The biennial event is being held as part of the Melbourne Design Week program.
Mayor Alex Makin said City of Port Phillip presents the awards to showcase and recognise innovative and imaginative designs which add to the City's diverse and distinctive streets and spaces.
"Great design deserves to be recognised. Whether it's visual appeal, clever use of space or creating something innovative while respecting a home's heritage, we want to showcase these examples of what makes our City special and liveable," Cr Makin said.
Nominations open late January for the 2026 awards, which are free for architects and building designers to enter.
The categories are:
- small scale
- residential new build - one to two dwellings
- residential alteration or addition - one to two dwellings
- residential - three or more dwellings
- mixed use
- non-residential.
Every submission will also be automatically considered for jury awards for excellence in urban design, sustainability, heritage and cultural and community benefit.
Previous winners include the Ferrars & York development in South Melbourne by Six Degrees Architects and Hip V. Hype. Built on a challenging site, the carbon-neutral building incorporates communal and commercial spaces to foster a sense of community.
The awards culminate with a presentation ceremony at St Kilda Town Hall on Thursday 21 May.
