The World Architecture Festival 2025 has officially opened its doors LIVE in the USA for the very first time, here at the iconic Miami Beach Convention Center.
Today, the first of our shortlisted architects and designers will take to the stage to present their projects to judges and delegates from around the world. Across the venue, inspiring speakers will share ideas shaping the future of design, and the Festival Hall will come alive as world-class exhibitors showcase their latest innovations and materials.
Welcome to WAF 2025 — where the global architecture community meets in Miami.
WAF 2025 Miami
See film and photo highlights as the festival happens!
At WAF? Plan your time
Download the WAF App
There is no printed daily guide this year so make sure you download the festival app which includes the full programme, shortlist and fringe event details. Click here to download or search ‘ WAF Events ’ in the App Store or Google Play Store.
Festival Guide
Download the Festival Guide to view the full programme and find out what's going on at WAF this year! Download the Guide
Keynotes and Talks
Gain knowledge from over 40 International speakers & presenters across two stages. This year’s programme theme is ‘Hearts and Minds’. View the programme
Join us! Still time to book
Tickets are still available
Feel like you're missing out? We have a few tickets remaining so there is still time to join us! Book here now
Gala Dinner
On the final evening of the festival, delegates are invited to celebrate the WAF winners at the Gala Dinner. Tickets are booked separately - last few places remain! Book your place hereArchitecture Tours
The WAF tours offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at the design and construction of some of the most iconic buildings in Miami. Limited places available for WAF delegates only on each tour. Book your tour today!
Congratulations to all 2025 finalists!
This year's shortlist is a diverse collection, showcasing 235 completed buildings, 157 future projects, and 64 interior designs. It's a true global showcase, with entries from renowned firms including Bjarke Ingels Group, Foster + Partners, Studio Gang, Grimshaw, Nikken Sekkei, Mario Cucinella Architects, and Perkins&Will, competing alongside innovative work from exciting emerging practices.
Geographically, American practices are the most highly represented on the shortlist, with strong showings also from China, the UK, Australia, India, Canada, Singapore, the UAE, Turkey, and Japan.
All finalists will go on to present their projects in live-judging sessions at WAF Miami this November. Don't miss out on this inspiring event – book your ticket today and join us to celebrate architectural excellence!
Other WAF Competitions
The Architecture Drawing Prize
Curated by WAF, Make Architects and Sir John Soane’s Museum, TADP celebrates the importance of drawing as a tool in capturing architectural ideas. View the 2025 winners.
40 Under 40 North America
World Architecture Festival and The Architect’s Newspaper have partnered to launch 40 Under 40 North America, highlighting 40 outstanding young architects from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Architecture Book of the Year Award
Publishers are invited to submit entries to the Architecture Book of the Year Award programme.
Student Charrette
Supported by Broadway Malyan
WAF's global student design charrette is an integral part of the Festival. Student teams were invited to submit proposals and present live during the festival.WAF Interiors
What is WAF Interiors?
Formerly known as Inside, WAF Interiors is the sister awards programme of WAF and celebrates the finest examples of global interior design with 9 dedicated categories. Finalists go on to present LIVE at the festival with category winners going on to compete for the prestigious title of World Interior of the Year.
2025 Shortlist
64 interior designs have been revealed as the 2025 WAF Interiors finalists! All finalists will go on to present their projects in live-judging sessions at WAF Miami this November.
WAF Interiors keynote talks
The main stage will host a series of interiors focused talks through the three days of the festival. Learn more about what's on at WAF Miami.
WAFX Awards
What is WAFX?
Launched in WAF’s 10th year, WAFX celebrates international proposals which embrace cutting-edge design addressing major world issues. Ranging from tackling the climate emergency to building community resilience.
The WAFX entry process
All WAFX winners are chosen from the WAF Future Projects shortlist with no additional cost or material needed from the entrant.
2025 winners
The winning projects for each of the 2025 WAFX categories have been revealed, they will all go on to present their projects live on the Festival Hall Stage at WAF Miami. The overall WAFX winner will be revealed at the Gala Dinner.
Special Prizes
Recognising excellence
Alongside the WAF award categories are a host of special prizes awarded to projects from the main shortlist. Entrants do not have to pay any additional fees to be considered for the prizes.
The 2025 special prizes
Best Use of Natural Light, supported by VELUX, The Sustainability Prize supported by ROCKWOOL, Best use of Stone Supported by Turkish Stones, Best Use of Colour Prize, Best use of Timber and Small Project of the Year are this year's special prizes.
Films
Hear from previous winners and keynote speakers by watching WAF’s latest films. Sign up and subscribe for the latest media.
WAF 2024 Photos
Take a look at the photos from last year's event in Singapore!
2024 Shortlist Photo Gallery
If you had your photo taken by our famous shortlist wall at WAF 2024 in Singapore then you can download your image here!
World Buildings Directory
The World Buildings Directory is the only place to view projects entered into past and present WAF awards. The site includes some of the most innovative and ground-breaking designs in the world.
Entry FAQs
Need help with your entry? You may be able to find the answers to your questions in our handy entry FAQs.
Founder Partner
