AYDA Awards 2026 goes global, offering next-gen designers a chance to win the Harvard Prize

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Architecture and Interior Design students worldwide are being invited to rethink the future of spaces, communities, and culture as the AYDA Awards officially starts its new season.

 

Now on its 18th year, the competition formerly known as the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) returns with the theme “Converge: Embracing Hyperlocal.” The 2026 theme reflects a growing global shift in design thinking, where the world becomes increasingly interconnected. “Converge” highlights the intersection of cultures, technologies, and ideas, while “Embracing Hyperlocal” underscores the importance of grounding innovation in the unique identity of specific communities.

 

(L-R): IDr. Brigid Sarmiento, Vice President for Internal Affairs, Council of Interior Design Educators (CIDE); IDr. Ivy Almario, Public Relations Director, Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) and Interior Design Category Judge; IDr. Mikee Yusay, Head Judge, Interior Design Category; Mr. Chen Lee Siong, General Manager, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc.; Ar. Cathy Saldaña, Head Judge, Architectural Category; Ar. Jonathan Manalad, National President, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP); and Ar. Jean Cornejo, National President, Philippine Architecture Schools Association (PhilASA).

 

In rapidly urbanizing contexts such as the Philippines, hyperlocal design takes on heightened relevance. It encourages architects and interior designers to draw from indigenous materials, traditional construction techniques, and cultural narratives that are often overshadowed by modern development. From adaptive reuse of heritage structures in historic Manila districts to community-centered housing solutions in disaster-prone areas, hyperlocal design offers a framework for creating spaces that are both functional and deeply rooted in place.

 

Rather than treating globalization as a force that standardizes design, AYDA 2026 positions it as an opportunity for convergence — where global ideas are reinterpreted through local lenses. This approach empowers emerging designers to respond more meaningfully to pressing challenges such as climate resilience, urban density, and cultural preservation.

 

AYDA continues expanding its global design community.

Organized by Nippon Paint, the international design competition encourages Architecture and Interior design students to develop solutions rooted in local identity, cultural heritage, and community-driven innovation — while addressing the evolving needs of a rapidly connected world.

 

At a time when ideas move globally in seconds, and design trends increasingly overlap across borders, AYDA 2026 is encouraging young creatives to rediscover the value of local wisdom, traditions, and materials.

 

Participants are challenged to design spaces and experiences that strengthen communities, celebrate heritage, and reimagine how local culture can shape future-ready environments. Since launching in 2008, AYDA has grown into one of Asia’s most recognized design platforms, attracting more than 50,000 entries from over 1,300 tertiary institutions across 20 geographical locations worldwide.

 

Beyond the competition itself, AYDA has become a major talent development platform for emerging designers through mentorships, workshops, networking sessions, and cross-learning opportunities with leading industry professionals.

 

The program has also built a strong alumni network of socially conscious designers focused on combining creativity with real-world impact.

 

For Filipino architecture and design students, the theme resonates strongly with ongoing conversations in the local industry about sustainable urban development and culturally responsive design. With the Philippines facing increasing pressure from rapid city expansion and climate-related risks, the call for hyperlocal innovation highlights the role of young designers in shaping spaces that are not only globally competitive but also deeply responsive to Filipino communities and environments.

 

“Design today is no longer just about creating beautiful spaces. Young designers are being challenged to solve real problems, strengthen communities, and create environments that people can genuinely connect with,” said Chen Lee Siong, General Manager of Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc.

“With AYDA 2026, we want to encourage students to embrace local identity and culture while thinking boldly about the future. Some of the most powerful design ideas come from understanding the communities around us,” he added.

 

Harvard Prize for international winners

One of the biggest highlights of AYDA Awards 2026 is the highly coveted “Harvard Prize,” awarded to the International Gold Winners named as the AYDA Designer of the Year for both the Architecture and Interior Design categories.

 

The prize includes a fully sponsored three-week Design Discovery Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) in the United States. Valued at up to USD 10,000, the immersive learning experience covers tuition fees, airfare, accommodation, and visa support, giving winners direct exposure to one of the world’s leading design institutions.

 

The Harvard Prize serves as AYDA’s flagship international opportunity, allowing young designers to deepen their design thinking, collaborate with global peers, and gain first-hand insights into advanced spatial design practices.

