(Global) – Architectural lighting designers, architects, light artists, and product designers now have extra time to submit their most innovative work to the 2025 [d]arc awards, with the deadline officially extended to 30 January.

Recognised globally as one of the most comprehensive and inclusive awards in architectural and creative lighting, the [d]arc awards celebrate excellence across a wide spectrum of project and product categories. This year’s programme once again welcomes submissions from professionals working across the built environment and the lighting design sector, with a strong focus on both artistic expression and technical achievement.

Project Categories

Professionals can enter across the following scheme-focused categories, each split into Low Budget and High Budget distinctions, except where noted:

Exterior – Low Budget / High Budget

Open to all exterior architectural lighting schemes involving structures such as building façades, monuments, sports stadia, bridges, and more. Both architectural and decorative luminaires are permitted.

• Low Budget: total luminaire value under £30,000

• High Budget: total luminaire value over £30,000

Interior – Low Budget / High Budget

Recognising indoor lighting schemes across commercial, retail, residential, and hospitality environments. Architectural and decorative luminaires are eligible.

• Low Budget: total luminaire value under £30,000

• High Budget: total luminaire value over £30,000

Places – Low Budget / High Budget

Celebrating urban and rural landscape lighting schemes covering parks, plazas, streets, and other public or private external areas.

• Low Budget: total luminaire value under £30,000

• High Budget: total luminaire value over £30,000

Art Installations – Low Budget / High Budget

Open to permanent or temporary art installations where light is the primary medium. This includes festival installations, experiential works, and guerrilla lighting events.

• Low Budget: total luminaire value under £30,000

• High Budget: total luminaire value over £30,000

Bespoke

A category dedicated to custom sculptural lighting installations, with no budget criteria. Entries are judged on originality, craftsmanship, and conceptual strength.

Event

For temporary events or collections of installations where light is central to the experience. Open to event organisers only. No Low or High Budget distinction applies.

Product Categories – Exterior / Interior / Technology / Decorative

Product designers and manufacturers are invited to submit outstanding luminaires and lighting technologies across four dedicated categories:

• Exterior architectural lighting products

• Interior architectural lighting products

• Light sources, control systems, gear, and digital/light-based technologies

Once submissions close, an international jury of leading practitioners will shortlist entries. The global design community will then cast votes to determine the winners, who will be celebrated at the iconic [d]arc awards ceremony in London — complete with a free bar, food vendors, and the legendary late-night party.

All entrants benefit from increased industry visibility, with every project or product featured on the [d]arc awards website. Shortlisted entrants also receive lifetime complimentary listing in the [d]arc awards directory.

With the deadline now extended, there’s still time to shine a spotlight on your best work. Submit your entries at www.darcawards.com/enter