Inspire Future Generations Awards 2026
2026 Entries opening 4th June (preview categories here)
#ifgawards2026
Across the UK and beyond, design and development processes are involving children and young people in shaping places.
If you shape places and involve young people in decisions — these awards are for you.
Projects where children and young people contribute to shaping places — from early engagement through to involvement in live decisions.
Start your entry→ Choose a category
Not sure where your project fits? → Use our quick guide below.
What we recognise
We recognise projects where children and young people contribute to shaping the built environment.
This includes work at different stages — from early engagement to direct involvement in live decisions. What matters is what changes as a result.
We are particularly interested in:
how young people contribute to decisions
what difference that involvement makes
how this shapes design, use or long-term outcomes
This might include:
shaping design ideas or proposals
identifying priorities that shape a project
contributing to how a space is used or experienced
informing how work is carried out over time
Emerging practice
Not all impactful work results in immediate change. We also recognise emerging practice where there is:
a strong and thoughtful approach
clear intent and direction
credible potential to shape future decisions
Who can apply
Submissions are welcome from those shaping the built environment, including:
architects, urban designers, landscape architects, engineers,, developers and local authorities
organisations and not-for-profits
clients, commissioners and multidisciplinary teams
Projects may vary in scale, context and stage — from early exploration to established practice.
PROJECT SECTION
Recognising how projects enable children and young people to shape place.
Climate Change
Shaping identity and meaning in place todayCulture
Shaping identity and meaning in place todayRegeneration
Shaping the design and development of placesStrategic Vision
Shaping policy and long-term approaches to placeCommunity
Skills development
Building skills and capacity to shape placeBuilding skills and agency to shape placeDevelopment Company / Estate
Strengthening connection and participation in place Healthy Spaces
Improving everyday experience of placeHeritage
Connecting past and future through placeResearch & Materials
Creating tools and knowledge that shape practice