SHILLONG: Shillong is set to become the centre of architectural excellence as the prestigious 35th JK Architect of the Year (AYA) Awards kicks off its Jury Meeting and Entries Exhibition on March 13 and 14, 2026. Organised by JK Cement Ltd., the two-day event will bring together some of the finest minds in architecture from India and abroad.
The event, to be held in the picturesque hill city often referred to as the “Scotland of the East,” promises a vibrant celebration of innovation, creativity, and design excellence. The Entries Exhibition will showcase a diverse range of architectural marvels competing across 13 distinguished award categories.
It may be noted that this event comes at a significant time for Meghalaya, as its indigenous architectural heritage—particularly the iconic Living Root Bridges—continues to gain national and international recognition. The Government of India had recently submitted a nomination dossier to UNESCO seeking World Heritage status for the Living Root Bridges of Meghalaya. Adding to this moment of pride, Hally War, a guardian and one of the traditional architects behind these remarkable bio-engineered structures, has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri Award, further spotlighting the global relevance of Meghalaya’s unique architectural legacy.
Architecture students from nearby colleges will get an exclusive opportunity to witness groundbreaking projects and interact with industry leaders, offering them valuable exposure to contemporary design trends and professional standards.
Eminent architects from across the country and various international locations will convene in Shillong to evaluate the entries. The jury deliberations are expected to involve in-depth discussions and dynamic exchanges of ideas, reflecting the diversity and depth of talent within the architectural fraternity.
The event will culminate in the much-anticipated Winners’ Announcement Ceremony on March 14. The ceremony is expected to be attended by government officials, local architects, and stalwarts from the construction industry, adding regional significance to the national-level awards.
Expressing enthusiasm about hosting the event in Shillong, Mr. Rana Pratap Singh, Administrator of JK AYA, said the platform not only recognises exemplary architectural achievements but also fosters collaboration and inspiration within the industry. He noted that the organisers look forward to welcoming participants and attendees for what promises to be a memorable occasion.
The 35th JK Architect of the Year Awards is poised to be a landmark event in the architecture calendar, spotlighting innovation while encouraging the next generation of architects to thrive on a national stage.
