On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Index-Design is launching the Index-Design Awards, a new annual recognition dedicated to Quebec architecture and design, presented as part of Montréal Design Week.

The Awards aim to spotlight the projects, practices and ideas that advance architecture and design, beyond traditional typologies. Across 10 categories and with entirely free participation, the Awards recognize those who open new paths, raise relevant questions, propose thoughtful responses or contribute to transforming the way we design, build, inhabit and experience our environments.

Projects are evaluated by an independent, multidisciplinary jury, according to criteria shared across all categories.

Winning projects will be published in the 18th edition of the Guide 200 Quebec Architects and Interior Designers, to be published on June 1, 2027.
Who can participate?

The Awards are open to:
• architecture and design firms
• architects
• designers
• craft-based creators
• collectives
• design professionals

based in Quebec.
Projects may have been completed in Quebec or elsewhere in the world.

Eligibility period
Submitted projects must have been completed between July 2025 and January 2027, inclusive.

Accepted languages
Submissions may be made in French or English.
Categories :

DWELL
Recognizes a residential project distinguished by the thoughtfulness of its design, its relationship to how spaces are used, the quality of its spaces and the coherence of the experience it offers.

WORK
Recognizes a workplace environment that rethinks the ways a professional space is occupied, shared and experienced through a design approach that is relevant, functional and inspiring.

WELCOME
Recognizes a project that creates a distinctive hospitality experience through the quality of its spaces, atmosphere, relationship to use and coherence of its identity. The category includes hospitality, restaurants, bars, cafés, wellness and leisure spaces.

SERVE
Recognizes a project designed for the community that stands out for its architectural quality, design, functionality and contribution to the common good. The category includes educational and healthcare facilities, libraries and community spaces.

ENGAGE
Recognizes a commercial space, retail store, showroom or service space that transforms the act of doing business into a distinctive spatial experience, consistent with its identity and attentive to the way it is used.

TRANSFORM
Recognizes a renovation, transformation, rehabilitation or adaptive reuse project that gives new life to an existing building or space, whether heritage-listed or not. The project may stand out for the sensitivity of its intervention, its relationship to the existing context, its adaptability or the relevance of its new programme.

BELONG
Recognizes an intervention that establishes a remarkable relationship with its territory, landscape, public realm, natural or urban environment, enriching the relationship between people, uses and their surroundings

RETHINK
Recognizes a project that proposes a different way of designing, building, inhabiting or using resources. The project demonstrates ingenuity in its use of materials, processes or technologies and shows a concrete commitment to generating a positive impact on its environment.

CROSSOVER
Recognizes a project whose strength lies in the coming together of multiple disciplines or areas of expertise. The project may bring together artists, craftspeople, designers, architects, manufacturers, professionals from the crafts and applied arts, or other creators. Temporary projects and installations are eligible.

NEW VOICE
Recognizes a project led by an emerging practice distinguished by its vision, methodology, sensibility or new approach to architecture and design.
All eligible projects are evaluated according to the following transversal criteria:

Distinctiveness and Memorability
The project stands out through a strong formal exploration and choices that give it a distinctive and memorable character.

Ingenuity
The project demonstrates creative adaptability, whether formal, technical, material or conceptual.

Lived Experience
The project tangibly improves the lives of those who inhabit or use it.

Environmental Responsibility
The design choices demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability.

Creative Coherence
Formal quality, mastery of materials and coherence of the creative approach.

Creative Identity
Rooted in Quebec’s creative identity, the project stands out through its boldness and impact. It reflects the vitality of local creation and actively contributes to the evolution of Quebec architecture and design.


For the New Voice category:
The New Voice category is intended for emerging practices.

Eligibility is determined according to one of the following criteria:
• professional aged 35 or under
• company or practice established less than eight years ago
To complete your submission, you will need to provide the following:

  • Project Presentation
A clear presentation enabling the jury to understand the project, its context and its main characteristics.
Two versions will be requested: a short version of 1,100 characters and a long version of maximum 4,500 characters.

  • Intent and Approach
A description of the project’s intent, the design process and the reflections that guided its realization.

  • Credits
Full credits for all individuals, firms, collaborators, manufacturers, craftspeople and other contributors involved in the project.

  • Photographs
A minimum of 6 professional high-resolution photographs.
Photographs must be cleared for digital and print use by Index-Design and Archi-Design QC (Montréal Design Week), for the Awards and their communications. Low-resolution photographs are accepted for the project submission. High-resolution photographs must then be sent by email before February 24, 2027, to prix@index-design.ca.

  • Additional materials
You may include any material that helps better explain or document the project:

• plans
• sections
• elevations
• sketches
• drawings
• details
• videos
• other relevant documents

Images generated or modified using artificial intelligence are accepted only as additional materials and must be clearly identified.
Key dates:

Submission deadline: January 29, 2027
Finalists announced: March 2027
Gala and presentation of the Index-Design Awards 2027: June 1, 2027, at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Other key dates in the selection process will be communicated at a later date.

The submission process takes place in several steps.
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials at hand.
You can save your progress and return to complete your submission at a later time.

For any questions regarding your submission, contact: prix@index-design.ca

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