The 2026 SHN Architecture & Design Awards Are Now Accepting Nominations

The 2026 SHN Architecture & Design Awards program is designed to showcase the best buildings, campuses, communities, and renovation/repositioning projects across the following industries:

• Behavioral Health

• Hospice & Palliative Care

• Memory Care

• Senior Housing & Senior Living

• Skilled Nursing

Owners, operators, architecture and/or interior design firms with projects completed between January 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026 are eligible to apply for the SHN Architecture & Design Awards. Below are this year’s categories:

• Active Adult

• Affordable Housing

• Assisted Living

• Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) & Life Plan Community (LPC)

• CCRC/LPC Lite (no SNF component)

• Dining Innovation

• Hospice

• Independent Living

• International

• Renovation/Repositioning (Building)

• Renovation/Repositioning (Campus)

• Skilled Nursing/Post-Acute Care

• Skilled Nursing/Post-Acute Care Renovation/Repositioning

• Small Footprint

• Stand-Alone Memory Care

• Wellness: Health & Fitness

Below are the major milestones for this year’s competition:

• Nominations Open: May 1, 2026

• Early Bird Entry Deadline (Save $100 on your entry fee): August 31, 2026

• Final Entry Deadline: September 30, 2026

• Winners Announced: November 18, 2026

Early bird entries cost $575 each through August 31, 2026. Final entries will cost $675 each starting on September 1, 2026.

For more information about this year’s SHN Architecture & Design Awards program, including competition details, answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), and more, visit the SHN Architecture & Design Awards website at Still have questions? Contact the Healthcare Awards program manager at [email protected].

Jessica Longly is the Awards Program Manager. When she isn't crafting and managing the awards strategy and programs, Jessica can be found spending quality time with her family, cheering for her kids at their flag football, lacrosse and soccer games, taking her dogs on long walks, and supporting her alma mater, Indiana University. HOO-HOO-HOO-HOOSIERS!