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#creativeinteriorsawards

The Creative Interiors Awards are much more than a mere accolade; they represent a pinnacle of achievement in the design industry. Garnering a nomination or winning one of these awards is a testament to innovation, excellence, and leadership.

Easy to enter

The Creative Interiors Awards celebrate excellence in design, innovation, and craftsmanship across the commercial interiors industry. This prestigious event recognises the outstanding projects, products, and, importantly, the people and processes that bring these visions to reality. It highlights the collaboration, creativity, and expertise that come together to create inspiring commercial spaces.

Honouring achievements across a wide range of disciplines, the Awards showcase the very best in design, sustainability, and innovation, reflecting the industry’s commitment to excellence. By recognising every element and everyone involved in bringing exceptional interiors to life, the Creative Interiors Awards celebrate the full spectrum of talent and dedication within the sector.

The winners will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony in May 2026, held in London. Organised by the team behind the highly acclaimed Creative Retail Awards and the National Association of Shopfitters and Interior Contractors, this event promises to be a fitting tribute to the projects, products, and people driving the evolution of commercial interiors.

SIGN UP

Please provide your contact information to enable us to keep you informed about your submission and the event details.

SUBMIT

Provide a submission of up to 500 words through our easy-to-navigate online form, providing key details.

EVIDENCE

You are encouraged to upload supporting materials such as images, videos, PDFs, and social media posts.

INFORMATION

CRITERIA & PRICING

1. Eligibility – Entries must have been installed or completed between 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2025.

2. Read the category criteria carefully and refer back to this in your answer.

3. Keep to the word count (500 words).

4. Attach supporting material – Statistics, photographs, videos and testimonials.
 
5. The same project can be entered in more than one category. 

6. Entries may be moved into an alternative category if deemed more appropriate.

7. The judges and organisers’ decisions are final.

8. Where applicable, entries will be invalid without full payment prior to judging

9. Shortlisted entries will be contacted after the judging process is complete.

10. Winners will be announced at the Creative Interiors Awards.

  • Operators and Brands – Free of charge
  • SDEA Members – Free of charge 
  • NAS Members – Free of charge 
  • Suppliers – £125.00+VAT per entry into a category.

Once your entry has been completed we will send an invoice for payment.  This can be paid by card or bank transfer. Failure to pay will result in your entry being disqualified from the judging process. You can view our full terms and conditions here.

If you need advice on your entry please contact [email protected] or call SDEA on +44 (0)1883 348911

2026 CIA Categories

Products

The products category celebrates the physical elements and processes that play a crucial role in shaping outstanding interior spaces. From innovative materials to cutting-edge technology, bespoke creations, and sustainable solutions, this category highlights the contributions that elevate design and functionality in the commercial interior industry.

Bespoke Manufacture
This category celebrates unique, one-of-a-kind creations that are tailored specifically to a project’s needs. Bespoke items may include furniture, fixtures, or artistic pieces that elevate the overall design. Entries should detail the creative process behind the piece, the materials used, and how the final product enhances the project. The originality and craftsmanship of these bespoke solutions are key to their impact.
Submit your entry
Material Innovation
Material innovation focuses on the use of advanced or creative materials that enhance the aesthetics, durability, or functionality of interior spaces. This can include cutting-edge flooring solutions, innovative surface treatments, or materials that redefine the boundaries of design. Entries in this category should demonstrate how the material contributes to the overall design impact, its suitability for the intended environment, and any unique qualities that set it apart.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Lighting
Lighting is a critical element of any interior project, shaping the mood, functionality, and sustainability of a space. Entries should demonstrate exceptional design, adaptability to varied needs, and energy efficiency. Whether it’s a bespoke lighting fixture or a system integrated seamlessly into the design, the final effect, environmental impact, and ability to enhance the project’s usability will take centre stage.
Submit your entry
Sustainable
Sustainability is a vital consideration in modern interior design, and this category acknowledges products with outstanding eco-friendly credentials. Entries should highlight the ways in which the product reduces environmental impact, such as through the use of recycled materials, energy-efficient processes, or innovative waste reduction strategies. Recognised industry qualifications or certifications will underscore the product’s contribution to sustainable interiors.
Submit your entry
Technology in Manufacture or Installation
This category highlights products or processes that incorporate innovative technologies to improve manufacturing or installation. These entries should illustrate how technology has streamlined workflows, increased precision, or delivered benefits to designers, manufacturers, and installers. The emphasis is on the tangible advantages technology provides, such as reducing time, costs, or environmental impact while achieving exceptional results.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry

Projects

The projects category celebrates the exceptional spaces brought to life through the collaboration of brands, designers, manufacturers, and fitters. This category highlights the creativity, expertise, and teamwork required to transform visionary concepts into innovative and impactful environments across a diverse range of sectors.

