The SOPHI Awards 2026

Sophisticated Living St. Louis proudly announces the Third Annual SOPHI Awards—the region's definitive celebration of excellence in design, architecture, and the built environment.

After two consecutive sold-out years, the SOPHI Awards have quickly become the benchmark for recognition in St. Louis. In 2026, we raise the bar once again—anticipating our most competitive field of submissions and our most dynamic audience yet.

Finalists and winners will be unveiled at an extraordinary industry Awards Soirée on Thursday, November 12, at the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden, followed by editorial features in Sophisticated Living's coveted November/December issue, as well as digital coverage spanning social media, eblasts, and a one-of-a-kind episode of @SophisticatedTV-StLouis on YouTube. Exposure is local, regional, and global for finalists and winners.

This is more than an awards program.
It is where the region's most important work is seen—and remembered.

Bigger Venue

For the first and second years of the SOPHI Awards in 2024 and 2025, it was held at the breathtaking 21c Museum Hotel. For our third year, the signature event has become so popular and well-attended that we are relocating to an even more spacious and spectacular venue — the Missouri Botanical Garden.

It is a premier, versatile event space located within the Ridgway Center visitor entrance. The expansive space allows us to invite more guests (the entire company can have their own table), and the sweeping space also makes room for more entrants or friends, family, and other colleagues to watch you receive your award.

Of course, being at the Gardens, the hall also offers scenic views of the surrounding colorful gardens and beautiful sculptures, as well as a large outdoor patio on which to gather and enjoy the sparkling reception and after-party.

Why Enter

The SOPHI Awards recognize the individuals and firms shaping how we live, work, and experience space.

Whether you are an architect, interior designer, builder, landscape architect, or furniture designer, this is your opportunity to place your work in front of an influential audience of peers, clients, and tastemakers.

Recognition here carries weight.

Eligibility

Open to designers, architects, builders, and creatives across disciplines—no professional affiliation required
Entrants must be based in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area or submitting work located within the region
Projects must have been completed between January 2023 and present
Previously submitted (non-finalist) projects may be re-entered
Entries may be submitted in multiple categories

Note: Unbuilt projects are eligible; projects currently under construction are not.

How to Enter

Entering is simple—and competitive.

Click Register and create your account
Select your categories and complete payment
Upload your project materials and finalize your submission

You may edit and refine entries up until the final deadline.

Final Deadline: August 31, 2026 - EXTENDED September 18, 2026

Submission Requirements

Project Images

1–8 high-resolution images per entry (.jpeg/.png, 300 dpi, max 10MB each)
Professional photography is strongly encouraged
All images must be cleared for publication in Sophisticated Living
Label each file with the project name

Project Description

Each submission should include a concise narrative (up to 450 words) addressing:

Design goals and client vision
Creativity and originality
Space planning and functionality
Use of lighting (where applicable)
Design execution (materials, scale, composition)
Success in meeting client needs and lifestyle

Important: Submissions MUST remain anonymous—do not include firm or designer names.

Special Requirements: Contractor of the Year, Architect of the Year & Interior Designer of the Year

Entrants in the following categories must demonstrate a body of work spanning multiple completed projects:

Contractor of the Year
Architect of the Year
Interior Designer of the Year

Submissions for these categories must include materials from three (3) separate projects, each completed within the past three years. For each project, provide:

Project Images: 1–8 high-resolution images (.jpeg/.png, 300 dpi, max 10MB each). Professional photography is strongly encouraged. All images must be cleared for publication in Sophisticated Living. Label each file with the project name.
Project Description: A concise narrative (up to 450 words) addressing design goals and client vision, creativity and originality, space planning and functionality, use of lighting (where applicable), design execution (materials, scale, composition), and success in meeting client needs and lifestyle.

Important: All three project descriptions and images MUST remain anonymous—do not include firm, contractor, architect, or designer names in any submission materials.

Unbuilt Projects

Submit a PDF presentation (max 6 slides)
Include renderings, drawings, and a clear problem/solution narrative
Maintain anonymity within the presentation

Registration Fees

Early Registration (May 1 – June 1, 2026)

$150 (first entry)
$120 (each additional)

Standard Registration (June 2 – September 18, 2026)

$200 (first entry)
$150 (each additional)

Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Judging

Entries are evaluated by an independent, out-of-state panel of respected industry leaders across architecture, design, media, and the built environment.

Every submission is judged on merit alone—ensuring credibility, integrity, and true distinction.

Project Description and Judging Criteria

Evaluation by the judges will be based on the following criteria, which include a concise project synopsis (up to 450 words) addressing:

Design Goals of the Project — Initial requests of the client.
Creativity — Creative use of space to achieve design goals.
Space Planning — Effective use of space to achieve design goals.
Lighting (with the exception of Best in Furniture Design) — Effective use of lighting to achieve design goals.
Design Execution — Effective use of color, composition, scale, etc. to achieve design goals.
Met the Needs of the Client — Highlight its effectiveness in fulfilling the client's specific requirements, preferences, and lifestyle.

To ensure impartial judging, please provide a description without identifying your company, architect, builder, or designer.

For Unbuilt Categories

Create a digital presentation in PDF format showcasing your design project. Include images, drawings, and a brief description of your project. The description should clearly describe the problem and its solution.
The presentation should be no more than six slides in PDF format.
To ensure impartial judging, please provide a description without identifying your company or architect.

Judges

To be announced on or before June 1, 2026.

Nationally renowned industry emcee to be announced.

2025 Judges

2024 Judges

The Soirée

The SOPHI Awards culminate in an unforgettable evening at the Missouri Botanical Garden—where finalists, winners, and the city's most influential voices gather for a night of recognition, connection, and celebration.

This is where the work—and the people behind it—take center stage.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Align your brand with the highest level of design, culture, and influence in St. Louis.

Sponsorship is limited and highly curated.

Contact Craig Kaminer

Phone: 314.363.3333

Email: craig@slmag.net

View Sponsorship Opportunities