The Hotel Designer Awards 2026 is an international ideas competition promoted by Teamwork Hospitality as part of the thirteenth edition of Hospitality Day.
Dedicated to the "New Generation Under 40," the award aims to boost the creativity, research, and design vision of young professionals in the hospitality industry by rewarding original and bold concepts capable of shaping future models of the sector.
Unlike traditional awards for completed works, this competition focuses exclusively on conceptual and original ideas.
The 2026 theme, "The hotel room of the future: comfort, identity and sustainability in 36 m²," challenges participants to design a functional 9x4 m space that balances guest well-being with environmental responsibility, aesthetic storytelling, and technological integration.
Entrants must submit their proposal within one of ten specialized categories:
Luxury Experience Room,
Sustainability & Nature Room,
Smart & Tech Room,
Accessible Room,
Wellness Room,
Urban Living Room,
Concept/Storytelling Room,
Emotional/Sensorial Room,
Outdoor Experience Room,
or Pet-Friendly Room.
Submissions will be evaluated by a prestigious jury of experts including
Elisabetta Fabri (Starhotels Group)
Sara Digiesi (BWH Hotels Italy & South-East Europe)
Cristina Paini (UHM Hotel Management Company)
Chiara Boni (Fashion Designer)
Laura F. Verdi (WE:LL Magazine)
Donatella Bollani (Sustainability Consultant)
Mia Pizzi (Planet Design)
Roberta Battocchio (Hearst Global Design)
Giovanna Manzi (HNH Hospitality)
Giorgio Marchegiani (UNA Italian Hospitality)
Alan Mantin (Hilton)
Gianleo Bosticco (Marriott International)
Marco Gilardi (Minor Hotel Group)
Mauro Vinci (Radisson Hotel Group)
Francesco Scullica (Polytechnic of Milan)
Mauro Santinato (Teamwork)
Nicola Delvecchio (Teamwork)
The jury will select the Hotel Designer of the Year 2026 and winners for each thematic category, all of whom will receive one year of free access to all Teamwork events.
The 30 finalist projects will be officially exhibited and presented to professionals during Hospitality Day on October 13, 2026, in Rimini, and will receive visibility through official digital channels and dedicated publications.
Registration is currently open and is free of charge for architects and designers under 40.
awards and benefits
-hotel designer of the year 2026 title: the highest recognition of the competition, officially positioning you as the leading emerging talent in the international hospitality design scene.
-live exhibition at hospitality day: the 30 finalist projects will be featured in a dedicated showcase on october 13, 2026, in rimini, gaining massive exposure to thousands of hotel owners, investors, and industry stakeholders.
-direct networking with global brands: an exclusive opportunity to get your work in front of a jury representing world-class hospitality leaders such as hilton, marriott international, radisson hotel group, and starhotels.
-editorial and digital exposure: global visibility through official digital platforms and inclusion in a dedicated publication featuring the best under-40 talents, distributed to key players in the industry.
-exclusive annual membership: one year of free access to all teamwork hospitality training events and networking seminars, providing continuous professional growth and industry connections.
-official trophy and certificate: a physical and digital award for your portfolio, certifying your project’s excellence to clients and international firms.
why it matters
this award isn't just a trophy; it’s a career accelerator. it transforms your vision into a recognized professional asset, putting your talent directly in the spotlight of the people who are shaping the future of global travel.
