Introduced in 2019, AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence “represents the defining principles of good design in the 21st century. Comprised of 10 principles and accompanied by searching questions, the Framework seeks to inform progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment. These are to be thoughtfully considered by designer and client at the initiation of every project and incorporated into the work as appropriate to the project scope. The Framework is intended to be accessible and relevant for every architect, every client, and every project, regardless of size, typology, or aspiration.”

Since AIA Rochester integrated the Framework into the Design Awards in 2020, we have been pleased to recognize that our entrants regularly incorporate these measures during the design process to create good architecture. 

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Each entry in the 2025 Design Awards is required to illustrate how it incorporates a minimum of three Framework measures. 

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The ten measures in the Framework are:

Design for Integration: Good design elevates any project, no matter how small, with a thoughtful process that delivers both beauty and function in balance. It is the element that binds all the principles together with a big idea. 

Design for Equitable Communities: Design solutions affect more than the client and current occupants. Good design positively impacts the future by helping communities thrive—socially, economically, and environmentally.

Design for Ecosystems: Good design mutually benefits human and nonhuman inhabitants. What we design has a direct impact on the ecosystems in and around the site. Understanding the site dynamics will allow us to be more conscious of our impacts. 

Design for Water: Good design conserves and improves the quality of water as a precious resource.

Design for Economy: Good design adds economic value for owners, occupants, the community, and the planet—regardless of the project size and budget.

Design for Energy: Good design reduces energy use and eliminates dependence on fossil fuels while improving building performance, function, comfort, and enjoyment.

Design for Well-being: Good design supports health and well-being for all people—considering physical, mental, and emotional effects on building occupants and the surrounding community.

Design for Resources: Good design depends on informed material and resource selection—balancing priorities to achieve durable, safe, and healthy projects with an equitable, sustainable supply chain to minimize possible negative impacts on the planet.

 Design for Change: Good design is adaptable, resilient, and flexible to change over time—reducing the building’s risk and vulnerability and enhancing its usability, functionality, and value.

Design for Discovery: Every design project presents a unique opportunity to apply lessons learned from previous projects and discover new information to refine the design and construction process.