The World Architecture Festival (WAF) will be held in the United States for the first time in its 18-year history. Taking place from November 12 to 14, 2025, at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida, the festival will welcome architects and designers from around the world for three days of live awards judging, talks, exhibitions, and networking. Aoyama Design Forum (ADF) is proud to serve as an official media partner for the 2025 edition.

The theme for 2025 is “Hearts and Minds.” Through keynotes and panel sessions, international speakers will explore the dual nature of architecture and design—as rational and emotional, intellectual and sensory.

The WAF Awards, the heart of the festival, are now open for entries across 45 categories, including Completed Buildings, Interiors, Future Projects, and Landscape. Unique to WAF, the awards offer finalists the opportunity to present their projects live to an international jury and festival attendees. This year introduces a new category—WAF Interiors—shining a spotlight on interior design in yachts, ships, and houseboats. Winners in each category will move on to the final round, where they will compete for prestigious global titles such as World Building of the Year, Interior of the Year, Landscape of the Year, and Future Project of the Year.

Darlington Public School by fjcstudio

Past Winners – Quay Quarter Tower by 3XN

WAF 2025 will debut the “40 under 40” program, recognizing the next generation of architects under 40 based in North America. In partnership with The Architect’s Newspaper, this initiative will showcase selected architects through exhibitions and talks, offering a platform for emerging talent on the global stage.

Early Bird Deadline: March 14, 2025
Final Submission Deadline: April 25, 2025
Live Judging: June 2025
Shortlist Announcement: July 2025
Festival Dates: November 12–14, 2025
More on how to enter

Venue
Miami Beach Convention Center

Highlights
Live judging in 17 critique rooms
Talks programme based on the theme “Hearts and Minds”
Dedicated sessions and awards for WAF Interiors
Business and practice management streams hosted by Design Intelligence
Digital gallery of all award entries
Miami architecture tours and fringe networking events
“40 under 40” exhibition featuring North America’s top young architects
Gala dinner announcing overall winners

GROHE continues its longstanding commitment as WAF’s founding sponsor. For 2025, GROHE will present the North American debut of its luxury sub-brand “GROHE SPA” with a special installation themed “Health Through Water.” As a global leader in water innovation and sustainability, GROHE continues to inspire design professionals worldwide.