The Brick Industry Association (BIA) has once again opened its doors to the most impressive architectural projects.

Architects have until August 29 to show the world what ordinary brick can do in skilled hands.

This year’s highlight: for the first time in the award’s history, winners will be honored at a grand ceremony in April 2026 in Orlando. Architects, designers, and masons will come together to celebrate the year’s finest work.

What participants need to know

• Deadline: August 29, 2025.
• Main requirements:
  • The building must have been completed no earlier than 2019.
  • Brick must be the main façade element, covering more than half of the visible surface.
  • Only architects and designers from professional firms may submit entries.
  • The registration fee is $225. More details are available on the official website.

History of the award

Imagine this: for 36 years, since 1989, this award has been considered the “Oscar” of brick architecture. Over the years, it has brought together thousands of projects—from modest private homes to monumental public buildings.

Each year, the competition showcases how true architectural wonders can be born from just clay and fire. You'll find timeless classics and bold experiments in form and color.

Nine ways to be the best

Architects compete in nine categories, including private homes and multi-unit complexes.

Special distinction: There’s also an award for craftsmanship—recognizing the masons who turn architectural dreams into reality.

The range of participants is impressive—last year’s winners came from the USA, Canada, China, the UK, Mexico, and Russia. It’s a truly international brick showcase.

Why regular homeowners should care about this award

It might seem odd—why should someone looking to build or renovate their home care about an architecture competition? But actually, there’s a good reason.

Imagine flipping through catalogs of standard house plans and feeling like every home looks the same. Here, you’ll find a gallery where every house tells its own story.

• Styles for every taste: Among the winners, you'll see both classic elegance and daring modernism. Brick can be many things—solid and respectable, playful and surprising. Some winning projects feature relief and ornamental brickwork as the main visual statement.
• Color and texture: See how architects play with shades—from warm terracotta to cool graphite. Or how they create depth by varying the laying technique.
• Pairing with other materials: Brick pairs beautifully with wood, glass, and metal. The winning projects demonstrate dozens of such combinations.

How to use this in practice

• Before meeting with your architect: Browse the gallery and save your favorite images. It’ll help you communicate your vision.
• When choosing a contractor: Show examples of high-quality brickwork. A good mason will appreciate your approach—a bad one will reveal themselves quickly.
• For long-term planning: Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s essential. Homes built with green principles in mind will be more valuable in the future.

This is a great resource for expanding your perspective and finding concrete ideas to discuss with your architect when planning your dream home.