The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Awards celebrate the best architectural design and innovation by Ontario-based architects. Finalists for the 2016 awards feature the top projects across the country by Ontario firms across various building types, from private residences to public buildings.

Out of nearly 200 submissions 20 finalists were selected in the prestigious Design Excellence category for 2016, representing Ontario’s emerging new talent and some of the province’s most established architecture firms.

Finalists were recognized by a jury of peers from the design community based on a number of factors, such as each project’s creativity and innovation; how the project contributes to its location and neighbourhood; how the project contributes to a sustainable environment; how the project supports the business and architectural goals of the client; and how the project contributes to establishing a new benchmark for architectural excellence.

Winners in the Design Excellence category will be announced on April 1, 2016, with winners across all categories to be recognized in Toronto on May 13 during the 2016 OAA Annual Conference. To learn more about each nominated project, the OAA blog, blOAAg, is featuring profiles on all 20 finalists throughout March.