The ADA Awards have been spotlighting Pakistan’s creative industry — architecture, design, and art —since 2018. As the country’s premier platform recognizing excellence in these fields, the awards celebrate innovative and socially impactful projects that push creative boundaries while reflecting Pakistan’s rich cultural and environmental ethos.
Over the years, the ADA Awards have not only provided well-deserved recognition to architects, designers, and artists but have also cultivated a space for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas. With categories that highlight sustainability, social responsibility, and creative excellence, the awards continue to set new benchmarks, reinforcing Pakistan’s presence in the global creative landscape, said a statement issued on Friday.
The ADA Awards continue to uphold their commitment to excellence by bringing together a stellar jury of internationally renowned experts for their fourth cycle (2024-25). Enriched by some of the most esteemed names in architecture, design, and art, this distinguished panel ensures a global standard of evaluation, recognizing projects that push boundaries and create meaningful impact.
The international jury comprises of George Arbid, Dr. Venetia Porter, Dr. Frederick Van Amstel, Hammad Nasar, Dr. Mazdak Faiznia, Yahya Jan, Saifuddin Ahmed, Shehnaz Ismail, Herve Matine, Ghayoor Obaid and Daliana Suryawinata joining from Middle East, Iran, Singapore, Malaysia, UK, UAE, USA and Pakistan.
The ADA Awards is an intensive process, starting from submissions, short-listing and jury proceedings, culminating in the award night. The fourth cycle 2024-25 celebrations is a three-day event culminating in a grand celebration in Lahore on 12th Feb 2025. The venue and the winners are under embargo till the gala night itself.
What has been revealed is that apart from the category winners in the discipline of architecture, design and art the two distinctive awards of Environment Leadership and Socially Responsive will be the highlight as this cycles includes laureates in these special awards. ADA as an organisation is excited and proud of the laureates of these two awards in the fourth cycle.
The Founding Director Maria Aslam states: “Environment Leadership is not just about making changes—it’s about leading the change. It is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to join hands in creating a sustainable and resilient world. Social responsibility is not just a choice; it is a necessity. This award shines a light on those who lead with purpose, demonstrating that a commitment to society’s betterment is both a moral imperative and a transformative force for the future.”
The inclusion of Environmental Leadership and Socially Responsive awards underscores ADA’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and socially conscious creative community. These special awards highlight the importance of responsible design that positively impacts society and the environment.
The ADA Awards’ Special Awards celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to creating a better world. This includes architects, designers, and artists whose work transcends aesthetics, making tangible impacts on societal well-being. Projects and initiatives recognized under this category inspire others to integrate social consciousness and environmental responsibility into their practices, encouraging a broader culture of responsibility and compassion.
The gala night is a creative and cultural phenomenon, with crème de la crème audience comprising of government personalities, ambassadors, consul generals, corporate sectors, creative fraternity, media personnel and celebrities joined by the participants who courageously entered the submission process.
The seminar preceding the gala night is an enlightening conversation comprising of the exceptional jury of ADA Awards Fourth Cycle from various parts of the world. The seminar theme “BY DESIGN” is powerful, emphasizing intentionality and impact in addressing key societal and environmental challenges.
The pursuit of excellence in the creative industry specific to architecture, design and art is an ongoing journey marked by innovation, passion, and a relentless commitment to pushing boundaries. It requires a deep understanding of cultural nuances, a keen eye for emerging trends, and the courage to challenge conventional norms. Excellence in this field is not just about producing visually or conceptually stunning work; it is about crafting narratives that resonate, inspire, and leave an enduring impact. Whether in architecture, design, art, or media, it involves blending technical mastery with artistic vision to create works that are both meaningful and transformative.
ADA’s visionary and non-partisan approach has positioned it as a pioneering platform that not only recognizes creative excellence but also elevates Pakistan’s global image in the fields of architecture, design, and art. By fostering an inclusive and merit-based space, ADA has ensured that talent from all corners of Pakistan and beyond and gets the recognition it deserves.