 

Cash awards, internships, and global exposure

Apart from the Harvard Prize, AYDA Awards 2026 will also recognize outstanding student work through multiple awards and opportunities.

 

Gold and Silver awardees will receive cash prizes and internship opportunities, while Honorary Mention winners and special category recipients will also receive monetary rewards.

 

Additional recognitions include:

• Nippon Paint Colour Award
• Best Sustainable Design
• Best Design Impact

Each special award comes with a USD 1,000 cash prize. Mentors of winning students will also gain access to the Design Discovery Virtual (DDV) Program conducted by Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

 

In the Philippines, AYDA offers prestigious prizes that recognize outstanding Architecture and Interior Design students. Gold Award winners in each category receive a cash prize of ₱50,000. Beyond the monetary rewards, AYDA serves as a gateway to international exposure, mentorship, networking opportunities, and the chance to represent the Philippines at the AYDA International Awards, making it one of the most sought-after design competitions for young Filipino design students.

 

Silver Award winners receive ₱30,000 in cash, while eight finalists are awarded ₱10,000 each for their exceptional entries. Special recognitions such as Best Colour Choice and Best Green Innovation also come with cash prizes of ₱10,000.

 

Entries for the AYDA Awards Philippines will officially open in June

Nippon Paint is encouraging eligible architecture and interior design students worldwide to participate and become part of AYDA’s growing global design community.

Interested participants may learn more through the official AYDA Awards Philippines Facebook page. Past sessions of the AYDA Awards are also available on AYDA’s YouTube channel. 

 

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About AYDA Awards

The AYDA Awards, launched in 2008 by Nippon Paint, are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of architectural and interior design talent globally. With a focus on technological innovation and social impact, AYDA facilitates cross-learning and mentorship among students and industry leaders, offering transformative experiences and opportunities for growth.

 

About Nippon Paint

Nippon Paint Philippines, Inc., established in 1976, is committed to delivering high-quality paint solutions. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Nippon Paint adheres to international quality standards and environmental regulations. For more information, visit https://www.nipponpaint.ph/

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First launched in 2008, AYDA Awards (formeriy known as the Asia Young Designer Awards) is part of Nippon Paint's vision to nurture the next generation of Architectural and Interior Design talents.

It serves as a platfom to inspire students of these disciplines to develop their skills through cross- iearning opportunities and networking with key industry players, as well as their fellow peers in the region.

Since then, AYDA has grown in terms of reach and stature, and has now established itself as one of the premier design awards, having received more than 47,000 entries from over 1,200 tertiary education institutions to date, across 20 different geographical locations.

Over the years, AYDA has impacted thousands of young and talented student designers, presenting them with various opportunities to engage with renowned speakers and key figures in the design industry. The platform has enabled the participants to gain first-hand industry krnowledge, personalized coaching, mentoring and skills-building through various workshops by experienced lecturers and industry professionals. To top things off, the AYDA Designer of the Year wins an all-expenses paid, 3-week placement at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design's Design Discovery Program.

Through various experiential learning experiences such as AYDA XGhange and AYDA International Summit, a close-knit and passionate design community has been formed. AYDA's network is made of professional architects, interior designers, industry associations, partners, design schols, alumni and design students all working together to raise the next generation of socially conscious designers.

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Nippon Paint Invites Entries from Architecture and Interior Design Students

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Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc. proudly announces the theme launch of the 2024 AYDA Awards, “Converge: Glocal Design Solutions,” which formally opens this prestigious competition to accept entries from Architectural and Interior Design students in the Philippines who could later represent the country on a global stage. Their talents could also be honed further through cross-learning opportunities and networking with leading industry figures and peers from across the region.

(Left to right) Mr. Chen Lee Siong, general manager, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc., Ms. Desirie Benito, incoming national president, United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary (UAPSA), Arch. Donato Magcale, national president, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), IDr. Wilmer Lopez, interior design director, WLopez Designs/Space Encounters and AYDA Awards head judge: Interior Design Category, Raquel B. Florendo, PhD, president, Council of Interior Design Educators (CIDE), Arch. Ana Mangalino-Ling, founding partner, JSLA Architects, Arch. Kenneth Uy, vice president, Visionarch, Aldrich Remot, AYDA Awards past National Gold Winner: Architecture Category; junior architectural designer, PDP Architects, Ms. Giselle Campos, sales and marketing manager, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc., Mr. Lennard Lopez, project sales manager, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc.

