The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) Duracoat Awards of Excellence 2026 brought together leading players in architecture and construction to recognize outstanding projects shaping the region’s built environment. The awards continue to serve as a key benchmark for design quality, technical execution, and multidisciplinary collaboration across Africa.
This year’s edition reflected the growing diversity of projects being delivered – from education and healthcare facilities to commercial, social impact, and student-led conceptual work. Notably, the awards also highlighted the increasing role of integrated project teams in delivering complex developments.
Below is a summary of winners and recognized projects across the various categories:
AAK Duracoat Awards of Excellence 2026 – Winners & Recognitions
| Category | Position | Project Name | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Africa (Re)Presentation Project | Winner | Nairobi Waldorf School | Urko Sanchez Architects |
| Jurors’ Choice – Honorable Mention | The Bidi Bidi Music & Arts Centre | Local Works (with Hassell, Uganda Society of Architects) | |
| Jurors’ Choice – Honorable Mention | Lodwar Referral Hospital | Habitart + Partners | |
| Best Religious / Monumental Project | Winner | Our Lady of Victoria Monastery | Local Works (with Hassell) |
| Best Interior Environment Project | Honorable Mention | Standard Chartered Bank HQ | Design Source Ltd |
| Best Empowerment & Social Equity Through Design Project | Winner | The Bidi Bidi Music & Arts Centre | Local Works (with Hassell) |
| Runner-up | Nairobi Urban Fabric Initiatives (UFI) at Kahawa Soweto Settlement | Nicholas Simwichi | |
| Best Commercial Project | Honorable Mention | Global Trade Center | Triad Architects |
| Honorable Mention | Skanem MUD (Mixed Use Development) | Boogertman + Partners | |
| Best Institutional Project | Honorable Mention | Wajir County Referral Hospital | FHG Architecture Ltd |
| Honorable Mention | Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | Design Source Ltd | |
| Honorable Mention | Lodwar Referral Hospital | Habitart + Partners | |
| Best Student Project | Winner | The Agora: An Adapted MUD (Mixed Use Development) | John Kata |
| 1st Runners-Up | Proposed Kigandaini Industrial Hub | Maria Wanjiku Gicheha | |
| 2nd Runners-Up | Mombasa Ferry Terminal | Ewing Marlon Danga | |
| Honorable Mention | Mizizi ECD Centre | Maranga Wambugu |
