Switzerland – The LIT Lighting Design Awards have announced the opening of submissions for the 2026 edition, inviting lighting designers, studios, manufacturers, students, and creative visionaries worldwide to enter their most compelling work. With a 10% Early Bird discount available until April 30th, 2026, this year marks another exciting chapter in celebrating excellence across architectural and entertainment lighting, as well as product and student design.

The 2025 edition demonstrated the remarkable creativity and reach of contemporary lighting design, with more than 1,000 entries submitted from 62 countries. The Architectural Lighting Design of the Year was awarded to Memorial Brumadinho by Atiaîa Lighting Design in Brazil, a deeply reflective project honouring collective memory. Entertainment Lighting Design of the Year went to Arc ZERO: Eclipse by Studio JT in South Korea, an atmospheric installation that captivated audiences with its spatial composition and immersion. The Lighting Product Design of the Year recognised Amphora by One to One by Martin Döller, a handcrafted modular bronze chandelier celebrating materiality and craftsmanship. 

In 2026, entries will be reviewed by an international jury panel composed of leading designers, educators, creative directors, and editors whose work shapes the present and future of lighting. The jury includes Clint Dulieu (Australia), Zach Blane (United States), Jan Goderis (Belgium), David Bishop (United Kingdom), Martin Döller (South Africa), and Tupac Martir (United Kingdom). They are joined by industry voices such as Florence Lam (United Kingdom), Kasper Hammer (Denmark), Claudia Paz (Peru), Andrea Siniscalco (Italy), Sooner Routhier (United States), Orlando Marques (Brazil), Sophya Acosta (Spain), and Roland Greil (Germany). The panel is further strengthened by respected editors and thought leaders including Bahare Yaghar Knowles (United Arab Emirates), Cosmo Wilson (United States), Thiago Gaya (Brazil), John (Randy) Reid (United States), Esther Torelló (Spain), Amit Gupta (India), Sally Storey (United Kingdom), Mary Rushton-Beales (United Kingdom), Annamaria Lambri (United Arab Emirates), and John Bullock (United Kingdom).

"As we open submissions for 2026, we're looking forward to discovering the ideas that will illuminate the year ahead," said Astrid Hébert, Director of the LIT Lighting Design Awards. "Every edition shows us that light has the power to transform communities, emotions, and spaces. We're honoured to welcome such an extraordinary group of jurors who share our passion for celebrating the people shaping the future of lighting design."

For this edition, the LIT Lighting Design Awards will host a grand awards ceremony in early summer 2026,  bringing together winners, jurors, partners, and leading voices from across the design community. This long-awaited gathering will offer a stage for celebrated designers to connect, exchange ideas, and honour the projects shaping the global lighting conversation.

The LIT Lighting Design Awards were established to celebrate excellence in lighting design and lighting product design, offering winners international recognition through global media exposure, digital features, and publication in the annual LIT Winners Book. The program continues to champion both established professionals and emerging talents whose work enriches the culture and practice of lighting design. Submissions for the 2026 edition are now open, with the Early Bird discount available until April 30th, 2026.