World Luxury Residence Design Awards

About the World Luxury Residence Design Awards (WLRA)

World Luxury Residence Design Awards (WLRA) is an international awards program based in London, recognizing excellence in luxury residences and high-end living environments worldwide. Founded by renowned New Zealand designer Bruce, WLRA celebrates projects that elevate how people live, feel, and experience space at the highest level.

WLRA honours more than size and cost. We recognize work that demonstrates architectural integrity, spatial innovation, lifestyle insight, craftsmanship, sustainability, and long-term value—from coastal villas and urban penthouses to private estates, boutique apartments, and cultural or mixed-use residences with a strong residential component.

Global Reach and Participants

WLRA welcomes submissions from a wide range of regions and practices, including:

• Europe — leading studios from the UK, France, Italy, Spain, and the Nordic countries

• Australasia — luxury residential and coastal specialists from Australia and New Zealand

• Greater China & Asia Pacific — design institutes, central SOE engineering groups, and boutique studios

• North America — award-winning architects and interior designers from the United States and Canada

This diversity supports WLRA’s role as both a recognition system and a global dialogue on the future of luxury living.

Representative Work
Among past submissions, an iconic library project by China Railway Henan Engineering Group has been noted by the WLRA jury for its integration of cultural symbolism, structural innovation, and refined spatial experience—reflecting the growing international influence of Chinese design.

Philosophy and Core Criteria

WLRA is built on one belief:

“True luxury is where architecture, landscape, and human life become one coherent experience.”

Projects are evaluated across core dimensions:

1) Context & Site Response

Respect for topography, views, climate, privacy, and local cultural/urban fabric.

2) Architectural & Spatial Innovation

Clarity of concept, proportion, circulation, volumetric composition, and the integration of structure and form.

3) Lifestyle Integration

How well the design supports real life: work, rest, family, entertaining, and retreat.

4) Craftsmanship & Technical Quality

Detailing, material selection, light and acoustics, smart systems integration, and build quality.

5) Sustainability & Long-Term Value

Energy performance, durability, maintainability, and contribution to long-term asset value.

Mission and Vision

WLRA provides:

• For designers and studios — an independent global platform for visibility, recognition, and documentation

• For developers and builders — a quality benchmark and a branding asset that supports premium positioning

• For homeowners and investors — a reference for understanding world-class residential design standards

WLRA’s vision is to become the most respected global awards platform dedicated to luxury residences and high-end human living environments.

Regional Programs and Future Development

Based in London, WLRA coordinates a growing network of regional programs and themed editions, including (but not limited to):

• Australia & Oceania

• Greater China & Asia Pacific

• Europe & Middle East

• North America

Regional winners may be considered for global honours, ensuring both local character and global excellence are recognized.

Commitment

WLRA is committed to:

• Independence and professional integrity in all judging processes

• Transparent criteria and clearly defined categories

• Respect for intellectual property and original design work

• Long-term archival of outstanding projects through publications, exhibitions, and digital media

Founder’s Message — Bruce

When I first envisioned the World Luxury Residence Design Awards, I was not thinking only about “luxury” in the conventional sense. I was thinking about how people truly live—how architecture can quietly support daily rituals, relationships, memories, and dreams.

Luxury is not a price tag. It is the freedom to feel at ease in space: waking to natural light, moving through rooms that feel intuitive, enjoying privacy without losing connection to the world outside. It is where structure, material, light, and landscape come together in a way that feels both inevitable and unforgettable.

WLRA was created to honour the people and teams who dedicate themselves to this level of thinking and making. Our entrants and winners come from many cultures and markets—yet share one trait: deep respect for both design and the lives that design will hold.

I invite architects, interior designers, landscape designers, engineers, developers, and visionaries worldwide to join us. Through WLRA, may your work be seen, your ideas shared, and your commitment to excellence recognized on a truly international stage.

Honours System

WLRA operates a tiered honours structure to recognize excellence across different scales and contexts:

WLRA Grand Prix — World Luxury Residence of the Year

The highest distinction, awarded to one project that best embodies the WLRA values within a given cycle.

Gold Awards — Category Winners

Awarded to the top project in each main category, such as:

• Best Luxury House / Villa

• Best Luxury Multi-Residential / Apartment

• Best Coastal or Waterfront Residence

• Best Mountain / Countryside Residence

• Best Urban Penthouse or City Residence

• Best Cultural or Hybrid Residential Landmark

Silver Awards — Outstanding Projects

Recognizing projects of exceptional quality and innovation among the highest-scoring entries.

Excellence Certificates — Shortlisted Projects

Granted to shortlisted entries that meet WLRA standards and contribute meaningfully to the discourse on luxury living.

Special Awards

• Sustainability & Future Living Award

• Craftsmanship & Detail Award

• Innovation in Structure & Technology Award

• Emerging Designer / Young Talent Award

Regional Honours

Where applicable, WLRA recognizes Regional Best Projects (e.g., Australia & Oceania, Europe, Greater China, North America).

All awarded projects receive official certificates and digital communication assets. Selected projects may also be featured through WLRA publications, exhibitions, and media partners.

Jury Structure

WLRA’s judging system is built on independence, expertise, and diversity:

• International Core Jury
  Senior experts across architecture, interiors, landscape, and structural/building technologies. They set standards, refine criteria, and lead the evaluation process.

• Guest Jurors
  Each cycle, WLRA may invite renowned practitioners and thought leaders such as award-winning designers, developers, luxury real estate experts, museum/cultural directors, and media editors.

• Advisory Panel
  A broader network from academia, investment, hospitality, and arts, offering strategic input on categories and cross-industry collaboration.

Evaluation Process

1. Pre-screening — eligibility, completeness, and guideline compliance

2. Professional Scoring — at least two jury members independently score each project

3. Deliberation Sessions — collective review of shortlisted projects; clarifications may be requested

4. Final Decision & Confirmation — structured discussion and, if needed, formal voting

5. Announcement & Publication — winners and selected shortlisted projects announced via WLRA channels and partner media

Call for Entries — World Luxury Residence Design Awards (WLRA)

WLRA invites outstanding architects, interior designers, landscape designers, developers, and engineering groups worldwide to submit their best work.

Eligible Project Types

• Luxury houses and villas

• High-end apartments and penthouses

• Coastal, mountain, or countryside residences

• Residential components of landmark cultural or mixed-use projects

Why Enter WLRA?

• Recognition from an international jury of leading experts

• Stronger brand credibility through global-level honours

• Publication and promotion opportunities through WLRA channels

• Benchmarking against top projects across multiple regions

Eligible Entrants

• Architecture firms and design studios

• Interior and landscape practices

• Real estate developers and boutique property brands

• Engineering and construction groups engaged in high-end residential projects

For categories, deadlines, and submission details, please visit the WLRA official website or contact the WLRA Secretariat.