The Midwest Design Awards is the region’s premier program honoring excellence in design, detail, and craftsmanship. Professionals in residential and commercial building, architecture, remodeling, interior design, and landscaping have submitted their best projects for consideration and the 2026 entry period is now closed.  

An esteemed panel of judges from across the country is currently reviewing each submission. Every category will recognize first-, second-, and third-place winners, and all entries are automatically eligible for the coveted Best in Show award, presented to the project receiving the highest overall score from the anonymous judging panel. Semifinalists will be notified in September. 

Award-winning projects will be featured in the Spring 2027 issue of Midwest Design. In addition to editorial recognition for first-, second-, and third-place winners, the Best in Show recipient will receive an exclusive multipage feature story. Finalists also benefit from extensive exposure through Midwest Design’s integrated marketing efforts, reaching both its loyal consumer audience and the design professionals who rely on the publication as an industry resource.  

Join us at the Midwest Design Awards Gala on December 10 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South for an unforgettable evening of celebration featuring a cocktail reception, seated dinner, awards ceremony, and entertainment.

GALA

The evening will feature a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, awards ceremony, and lively entertainment. With last year’s gala completely sold out and the demand continuing to grow, we strongly encourage you to secure your tickets early. This is not a night you will want to miss. We look forward to celebrating with you! 

Date: Thursday, December 10, 2026  

Hours: 5:30–9:30 p.m.  

Location: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington – Minneapolis South | 7800 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55439  

Tickets: EARLY BIRD: Single Ticket: $130* | Table of Ten: $1,250  

Limited seating. Ticket price does not include processing fees. *Single ticket price increases to $140 on Nov. 2. 

Schedule of Events:

May 14, 2026: Entry Portal Opens & Kickoff Happy Hour, hosted by DWELL44 Modern Design Showroom

July 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Submission and fee deadline for all entries

Sept. 2026 Finalists notified and MDA Gala tickets on sale

Dec. 10, 2026 MDA Gala at the Double Tree Bloomington

Feb. 2027 Midwest Design magazine’s Commemorative (Spring) Issue on newsstands

 

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