Competition Timeline and Forms

Thank you for your interest in the 2026 SEFA Lab of the Year® Competition. This program recognizes innovation in design - excellence in execution and environmental stewardship.

• ENTRY DEADLINE –Friday,  August 1, 2026 •
(Midnight Hawaii Standard Time (HST)

Eligible entries are projects that are substantially completed and operational after January 1, 2023 and provided the project has not previously received any recognition from SEFA’s Panel of Judges. 

Please note -- Projects previously submitted for consideration that have not received an award from our Judges may be re-submitted as long as they fall within the above timeline for substantial completion and operation.  Further, the Judging panel changes from year-to-year so the project would receive a fresh look with no bias.

  • Mid-August Judging Panel announced and given access to all entries;
  • Mid to Late September – Judges Meeting and deliberations;
  • November 12, 2026 – Presentations and Awards Ceremony at SEFA Annual Conference

• SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE •

  • You do not need to be a SEFA Member to be eligible to win an award in this competition.
  • Attendance at our Annual Meeting is not required in order to receive an award. 

If you have any questions please contact the SEFA offices by phone 516.294.5424 or email [email protected].

Below are links to documents which we believe will provide you with the necessary guidance to put together a winning submission.  We recommend that you take the time to review them and make use of the checklist before submitting your entry.

SEFA Lab of the Year® Rules
Sample Submission
Photographer's Release Form
Online Entry Form

SEFA is proud to continue its efforts to build on the successful history with the Lab of the Year Program. These efforts have been a vital element in creating greater awareness of this Award with the resultant growth of project submissions and increased international interest in the program. Through our diverse membership and global alliances we expect the SEFA Lab of the Year® to continue to its rich history as the industry's most prestigious award for lab design.

Good Luck with your submission!