Mr. Chen Lee Siong, general manager of Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc., shares, “It’s thrilling to see how these young designers will once again try to push the envelope in their designs. Their work will not only advance the field but also help address pressing societal needs, reflecting a truly transformative approach.”

This year's theme is meant to challenge today’s designers to address emerging trends and global issues with humility and “groundedness” while encouraging the creation of sustainable and resilient designs across three key segments:

1. Social -- How can our spaces play a role in bringing people together; for safer and more efficient use of spaces?

2. Urban Development -- How can our spaces contribute to the holistic growth of society without compromising the well-being of its communities?

3. Environment -- How can we invite nature into our spaces and have direct or indirect positive impacts on its surroundings?

A local implementing team will soon be conducting a school caravan to formally invite design schools throughout the country and explain to them the mechanics of the contest.

The team will also emphasize the important role of the mentors, who will not only guide the students in creating competitive design projects for the awards program -- they also get a chance to attend a three-week, all-expenses-paid Design Discovery Program at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design in the US worth at least USD 10,000 in the program’s June 2026 cohort. This forms part of the package for The Harvard Design Discovery Program to be given to the gold winner/s.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Design Talents

Now on its 16th year, the AYDA Awards embody Nippon Paint’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of design talents. Over the years, AYDA has solidified its status as one of Asia’s premier design awards, garnering over 50,000 entries from more than 1,300 tertiary education institutions spanning 19 geographical locations globally.

The award’s extensive reach has profoundly impacted the careers of countless young designers, offering participants first-hand industry knowledge, personalized coaching, and mentorship through workshops led by experienced professionals.

Spotlight on Recent Winners

Highlighting the award's influence, national winners Bnn Anjelo Tadeja and Maureen Abegail Mendoza recently demonstrated their exceptional talents in a face-to-face competition in Chennai, India, where they competed against top national winners from around the world.

Tadeja, an architecture student from the University of Northern Philippines in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, and Mendoza, an interior design student from University of San Carlos in Cebu City, both gained recognition at the AYDA Awards 2023/2024 for their creative and innovative solutions in addressing real-world challenges.

Their groundbreaking projects, “BILAG: From Scattered to Gathered Space for Sunbathed Grains” and “KITA-KITA: A Resilient Community Center,” stood out among the competition. “BILAG” reimagines the use of space through technological solutions that enhance agricultural environments, while “KITA-KITA” introduces smart infrastructure to build resilient community spaces.

Awards and Prizes

The AYDA Awards offer a range of prestigious accolades:

1) AYDA Designer of the Year: One winner per category (Architectural & Interior Design)

2) National Awards: Prize values determined by national teams

3) Immersive Learning Experience: A three-week, all-expenses-paid Design Discovery Program at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, worth up to USD 10,000 (June 2026 cohort)

4) Silver Award: Cash prize + Internship opportunities

5) Gold Award: Cash prize + Internship opportunities

6) Honorary Mention (x2): Cash prize

7) Nippon Paint Colour Award: Cash prize of USD 1,000

8) Best Sustainable Design: Cash prize of USD 1,000

9) Best Design Impact: Cash prize of USD 1,000

National Gold Winners will represent their countries at the AYDA International Awards in June or July next year.

The AYDA Awards has elevated itself to becoming more than just a competition but a holistic growth accelerator for budding designers, an avenue for great minds to collide and to nurture talents.

“In the most poignant manner, AYDA is not just for students but also active change makers who are practicing spatial design. Our deepest gratitude to our mentors, lecturers, and judges who are willingly dedicating their efforts to raising a generation of socially responsible and conscious designers,” said Wee Siew Kim, Group Chief Executive Officer, NIPSEA Group.

For more information and updates about the awards, please follow and check the Facebook Page of Nippon Paint AYDA PH.

Join the AYDA Community

Nippon Paint invites all eligible Architectural and Interior Design students to participate in this year’s AYDA Awards and join a vibrant community of professional architects, interior designers, industry associations, partners, design schools, alumni, and students.

Past sessions of the AYDA Awards are available on AYDA’s YouTube channel. For more information and to submit your entries, please visit www.ayda-awards.com and www.creativecolourawards.com or check out their social media pages.