Design that holds the power to shift perspectives. Design that lays the cornerstone for thinking tirelessly about the new and the future. Design that simply makes you stop and think. Kohler Bold Design Awards, also colloquially known as KBDA, in collaboration with creative partner ELLE DECOR India, makes a comeback with its fifth edition this year! At KBDA 2026, the conversation will shine a spotlight on innovation in new-age spaces across design, interiors and architecture for modern dwellers and the community alike.
KBDA, synonymous with the coveted Golden Pencil, stands as the defining platform for creative thinking, architecture and design. Gearing up for the biannual return after 2024, the design authority strives to continue the authentic and truly exploratory journey to design that trickles outside the box of the ordinary.
In an era of constant transformation, KBDA 2026 grounds itself as a pivotal moment, establishing credible standards with its unwavering dedication to design excellence. This year’s KBDA elevates the stage for pioneers in the field of the built environment and their visionary projects, shaping pathways for the near future. With a panel of judges from diverse meccas of expertise, KBDA assures comprehensive viewpoints and discerning evaluations, marking a significant milestone in the design landscape. Meet our eminent jury — Diana Kellogg, Mehul Shah, Narendra Dengle, Sanjay Prakash, Sonal Sancheti, Dr Vikramaditya Prakash, Wong Chiu Man and Zafar Chaudhary.
In the last edition, the Kohler Bold Design Awards 2024 received over 2,000 entries, with participation from India’s leading architects, firms, and practices. Over the four editions, entries have been screened by a jury of renowned global architects and designers such as Channa Daswatte, Tony Joseph, Brinda Somaya, Shimul Javeri Kadri, Paola Navone, Fabio Novembre, Sunita Kohli, Jimmy Lim, Rossana Hu, Benny Kuriakose, Hiren Patel, Prof. Neelkanth Chhaya, Rahul Mehrotra and Sandeep Khosla, amongst others. As KBDA 2026 prepares to create history in design yet again, we present the all-comprehensive categories. The highly anticipated ‘John Michael Kohler Lifetime Achievement Award’ honours a noteworthy name in the architecture and design industry who has contributed to the success of the country and accrued repute, internationally and within the nation. The second category, ‘Herbert Kohler Award for Innovation,’ acknowledges outstanding achievements in design that balance environmental conscience with functional aesthetics and material innovation. Participants can also find their perfect fit and share their projects under the scope of Hospitality – Hotels & Resorts, Hospitality – Restaurants & Cafes, Residential – Apartments, Residential – Cottages, Bungalows and Villas, Design for a Responsible Future, Unbuilt Concepts, Commercial, Public Institution, Retail, Community Harmony, Material & Skill Adaptation, Rebuild & Revive, Landscape Design and Young and Upcoming Talent.
KBDA is now welcoming entries from the architecture and design industry in all the categories outlined above. The clock is ticking, and the last date to submit entries is July 15, 2026.
To apply, visit: www.kbda.asia
Enquiries: kbda@kohler.com
Join the crusade at #KBDA2026 #KBDAIndia
