Calling all Forum Members!

Entries are now open for the AUDE & University Design Forum Small Scale High Impact Design Award.

The AUDE Awards forms part of the AUDE Conference taking place on 20-23 April, 2026 held at the University of Leeds. The AUDE Awards will be on Wednesday 23 April 2026 at the Royal Armouries Museum Leeds.

The award recognises small scale, low-budget design interventions within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that deliver high-impact improvements to the educational environment. While large capital projects often receive awards, modest schemes, whether that be architectural, interior, landscape, or public art, can profoundly enhance the student and staff experience. This category highlights innovative, agile, and contextually sensitive designs completed between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2025, with a total project value under £1 million (ex VAT). Whether refreshing existing spaces or creating new ones, these HEI-based projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can inspire, support wellbeing, and foster a sense of place in higher education. The gold winner of this award will additionally receive a complimentary place to attend the University Design Forum Annual Conference in Belfast. Judging criteria- total 30 points:

• Impact on Educational Experience (10 points)

• Design Quality and Innovation (10 points)

• Value and Sustainability (10 points)

As this is a design award, the following supporting documents are required:

• Standard Project Data Sheet (1 x A4)

• User feedback/POE summary sheet (1 x A4)

• Before and after images sheet (1 x A3)

• Further illustrations to include: one primary image of the completed space/s (1 x A3), plans, sections and elevations (4 x A3*) and sketches/model photos (1 x A3) as helpful to explain the design.

* Where more than one sheet is stated, this is the maximum number of pages/sizes to be submitted.

Are you a university client who has commissioned a small project of which you are very proud?

If so, why not get your architect to prepare your entry material for this free award, supported by the University Design Forum and in collaboration with AUDE. Architects why not raise this with your university clients for relevant schemes you have designed for them.