(UK) — Entries are officially open for the 2026 [d]arc awards, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter for the internationally recognized lighting design programme. Organised by [d]arc media, the prestigious annual awards programme celebrates excellence, innovation, and creativity across architectural, decorative, and artistic lighting design. The launch of the latest edition also introduces a thoroughly revised category structure, which has been thoughtfully designed to create more opportunities for international entrants and to ensure that creative projects are judged alongside directly comparable work.
As the global lighting design community looks ahead to the upcoming programme, the latest iteration of the awards aims to refine the submission process while maintaining the high standards of recognition that the event is known for worldwide. The upcoming programme will feature a balanced lineup consisting of nine distinct project categories and four product categories, collectively spanning the vast breadth and depth of modern lighting design, engineering, and specification.
One of the most notable updates to the 2026 programme is the strategic removal of the previous high- and low-budget divisions that characterised past editions. By eliminating these budget-based tiers, the organisers are shifting the focus entirely toward design merit, innovation, and execution. Moving forward, entries will be grouped logically by project type. This structural change is intended to significantly simplify the voting process for participants while enabling much more consistent, like-for-like comparisons among competing designs.
The comprehensive lineup of the nine project categories has been structured to cover the diverse applications of light within the built and artistic environment, capturing everything from intimate hospitality spaces to massive public art installations. Alongside these project accolades, the four dedicated product categories will cover architectural lighting, decorative fixtures, bespoke solutions, and the advanced technology used to reliably support and control complex lighting projects. Together, these categories ensure that both the creative minds behind design implementation and the manufacturers producing cutting-edge hardware receive due recognition for their contributions to the field.
True to the traditions that have made the programme a staple of the international design calendar, the awards will continue to utilise their established peer-to-peer voting model. Rather than relying on a closed panel or corporate panel, the evaluation process incorporates the expertise of the very community it serves. After an initial screening by a carefully selected guest panel of international designers, independent lighting designers, and other qualified design professionals shortlists the submitted entries, the wider professional community is invited to vote for the entries they believe truly set the benchmark and industry standard for excellence.
For practitioners looking to participate in the upcoming cycle, an early-bird submission rate of £200 is available for a limited time until 12 November. The eligibility criteria remain broad and inclusive, welcoming submissions from professional lighting designers, architects, interior designers, and manufacturers who have brought exceptional lighting concepts to life.
Looking further ahead on the calendar, the highly anticipated 2027 [d]arc awards ceremony has been scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 24 March 2027. The gala event will be hosted at Old Billingsgate in London, bringing together members of the international lighting design community for an evening of networking, fine dining, entertainment, and the live announcement of the winners across all categories. Professionals interested in participating, reviewing the detailed category criteria, or securing attendance can visit the official darc awards website for further information and to submit their work.
