DATES & DETAILS

Deadline for all submissions: FRIDAY, March 21, 2025, 11:59 PM

ELIGIBILITY

Q:  Who is eligible to submit?
A:  One person at the firm must be a member of the Boston Society for Architecture. Eligible member categories include:

• BSA / AIA Member
• BSA Firm Member
• Associate AIA Member
• BSA Allied Members
• BSA Student Members

Entries not submitted by a Licensed Architect must credit the Architect of Record where applicable, unless the submission is for an unbuilt or conceptual project. 

During the submission process, entrants will be required to confirm that all necessary permissions from the project’s design lead and (where applicable) owners/client have been obtained as well.

Q: Do projects need to be in Massachusetts?
A: No! Projects may be located anywhere. 

Q:  When must have eligible projects been built?
A: Projects can be from any time and need not be recent. 

REQUIREMENTS

Q:  What can be submitted?
A:  1. One (1) image per Submission, formatted to fit a selected size and orientation:

• Size Selection (Please note that your size selection determines the size your image will be shown on the gallery wall. BSA will determine the precise dimensions for each category based on the number of selected projects and the exhibition design.)
  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Physical Model
     
• Orientation
  • Horizontal
  • Vertical
     
• For those submitting a model, your submission should include a photograph of the model. We are able to consider models that fit within the following dimensions:
  • Heigh: 48” max, Length: 37.5” max, Width: 28” max
  • Height: 36” max, Length: 18” max, Width: 18” max
  • Height: 40” max, Length: 28” max, Width: 19” max

 *Your submitted image must:

• Be high resolution images of 300 dpi and saved as .jpg, .png, or .tiff files. 
• Consist of only 1 individual photograph, drawing, or rendering with no overlaid/additional text, watermarks, or formatting

Q:  I can't decide which image to upload! Can I submit more than one for a project? 
A:  No, select the best option when filling out the virtual form. If your project is selected for inclusion and you think you may have a better image, you can discuss it with the curatorial team. 

FEES

Q: What does my fee cover? 
A: Fees support the costs of conducting a submission-based exhibition, including staff and guest designer time, submission software, and gallery preparation. 

Q: I would like to participate but the submission fee is cost prohibitive for me. Are scholarships or fee waivers available? 
A: Please email pjohnston@architects.org to discuss you individual situation. 

Q:  When do I pay for my application?
A:  Entry fees are processed at the time of your submission. Please ensure you allow payment processing time that does not run past the deadline time.

SUBMISSION PROCESS

Q.  How do I submit my project?
A.  All entries are made using our online awards platform. You must create an account or hold a current account in order to submit your project. The BSA uses OpenWater as our platform.

Q.  Do I need to create an account and submit my application on the same day? 
A:  No, once you create an account and begin the application process, you may return to your application (located in the drafts folder) to complete or make edits. You must enter your completed project submission and payment by the deadline.

We strongly recommend that you begin the account process early to review the questions and be comfortable with the submission platform. Do not wait until the last minute to create an account as it may delay your submission entry!

Q: What are the key dates for the Exhibit?
A: The exhibition will open at BSA Space on June 1, 2025, and the BSA will host a public open house and exhibition reception on the evening of Friday, June 6. The exhibition reception is timed to coincide with the AIA25 Conference on Architecture & Design, which is taking place in Boston June 4-7 and is expected to bring more than 15,000 architects and related professionals to the City. The exhibition will remain on view through the end of the year. 

SUBMISSION INFORMATION & CRITERIA

Q:  What type of information should be included in the Project Narrative?
A:  Please focus on how your project aligns with the theme of the exhibition--spaces of gathering, both those intentionally designed for that purpose and those emerge to serve that purpose in organic or unexpected ways. Describe the story of both the design and the impact, including concepts and considerations, as well as lessons learned (if relevant). 

Where applicable, please feel free to include the client name, number of residential units and/or of affordable units, or other relevant details, including highlights related to these areas: 

• Social Responsibility – demonstrating a commitment to social progress through proposing new approaches to the development of architectural and/or urban form.
• Technology Excellence – exploring new technologies and/or their architectural applications
• Environmental Advancement – demonstrating a commitment to environmentally sensitive design, sustainability and/or energy/resources conservation
• Accessible Design – demonstrating design excellence in buildings or facilities that emphasize accessibility, helping to create a more equitable future

Your project narrative should be 500 words maximum. This is the narrative that will introduce your project to the jurors. 

Q:  How do I choose which image to submit?
A:  Upload an image of the project or model that illustrates the project design quality, functional utility, environmental harmony, sustainability, accessibility, aesthetic delight, creativity, craftsmanship and/or innovation.

PROJECT SELECTION PROCESS

Q:  Who will make the final selection of projects to be included in the exhibition? 
A:  The BSA has a small curatorial team working on the exhibition that is comprised of the BSA's Executive Director and Senior Director of Programs plus the guest exhibition designer, Chris Grimely, and several additional individuals with deep knowledge of architectural practice. 

Q: What will the jurors use for their review?
A: Project narrative (500 words or fewer), Project Short Description (125 words maximum), and the submitted image. 

Q:  What will jurors not review?
A: Identifying information for the submitter, project team, or client. 

MORE QUESTIONS?

Contact pjohnston@architects.org

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