Celebrating excellence in architecture and design across Zambia.
Submit your best work across multiple categories of architectural excellence
Excellence in commercial, office, and retail building design
Deadline: Dec 15, 2026Outstanding single-family and multi-family residential projects
Deadline: Dec 15, 2026Government, institutional, and civic architecture
Deadline: Dec 15, 2026Projects demonstrating environmental responsibility
Deadline: Dec 15, 2026Exceptional projects from architecture students
Deadline: Nov 30, 2026Creative transformation of existing structures
Deadline: Dec 15, 2026Call for entries begins for all award categories
Final deadline for all submissions (except student category)
Expert panel reviews all submissions
Shortlisted projects revealed to the public
Gala dinner to announce winners
Explore projects submitted by ZIA members
Celebrating outstanding architectural achievements recognized by the ZIA Awards jury in recent years.
Arch. M. Silungwe, Silungwe Associates
Public Architecture"A bold reimagining of civic space that balances monumentality with accessibility."
Banda & Partners
Cultural Architecture"Sensitive integration of local craft traditions with contemporary design."
Arch. P. Ndhlovu, Ndhlovu Architects
Residential"Exemplary sustainable design achieving thermal comfort with minimal energy use."
Tembo Design Studio
Educational"Innovative learning environments that respond to the Zambian climate."
Arch. B. Tembo, Tembo & Associates
Public Space"A dignified memorial space that serves the community with grace."
Kaunda Architects
Commercial"Successful urban densification with active street-level engagement."
Detailed eligibility and judging criteria for each ZIA Award category.
Eligibility
Registered architects with completed civic, government, or institutional buildings.
Criteria
Civic dignity, public accessibility, functional efficiency, and contribution to the public realm.
Eligibility
Single-family or multi-family residential projects completed within the last 3 years.
Criteria
Livability, spatial quality, integration with site and climate, and innovation in domestic design.
Eligibility
Office, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use commercial developments.
Criteria
Commercial viability, urban context response, tenant flexibility, and environmental performance.
Eligibility
Any project type demonstrating measurable environmental responsibility.
Criteria
Energy efficiency, water conservation, material sustainability, passive climate response, and occupant wellbeing.
Eligibility
Restoration, adaptive reuse, or conservation of buildings of cultural or historical significance.
Criteria
Respect for original fabric, historical accuracy, sensitive adaptation, and community heritage value.
Eligibility
Registered architects under 40 with demonstrated emerging talent and body of work.
Criteria
Design excellence, professional promise, contribution to practice, and potential to advance the profession.
Eligibility
Senior architects with 25+ years of sustained contribution to Zambian architecture.
Criteria
Career body of work, mentorship, professional leadership, and enduring impact on the built environment.
Every submission moves through a transparent, four-stage review process. Track your project's progress at each step.
Complete the online form and upload project images.
ZIA admin verifies eligibility and completeness.
Jury selects finalists from the eligible pool.
Award recipients revealed at the gala ceremony.