The 2016 Architizer A+ Awards

May 2016. New York City, Highline Stages

​Now in its fourth year, The Architizer A+Awards are the definitive global architectural award program with more than 100 categories and over 300 judges. The gala event in New York City is the signature architectural event during the city’s design week, NYCxDesign, and falls just before the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF). Comprising diverse and innovative global projects from starchitects to emerging firms, this year’s winners represent the best new architecture, interiors, and products from across the globe. For the second year in a row, Empire was at the helm to ensure this event was a success.

The ceremony was hosted again with charisma and charm by John Gidding from HGTV's "Curb Appeal: The Block", and kicked off with a phenomenal and impassioned speech about the Architecture industry by Architizer CEO Marc Kushner. “The A+ gala is more than just a party. It represents a moment for us to stand up and champion our art, recognizing the transformational role that architecture plays in our lives,” says Architizer CEO Marc Kushner.” This year we are expanding the fame, creating an even wider set of categories, celebrating the buildings and structures that impact our world, as well as the products and material used to create them.” Over 500 luminaries from the world of architecture and design entered the industrial-style space to a red carpet and step & repeat, where event sponsor MINI showed off one of its spectacular new models. Guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres by Cloud Catering while enjoying the ambient music played by DJ Javier Peral.

Attendees also enjoyed watching an extraordinary demonstration of the artistry of a watchmaker from partners Audemars Piguet, sipped on cocktails at a customized Sunbrella designed bar, and saw contest-winning architectural designs, all created in LEGO.

This year's biggest winner was Studio Gang, which was named Firm of the Year, and other special achievement awards were presented to Penda, Paul Goldberger, and Samsung, among others. A moving tribute to the late and brilliant architect Zaha Hadid was the highlight of the night and all were inspired by her legacy.

Empire is a premier producer of some of the world's most prestigious award ceremonies, including The Webby Awards, The Fragrance Foundation Awards, and was honored to be chosen as Architizer's production partner for the 2016 Architizer A+Awards.