For the first time in its 18-year history, the World Architecture Festival (WAF) is setting its sights on the United States, choosing Miami Beach as the host city for its inaugural U.S. edition from November 12 to 14, 2025. Renowned as the world’s largest live-judged architecture and design awards program, WAF 2025 Miami is poised to be an unparalleled gathering of the industry's top architects, designers, and visionaries.
WAF’s selection of Miami—a city synonymous with cutting-edge architecture, cultural vibrancy, and innovative urban development—signals a growing recognition of North America's architectural influence. Past festival locations include Berlin, Amsterdam, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Singapore, and this move to the United States expands the festival’s reach while embracing Miami’s unique architectural identity.
At the festival’s core lies the prestigious WAF Awards, the only global architecture and design competition where finalists present their projects live before an esteemed panel of international judges. The program features 45 categories, spanning:
Completed Buildings
Interior Design
Future Projects
Landscape Architecture
The competition culminates in the selection of winners for World Building of the Year, Future Project of the Year, Landscape of the Year, and Interior of the Year—a recognition coveted by top firms worldwide.
Early Bird Deadline: March 14, 2025
Final Entry Deadline: April 25, 2025
Judging: June 2025
Shortlist Announcement: July 2025
Beyond the competition, WAF 2025 Miami will present a thought-provoking program centered on the theme “Hearts and Minds”, exploring the intersection of intellectual design and emotional impact in the built environment
Attendees can expect dynamic discussions from world-renowned speakers and panelists, including past award-winning architects, urban designers, and industry thought leaders.
New for 2025, WAF Interiors broadens its focus to include luxury yacht, ship, and houseboat interior design, reflecting the rising prominence of marine architecture in high-end design.
In partnership with The Architect’s Newspaper, WAF will recognize North America’s rising stars in architecture through its inaugural “40 Under 40” initiative, shining a spotlight on emerging talent shaping the future of design.
A curated tour program will guide attendees through Miami’s most iconic structures, from historic Art Deco masterpieces to cutting-edge skyscrapers and waterfront developments.
WAF Miami will also feature VIP gatherings, industry networking sessions, and a grand gala dinner, ensuring that attendees can connect, collaborate, and celebrate in an elegant setting.
As a city that seamlessly blends tropical modernism, Art Deco heritage, and futuristic skyscrapers, Miami is a natural host for an event that honors architectural ingenuity. With its dynamic real estate market, influx of global designers, and commitment to sustainable urbanism, Miami embodies the evolution of contemporary architecture.
With its first-ever U.S. edition, the World Architecture Festival 2025 is set to redefine the global design dialogue while showcasing the architectural prowess of North America. Whether you're an established architect, an emerging designer, or simply an admirer of world-class urban planning, this is the event to attend.
WHERE: Miami Beach Convention Center
WHEN: November 12–14, 2025
MORE INFO: www.worldarchitecturefestival.com