Following the phenomenal success of its 2024 edition at the Zeitz MOCAA, the Scape Awards of Excellence returns in 2025 — reimagined, re-energised, and ready to honour the most exceptional architectural and design work from around the world.
Founded by Scape Magazine — South Africa’s leading independent voice in architecture and design — the Awards are a bold and meticulous celebration of projects that challenge norms, shape culture, and elevate the built environment with meaning and flair.
This year, we’re thrilled to announce that entries are now open to your firm for two of the most anticipated categories, both of which international firms are uniquely suited for:
Global Hospitality Build of the Year
Recognising showstopper projects completed from 1 June 2022 to 1 January 2025.
African Build of the Year
Honouring built projects located on the African continent that reflect innovation, cultural nuance, and bold architectural vision.
This is the nudge you’ve been waiting for — whether your studio has already gained recognition through international awards programmes, or you’ve been waiting for the perfect platform to debut your most inspired work.
Why Scape?
The Scape Awards of Excellence was created not just to reward, but to reframe what design recognition can mean. With a globally respected jury, an emphasis on rigour, and a deep editorial lens, we celebrate design that’s not just beautiful, but impactful.
Shortlisted projects will be published in a hardcopy Shortlist Edition, distributed to key industry leaders, media, and developers. In addition, a dedicated Winners Issue will be produced — a collector’s edition showcasing the most influential design work of the year.
Beyond the honour of being reviewed by an international jury of 65 industry icons, there are other benefits: the Awards bring global perspective, credibility, and visibility to your work.
To find out more, click here to download the Category and Criteria.
The Mount Nelson Crowning
Shortlisted studios will be invited to Cape Town — one of the world’s most dynamic creative cities — for an unforgettable Awards Night at the iconic Mount Nelson Hotel, a historic 5-star estate nestled at the foot of Table Mountain. The setting reminds us – Scape, our event partners Infinity Surfaces and Oggie Hardwood Flooring, as well as the leading architects and designers of our time – to nurture our legacy.
This is more than a ceremony. It’s a curated convergence of global talent, immersive celebration, and deep connection — a vibrant exploration of architecture and design at its most visionary.
Should you wish to submit your work, our Awards team is on hand to guide you personally through the process.
Learn more at: www.scapemagazine.co.za/awards
Or download the Scape Awards App: [CLICK ME]
Let’s put your work on the world stage — in a city, a setting, and a ceremony that will do it justice.
Warmly,
The Scape Awards Team
