OBRA 2026: UAP Launches the Design Excellence Awards

The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) has officially launched OBRA: UAP Design Excellence Awards (DEA) 2026, marking a new, globally-inclusive era for the organization’s highest honor. Underpinned by a renewed partnership with Davies Paints, the awards cycle invites licensed Filipino Architects-of-Record worldwide to submit their best completed projects for recognition based on three rigorous pillars: Vision, Artistry, and Universality.

The official Media Launch and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing, attended by UAP leaders, Davies Paints executives, media partners, and architecture content creators, signaled a strong, unified front dedicated to elevating the discourse and recognition of outstanding Filipino architecture.

A Deliberate Pursuit of Excellence

The program began with DEA Convenor, architect Jowee Tatad, setting an ambitious tone for a more deliberate and inclusive framework, moving beyond mere project recognition to a deeper appreciation of a design’s impact.

DEA Program Director, architect Gerard Dy, presented the refined Program Overview, detailing the strengthened nomination process designed to ensure that OBRA remains the organization’s most authoritative honor. The judging criteria are structured around three authoritative pillars designed to assess not only formal quality but also professional responsibility and cultural resonance:

Vision: Acknowledges forward-looking design that anticipates change, integrates innovation in materials, construction and technology, and responds to environmental imperatives aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Artistry: Celebrates cultural depth and formal strength. It honors mastery of space, form, proportion, light, and detail, and recognizes architecture that interprets Filipino identity and context with clarity and resonance.

Universality: Highlights impact and inclusivity. It values architecture that expresses shared cultural values, lived traditions, strengthens communities, and upholds accessibility, equity, and human dignity.

Critical Submission Guidelines

A key component of the revitalized OBRA 2026 is its rigorous adherence to professional standards and inclusivity. The program emphasizes its commitment to recognizing the Filipino architectural spirit, wherever it may manifest, while ensuring a fair and transparent selection process.

The DEA Registration period is from December 1, 2025 to February 27, 2026, with the shortlist to be announced at the UAP National Convention in April, 2026, and the gala awarding slated for May.

Eligibility and Submission Rules:

• Who Can Submit? Only the Architect-of-Record (AOR) can submit entries. The AOR must be a licensed Filipino architect and a UAP member in good standing. Crucially, submissions are open to AORs practicing anywhere in the world.
• Eligible Projects: Actual, physically-built projects worldwide, designed by the UAP member.
• Project Timeline: Entries must be projects completed and built within the period covering 2020 to the present, which are currently occupied and in use. Renovated projects are allowed only if they involve a minimum of 85% renovation, with “before” and “after” documentation required.
• Submission Limit: Architects may submit a maximum of two projects across all categories, with only one project allowed per category. An architect may only win one award per DEA batch.
• Anonymity Rule: Submissions must completely conceal all references to the architecture firm or designer. Failure to comply will result in immediate disqualification.

There is no entry fee required for submission. To uphold the integrity of the judging process, a clear exclusion list is enforced, covering relatives up to the third degree, current professional partners of the jury, UAP-DEA committee members, UAP National Board/Executive Directors, and UAP College of Fellows Officers for the current fiscal year

The Strength of Collaboration

The significance of the partnership was underscored by messages from UAP National President, Joey Manalad and Executive Director of Davies Paints, John Lee Garcia. Their addresses highlighted the powerful synergy between the largest organization of architects and a key industry partner. The formal signing between the two entities marks a renewed commitment to honoring outstanding works by Filipino architects.

This renewed commitment to OBRA demonstrates a shared belief in the value of outstanding Filipino design, creating robust avenues for professional growth and national recognition. The partnership provides the professional and financial heft needed to elevate the UAP’s highest honor to national significance.

Amplifying the Design Discourse

The event’s media attendance was notable for its diversity and commitment. BluPrint, as a leading voice, was joined by other established media partners. More crucially, the launch was strongly supported by a vibrant cohort of UAP-affiliated architect content creators.

Architects such as Dax, RK Thicc, Ronald Buenaflor, Saira Margarita, Palacio Architects, Architect JM de Jesus, AP Antolin, Archi Levi, and Architects Dannie and Dianne Florendo were present. Their collective presence brings crucial visibility and momentum, effectively launching the #OBRA2026 journey across the dynamic digital space and translating complex design ideas into engaging public conversation.

OBRA 2026 is now officially open for nominations, with the registration period running from December 1, 2025, to February 27, 2026. Following the selection process, the anticipation will build as the shortlist is announced at the UAP National Convention in April 2026, culminating in the highly anticipated Gala Awarding slated for May 2026. Filipino architects are invited to present their most significant and impactful work for consideration against the pillars of Vision, Artistry, and Universality.

For more details, visit uapdea.com.

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