Heritage or Conservation
Lighting is a critical element of any interior project, shaping the mood, functionality, and sustainability of a space. Entries should demonstrate exceptional design, adaptability to varied needs, and energy efficiency. Whether it’s a bespoke lighting fixture or a system integrated seamlessly into the design, the final effect, environmental impact, and ability to enhance the project’s usability will take centre stage.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Hospitality
Hospitality spaces, including hotels, restaurants, and bars, are judged on their ability to create memorable and inviting environments. Entries should showcase attention to detail, innovative use of materials, and the ability to balance comfort with luxury or functionality.
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Leisure
Leisure spaces are designed to captivate and engage users, whether for relaxation, entertainment, or activity. Projects in this category are evaluated on their ability to create immersive experiences, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal while addressing the unique requirements of their audience.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Marine
Marine interiors are assessed on their ability to balance the challenges of functionality and luxury within the constraints of a marine environment. Projects should demonstrate innovative design solutions tailored to the unique needs of marine applications, with attention to durability, space utilization, and aesthetics. Entries should also consider material weight as a critical factor, ensuring choices contribute to both the structural efficiency and overall performance of the design within the marine context.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Public Sector & Cultural
These projects serve the public, often encompassing museums, libraries, or community centres. Entries should illustrate how the design meets the needs of diverse users, enhances accessibility, and integrates creativity to elevate the cultural or functional impact of the space.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Retail
Retail projects must offer a seamless blend of functionality and design, creating spaces that entice customers while promoting the brand’s ethos. Projects are assessed on creativity, spatial planning, and how the design enhances both the customer journey and the commercial objectives of the business.
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Showroom
Showrooms serve as a brand’s physical showcase, blending practicality with eye-catching design. While some showrooms may have a transactional retail component, others are designed primarily to inspire, inform, or immerse visitors in the brand experience without direct sales taking place on-site. Entries should demonstrate innovative layouts, thoughtful material choices, and how the space elevates the product, service, or overall brand narrative. Highlight the project’s ability to connect with its target audience, enhance the brand identity, and deliver a memorable and impactful experience.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Small Project (under £250,000)
This category focuses on smaller-scale projects that achieve outstanding results with limited budgets. Entries should highlight how creative solutions, innovative materials, or clever design choices maximised impact and delivered exceptional value within the budget constraints.
Submit your entry
Sustainable
Sustainability is a vital consideration in modern interior design, and this category acknowledges products with outstanding eco-friendly credentials. Entries should highlight the ways in which the product reduces environmental impact, such as through the use of recycled materials, energy-efficient processes, or innovative waste reduction strategies. Recognised industry qualifications or certifications will underscore the product’s contribution to sustainable interiors.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Workspace
Workspaces are judged on their ability to inspire productivity and well-being. Successful projects will prioritise ergonomics, flexibility, and inclusivity while incorporating design elements that foster collaboration and innovation. Considerations include how the space adapts to modern working needs and enhances user experience.
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Submit your entry
Submit your entry

People

The People category celebrates the talent and dedication of individuals who drive the commercial interiors industry forward. From emerging young professionals to experienced leaders, this category recognises the contributions of those who inspire, innovate, and elevate the standards of the field. Nominations are FREE of charge.

Young Trailblazer of the Year (Under 30)
This Award celebrates emerging talent under the age of 30 who are making significant contributions to the industry. Recognising creativity, innovation, and dedication, it highlights the individual’s impact and potential to shape the future of commercial interiors.
Submit Your Entry
Trailblazer of the Year 2025
This category honours an individual who is driving change and innovation in the industry. It recognises their ability to challenge conventions, push boundaries, and lead with vision, leaving a lasting impact on projects and colleagues alike.
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Outstanding Contribution to the Industry
Reserved for those whose career achievements have significantly shaped the commercial interiors industry; this award pays tribute to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication throughout their professional journey.
Submit Your Entry

Overall

The Overall Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement at the Creative Interiors Awards, celebrating the most outstanding contributions to the commercial interiors industry. These categories recognise projects and collaborations that exemplify excellence, creativity, and innovation, setting new benchmarks for the sector.

Design Collaboration of the Year
Collaboration is at the heart of creating truly extraordinary projects, and this category celebrates the exceptional teamwork that transforms ideas into reality. It honours the collective effort of brands, designers, manufacturers, and fitters, showcasing how their combined expertise and vision result in projects that push boundaries and deliver outstanding outcomes. Entries should highlight the synergy between all players involved, detailing how effective communication, problem-solving, and shared creativity have overcome challenges and brought the design to life. This award recognises the power of collaboration in achieving innovative and impactful results that stand out in the commercial interiors industry.
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Creative Interiors Awards Project of the Year
The Creative Interiors Awards Project of the Year represents the pinnacle of achievement. Selected from the winning entries in the Projects category, this ultimate accolade recognises the project which stands above the rest, embodying innovation, design excellence, and transformative impact; a Project which not only captures the judges’ admiration but also sets a new benchmark for the industry. From bold creativity and meticulous execution to its ability to inspire and redefine the possibilities of interior design, this Award recognises a singular achievement which epitomises the Creative Interiors Awards ethos.
Submit Your Entry