Design News Now Announces Inaugural Designing What’s Next Awards

New awards program celebrates visionary interiors at their most essential stage—the idea—and gives designers the opportunity to win a $5,000 Best in Show prize.

Design News Now today announced the launch of its first annual Designing What’s Next Awards, a new program recognizing the digital concepts, creative thinking and visionary interiors shaping the future of design.

Created in partnership with Las Vegas World Market/ANDMORE and sponsored by Bread Financial, the awards put the focus where great design begins: the idea. Rather than emphasizing project budget, completion status or access to professional photography, Designing What’s Next evaluates each entry on the originality of its concept and the designer’s ability to translate that vision into a fully realized environment.

Designers may submit conceptual work, client proposals, unbuilt projects or recently completed spaces presented digitally. Professional project photography is not required, creating a more level playing field where bold ideas can compete on their own merit.

Residential categories include living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, small spaces, outdoor spaces and offices or libraries. Commercial categories recognize hospitality and healthcare or wellness environments. One category winner will also receive the program’s top honor: a $5,000 Best in Show award.

Entries must include three to six digital renderings, a mood board, a design concept narrative of up to 300 words, and product and material specifications. Floor plans are optional but encouraged.

Entries open Sept. 2 and must be submitted by midnight Dec. 1, 2026. Finalists will be announced Jan. 7, 2027, with the awards ceremony taking place during the January 2027 Las Vegas Market in the WorldView ballroom on the 16th floor of Building B.

Because the future of design doesn’t begin with the installation—or the photograph. It begins with an idea.

Learn more and apply here.