Living on the Edge – Coastal Residential Design Awards

Presented by the Coastal CRAN Knowledge Community of the AIA Long Beach / South Bay

EARLY REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

About the Living on the Edge – Coastal Residential Design Awards Program

This first-ever design awards program for coastal residential design was the concept and ethos of the Coastal Custom Residential Architects Network (C-CRAN) of the American Institute of Architects, Long Beach / South Bay. 

Recognizing the large number of smaller architecture firms and sole practitioners in California who often do not participate in the larger general design awards programs, the Living on the Edge – Coastal Residential Design Awards is intended to be an inclusive and extensive awards program to bring these individuals and their firms the much-deserved recognition for their coastal work.

The uniqueness of designing in a moderate, coastal climate is brought to light through blending the indoor/outdoor environment. Blurring the lines between interior and exterior makes us second guess our surroundings and evokes a curiosity about design and architecture that brings out the child in all of us.  

This program is proudly sponsored by these annual Platinum level sponsors

JURORS

AWARDS

The jury will review the entries and will select projects for Honor, Merit, or Citation award recognition. The jury shall have the sole authority to determine which and how many awards are justified in each category. Each entry is considered individually and is judged on the success with which it has met its individual requirements — not in competition with other entries. Jury decisions will be based solely on the materials submitted. There will be no site visits. The jury’s decisions shall be final and not subject to review. No minimum or maximum number of awards has been established. Entered projects may also be eligible for additional accolades including excellence in sustainability.

ELIGIBILITY

The Living on the Edge – Coastal Residential Design Awards program is open to AIA and non-AIA members.

Projects entered:

• Projects must be located within a city on the California Coast, which is defined as the city’s border extending to the Pacific Ocean.
• Must be completed / built after January 1, 2020. (Theoretical, unbuilt, or partially constructed projects are not allowed.)
• Projects that previously won another AIA or other organization’s design awards program are eligible.

Categories:

Projects may be submitted in one of the following categories:

1. Single-family new construction residence

• Structure under 2,000 sq ft
• Structure 2,001 – 5,000 sq ft
• Structure over 5,001 sq ft

2. Single-family remodel construction residence

• Structure under 2,000 sq ft
• Structure 2,001 – 5,000 sq ft
• Structure over 5,001 sq ft

3. Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

4. Outdoor Space

• Lot size under 5,000 sq ft
• Lot size 5,001 – 10,000 sq ft
• Lot size over 10,001 sq ft

Common Application for Design Excellence from the AIA COTE Top Ten Toolkit (optional)

Each project submitted may also submit the Common Application for consideration of this additional recognition. The Common Application is based on the AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence which seeks to inform progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment. These are to be thoughtfully considered by designer and client at the initiation of every project and incorporated into the work as appropriate to the project scope. The Framework is intended to be accessible and relevant for every architect, every client, and every project, regardless of size, typology, or aspiration.

Why Participate?

All submitted projects will gain recognition across AIA LBSB’s social media platforms once the jury announces their decisions. Additionally, these projects will be featured on the AIA LBSB website until the next Coastal CRAN awards program, slated for winter/spring 2028. Winners will receive special attention in all related press releases and will be honored at a post-program AIA LBSB event. Moreover, each winning firm will be awarded a printed certificate to commemorate their achievement.

2026 DEADLINES & FEES

Early registration: January 28 – February 28

• $200 AIA Members
• $300 Non-AIA Members

Standard registration: March 1 – March 31

• $250 AIA Members
• $350 Non-AIA Members

Submission window opens: March 1

Last day to submit: April 6

Fees are paid online at the time of registration. Refunds will not be given for entries that are disqualified, late, or incomplete.

Submission upload link will be provided via email upon verification of registration. Please allow up to three business days.

VIEW AND DOWNLOAD SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

REGISTER YOUR PROJECT ~ opens January 28

AIA LBSB utilizes the Submittable platform for project registration and submission. AIA LBSB does not provide any information pertaining to applicants to any outside parties. Anyone wishing to receive communications from AIA LBSB may subscribe below.

View the 2024 winning projects

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