The 2026 shortlist includes architects who are experimenting with rammed earth, learning from local building types and creating urgently needed third places

All finalists have been published in AR October 2026: click here to buy a copy

The AR is delighted to announce the 10 practices shortlisted for the AR Emerging awards 2026. This year’s shortlist includes architects who are creating generous public spaces, transforming existing buildings and experimenting with low-carbon materials.

The shortlist includes architects working around the world, including in China, France, Korea, Mexico, Poland, Spain, Switzerland and the UK.

The 2026 shortlist:

A-A Collective
Atelier Julien Boidot
Charly Jolliet Architectes
HEMAA Architectes
JA Projects
LUO Studio
NUA Arquitectures
Of Architecture
Office Zola Architectes
Rodríguez + De Mitri

The shortlisted architects will present their work at the Architectural Association in London on 15 October, when the winners will be announced. Join us to celebrate and meet the shortlisted architects and winners. Tickets are free – register here

This year the shortlisted practices will meet in London and present their work to the jury, comprising previous  winner of AR Emerging 2017 and co-founder of Paris-based practice Avenier Cornejo Christelle Avenier; London-based architect, design director and co-founder of AKT II Hanif Kara; and architecture and design critic at the Guardian Oliver Wainwright.

The winner will receive a £5,000 prize, and a second practice will be awarded the Peter Davey Prize, selected by the AR editors in tribute to Peter Davey, former AR editor and founder of the awards. Winners will also take home a specially commissioned trophy by by low-carbon recycled brick manufacturer Kenoteq.

First launched in 1999, the AR Emerging awards grant early recognition to young designers and celebrate the architectural stars of tomorrow. Since 2018, the awards have recognised a body of work rather than a single building, and aspiring candidates share a small portfolio of three projects with us: a completed building, a work in progress and an idea. Early winners include Boonserm Premthada, Thomas Heatherwick and Frida Escobedo; more recent winners and commended include ARB Architects, Material Cultures and Pihlmann Architects.

The AR Emerging awards 2026 are sponsored by

Trophy partner