April 8, 2026

The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has announced the winners of the 2026 Design Excellence Awards. This year’s collection features a diverse range of building types, including sustainably designed community centres, innovative housing solutions, revitalized academic and cultural facilities, and transformative public spaces.

Carmen Corbasson Community Centre is one of 10 Design Excellence Award winners, selected by an esteemed panel of design experts. The winning projects were carefully evaluated based on criteria such as creativity, context, sustainability, and legacy. To ensure sustainable, resilient design remains a critical component of any successful project, submissions also required inclusion of Energy Use Intensity (EUI) metrics, reflecting the OAA’s commitment to climate stability in the public interest. 

Ten winners were narrowed down from 96 submissions and 20 finalists, a group that also included the transformation of the Ron W. Ianni Building  at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law.

"The 2026 Design Excellence Awards showcase exciting examples of the quality work being performed by members of Ontario’s architecture profession, as well as the clear impact our built spaces can have on our communities," says OAA President Lara McKendrick.

The public now has the opportunity to vote for their favourite project among the 10 Design Excellence winners. The People's Choice Award online voting is on now until Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Cast your vote now on the OAA Website.

The OAA regulates the practice of architecture in the province to protect the public interest. Its biennial Design Excellence Awards program offers Ontario practices the opportunity to display the transformative influence of architecture, promoting broader public recognition and appreciation for its positive impact.

See the full list of the OAA Design Excellence Award winners here.