal and Glass Design/Build Studio 2026. Contact: Joe Jaroff Company: Jaroff Studio Web Address: www.jaroff.com Jaroff Studio
Architecture Awards 2026 Architectural rehabilitation is essential to the built environment, responsible for preserving cultural heritage and reducing environmental impact whilst creating new opportunities for existing structures. This meticulous work must be delivered with precision, innovation, and respect for the unique history of the building and its architecture. Leading architectural rehabilitation specialist Heres Arquitectura has earned renown for doing precisely that, undertaking exceptional rehabilitation projects that preserve the unique identity of a building whilst facilitating its evolution. Founder and CEO Héctor Restrepo told us more below. Architectural Rehabilitation Specialists of the Year 2026 – Spain Contact Details: Contact: Héctor Restrepo Calvo Company: Heres Arquitectura SLP Web Address: www.heresarquitectura.es Heres Arquitectura was established in 2001 by Héctor Restrepo, a seasoned professional who earned his architectural degree from the National University of Colombia in 1992 and Ramon Llull (La Salle) in Spain. From its beginning, Heres Arquitectura focused on the total design and monitoring of projects from concept to completion, building an extensive track record of success in renovation, rehabilitation, and new construction projects for housing, offices, and buildings within the tertiary sector. Today, Heres Arquitectura’s daily work involves the transformation of existing buildings, many of which possess considerable architectural or historical value and are subject to heritage protection. This is a complex service, requiring a careful balance between respect for the original architecture and the introduction of new ideas, uses, and contemporary interventions. Within this field, Heres Arquitectura thrives when finding innovative solutions that allow historic buildings to evolve and remain relevant whilst preserving the core qualities that make them unique. One of the most significant recent projects completed by Heres Arquitectura has been the Soho Pool House in Barcelona, located within a Modernist building of exceptional heritage value. The general project concept was to rebuild the building, maintaining its aesthetics and enhancing its construction systems. Its interior had been demolished due to poor conditions, though the façade and general volumetry was preserved and a basement floor for parking and hotel services was added. This project serves as an immense source of pride for the team. “One of the aspects we are most proud of is the recovery of many of the building’s original architectural features, including decorative ceilings and paintings that were thought to have been lost,” Héctor told us. “Working alongside an outstanding restoration team, and with the close collaboration of the city’s heritage authorities, we were able to recover and reinstate these elements, allowing them to be experienced once again within a building that has been given a new purpose.” Another project that lies particularly close to Heres Arquitectura’s heart is the Little Beach House. Although modest in scale, the property is located in an exceptional setting by the sea. Through this project, the team encountered a building dating back to the 1960s that had fallen into a state of disrepair and set out to bring both the architecture and its purpose back to life. The completed project has introduced new energy and vitality into the area, whilst establishing a harmonious relationship with the surrounding homes. Looking to the future, Heres Arquitectura currently has a number of exciting projects in development, particularly within the sports and hospitality sectors, which are keeping its team focused on new ideas and proposals. Some of these projects involve the transformation of heritage-protected buildings in central London, which present promising opportunities to explore the relationship between contemporary architecture and historical contexts. More information about these projects will be made available in the near future. Every client becomes an important part of the practice, and each project reinforces Heres Arquitectura’s unwavering belief that architecture is an inherently collaborative field. As projects become increasingly complex, the studio asserts that it is more important than ever before to embed collaboration and teamwork at every stage of the process. With this, the Heres Arquitectura emphasises the importance of recognising that the authorship of an architectural project no longer belongs solely to the practice that designs it. This informed perspective has been carefully developed through years of successful collaboration across the industry, ultimately underlining Heres Arquitectura’s well-earned position as Spain’s Architectural Rehabilitation Specialists of the Year 2026. “A successful project is the result of a shared vision between the architect and a client who becomes a true partner in the creative process, together with the many consultants, craftspeople, contractors, and specialists who contribute to their knowledge and expertise along the way,” Héctor concluded. “Ultimately, architecture is a collective endeavour, and it is through the combined efforts of everyone involved that an idea can move from a drawing on paper to a meaningful and lasting reality.”
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