The MUSE Lighting Design Awards honors the creators of light who redefine our experience of spaces through the art of illumination. This category celebrates lighting designers who combine aesthetics with precision, transforming light into a tool that enhances mood, architecture, and atmosphere.
We invite lighting designers and firms worldwide to showcase their most captivating work. Whether you’re an expert innovator or a fresh talent, this is your stage to shine.
Join us in celebrating lighting that transcends function, illuminating moments and spaces in ways that captivate and inspire.
Architects, builders, contractors, developers, engineers, business owners are encouraged to submit work that is in prototype or complete*.
Winners are determined by one entry, and not an entire body of work, so careful selection should be observed.
| 2026 Entry Period |
Early Bird (Oct 16 - Nov 13, 2025) |
Regular (Nov 14 - Dec 11, 2025) |
Final (Dec 12, 2025 - Jan 15, 2026) |
Final Extension (Jan 16 - Feb 12, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional 1st Entry |
$209 | $219 | $239 | $249 |
| Additional Entry |
$209 | $219 | $239 | $249 |
| Additional Category* |
$149 | $159 | $179 | $189 |
| Results Announcement: Apr 10, 2026 | ||||
* You may submit an entry into multiple categories at the same time. The first Category will be charged as per the original submission fee. Additional categories (2 or more) will be charged as such.
Rather than increasing the fee for each entry, fees are only charged in order to cover administrative costs like printing, mailing and data organization. For this reason, each participant is charged a flat $30 administration fee. When all participants pay the same low fee, those submitting more than one entry will actually pay less than if fees were on a sliding scale.
PROJECT DATE
Work submitted must have been created within the last 5 years.
The Winner of the Lighting Design of the Year award receives a complimentary, limited-edition of the prestigious MUSE statuette and certificate. Winning works will be highlighted on the main page of the MUSE Design Awards website, and published on all of its social media platforms for a full year.
In addition, Platinum, Gold, and Silver winners will receive a complimentary certificate, personalized press release, as well as graphic for use in promotions. Winners in these categories may choose to purchase their respective MUSE Statuette for a reasonable fee. Winning designs featured on our media partner’s site – MUSE.World and online media platforms.
Submit your entry online in FOUR easy steps:
Tap the "My Account" button to register your username and password. If you are already a member, tap "Log In."
Complete the short online entry form. Don't forget you can enter each work in more than one category.
Upload your entry* to the system.
Click “Checkout” to process your entry fees.
* File Limits; Up to 10 files in in JPEG/PNG and/or PDF can be uploaded per entry. For a smooth uploading process, please ensure images are formatted as JPEG/PNG, 1000px, and no larger than 4MB. Please save PDFs in "Screen View", limited to 6 pages per entry, or 4MB in size.
* Submissions should be as detailed as possible. For example, architectural submissions should include small-scale site plans for context, and images of all sides of the building and its environment. A complex of buildings should include a rendering. Restorations and remodels should include images of the site "before and after."
* Submissions can be entered as concepts, completed, or works in process. Completed projects may not be older than five years.
* Limit written descriptions of your project to 350 words or less.
