Our WL Design 25 Awards are intended to celebrate projects and the design firms behind them. Each year we’ll celebrate 25 of the best new designs in Western Canada in our March/April issue—and we can’t wait to see what you’ve got!

Questions about the how/why/when of it all? Read on!

Frequently Asked Questions: WL Design 25

Who can enter the WL Design 25?

Any designer based in Western Canada (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba) may enter the WL Design 25 competition. With categories for both product and interior spaces, designers in a variety of disciplines are welcome to submit.

What does it cost to enter the WL Design 25?

You may enter up to five (5) projects on one form. Each project will be judged individually.

• Early Bird Entry Fee (payable upon submission), August 11 to September 7: $150 (plus tax)
• Standard Entry Fee, September 8 to September 30: $175 (plus tax)
• Late Entry Fee, October 1 to October 7: $225 (plus tax)

How many entries can I submit to the WL Design 25?

As many as you like! If you’d like to enter more than five projects, you’ll need to start a new form and pay a new entry fee. Early bird pricing starts at $150 (until September 7), standard deadline pricing is $175 (until September 30) and if you need to submit late, it’s $225 until October 7.

How will entries be judged?

Each entrant will be judged according to the following criteria:

• Form: Is the design aesthetically attractive, design-forward, elegantly crafted, well executed, poetic? Are there moments of delight, pause for thought, beauty in the execution?
• Function: Does the space or product work the way it is intended? Is it practical, well thought out in its execution? Is it ultimately successful? (selection, quality and combination of materials; unique techniques and processes; technical proficiency)
• Innovation: How innovative is the design? (Fresh, forward-thinking design; unique niche in the field or market; solves problems creatively)
• Sustainability: What is the origin story of the materials sourced? Is it designed to last?

What kind of rooms can be entered into the WL Design 25?

If it’s a room in a home, you can enter it! For example: kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, entryways—even walk-in closets!—and so forth.

We also are accepting great hospitality spaces, such as restaurants, hotels and spas.

What kind of products can be entered into the WL Design 25?

If it’s a piece of home decor or furniture that’s designed in Western Canada, we want to see it—whether that’s a great nightstand or a beautiful piece of dinnerware. If it’s designed to help us live better in our homes, please submit!

How old can a project be to be eligible WL Design 25?

Projects must have been completed within the last four years.

How many awards will be given out?

Twenty-five! A combined total, that is—whether it’s a room or a product, the total number of awards given out will be 25.

When is the deadline to enter?

• Early Bird Deadline September 7: $150 (plus tax)
• Deadline September 30: $175 (plus tax)
• Late Deadline, October 1 to October 7: $225 (plus tax)

DEADLINE WILL NOT BE EXTENDED PAST OCTOBER 7!

Are projects or products that are built or manufactured elsewhere eligible?

Yes, as long as the designer/design firm are based out of Western Canada (B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba).

Are prototypes or renderings eligible for entry?

No, sorry! Only completed projects.

Can I enter a room or project I’ve entered previously?

We get it—the competition will be very different ever year, and there were many, many finalists who were incredibly impressive that didn’t make it to the final 25. If the project hasn’t already won a WL Design 25 Award, it can be entered again.

When will winners be notified?

Winners will appear in the March/April 2026 issue of Western Living, and here online at westernliving.ca.

How do I enter the WL Design 25 competition?

Fill out either the Product Entry Form or the Room Entry Form. That’s it!

Help! I’m having trouble with the form!

Drop us a line at [email protected]

I’ve got a question that isn’t answered here…

Drop us a line at [email protected]

Ready to enter? Head to our entry forms now! You’ll want to fill out a separate form for each project you enter.

• Product Competition entry form
• Room competition entry form