Special Spotlight

Unveiling the editors’ picks of AN’s 2023 Best of Design Awards

After rounds and rounds of discussion, review, and revision by a jury of esteemed voices in architecture and design, the results of AN’s 2023 Best of Design Awards are in.

AN’s Best of Design Awards honor outstanding built and unbuilt architectural projects across a diversity of categories and typologies. 2023 set a new record for the highest level of submissions for this program, reflected in the volume of runner ups. Of the 46 editors’ picks this year, 39 projects were based in the U.S. while six were international, including submissions from the United Arab Emirates, Australia, and Mexico. While one category, Social Impact, is specifically dedicated to the public good, many of these projects take this into consideration, as well. A number of projects spotlight Indigenous artists and practices; others seek to nurture Harlem’s young minds, advance the efficient and sustainable movement of goods in New York, and cleanse the air and reinforce climate resiliency through landscape design.

Ahead of the coming announcements for honorable mentions, winners, and project of the year this week—and before the upcoming Best of 2023 Issue that gathers all of AN’s awards winners and finalists—the following are 2023’s Best of Design Awards editors’ picks.