The Island Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) are now accepting applications, inviting businesses, designers, architects, makers, and creative teams from across Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to showcase the projects shaping the region through design.
Presented by Design Victoria, the annual awards celebrate excellence across a broad range of design disciplines from architecture, interiors, landscape architecture and graphic design to product design, community-centred projects, sustainability, and emerging practices. More than simply recognising beautiful work, IDEA highlights design that solves problems, strengthens communities, supports local businesses, and improves the places where people live, work, and gather.
Now in its second year, the awards continue to build a platform that raises the profile of outstanding Island projects and the people behind them. Last year’s inaugural program attracted more than 100 submissions from across the Island and culminated in a sold-out awards celebration attended by more than 250 leaders from the region’s design, business, and community sectors . Shortlisted projects and winners gained new visibility through media coverage, industry recognition, and opportunities to share their work with a broader audience.
The awards are open to projects of all sizes and disciplines, reflecting the diversity of design excellence found across the Island. Whether the work is commercial, civic, cultural, residential, or community-based, IDEA aims to celebrate projects that demonstrate thoughtful design and meaningful impact.
The 2026 program also offers businesses an opportunity to align their brand with design leadership through category sponsorships. Sponsors receive recognition throughout the awards campaign, access to a highly engaged design-focused audience, and the opportunity to support the continued growth of Vancouver Island’s creative economy. A limited number of category sponsorships remain available.
Applications are now open (until 10 September), with winners to be announced at the Island Design Excellence Awards ceremony on 4 November 2026.
Businesses interested in submitting a project or exploring sponsorship opportunities can learn more at https://designvictoria.ca/awards.