2026 Illuminate Design Awards: Radiant Horizons

The Illuminate Design Awards, held biennially in Jacksonville, celebrate outstanding interior design and highlight innovative work from firms across the region. Hosted by the IIDA North Florida Chapter, the competition promotes professional excellence and increases public appreciation for interior design. Submitted projects are reviewed by an external jury of IIDA professionals, ensuring an impartial evaluation of design excellence.

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Important Dates

Project Submission Period
February 16, 2026 – March 30, 2026

Judging Period
April 2, 2026 – April 20, 2026

Radiance Award Nominations & People’s Choice Voting
April 6, 2026 – April 29, 2026

Illuminate Design Awards Gala
May 15, 2026

 

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Project Eligibility

• Projects must be completed after January 1, 2023.

• Projects may have been executed anywhere in the United States or abroad.

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Registration Deadlines vs. Submission Deadline

The awards program follows a two-step entry process: registration/payment and final project submission. Registration is when you officially enter your project and submit payment. Your fee is determined by when you register and pay, not when you upload final materials.

Registration & Entry Fees (Pricing Tiers)

Early Bird Entry (Feb 16 – Mar 9)
Members: $125 | Non-Members: $175

General Entry Period (Mar 10 – Mar 30)
Members: $150 | Non-Members: $200

• Multiple submission discount applies to members and non-members: first entry is full price; each additional entry receives $25 off
• Active IIDA membership is required for member pricing (member name and number required at registration)

Final Submission Deadline

After registering and submitting payment, entrants may prepare their project materials. All final submission materials must be uploaded by March 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Registering early locks in lower pricing while still allowing time to complete your submission. No extensions will be granted after the final deadline.

 

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How to Enter

1. Determine how many projects you plan to submit and select categories

2. Organize required documents and materials

3. Register each project and submit payment at: https://iida-nfl.cpjam.com/

4. Receive confirmation and complete your submission

5. Upload all final materials by March 30, 2026

*Credit cards are the only accepted form of payment. Confirmation and receipts are automatically sent via email after registration

 

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Prism Category Entries (Optional Distinctions)

All projects entered into a general project category may also opt into one or more Prism Categories:

• Branding Excellence
• Sustainability
• DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion)

There is no additional cost to enter. Prism Categories require category-specific materials in addition to the standard project submission. Requirements are outlined in the entry portal and must be included with final submissions due March 30, 2026.

Projects may enter any combination of Prism Categories if applicable.