Call for Nominations

The Oliver Owen Kuhn Architectural Awards
Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce Real Estate Update

In celebration of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce’s 100th Anniversary, we are pleased to announce the Oliver Owen Kuhn Architectural Awards, recognizing outstanding architectural contributions that have shaped the character and identity of the Greater Bethesda community over the past quarter century.

For 100 years, GBCC has supported the businesses, institutions, and leaders who contribute to the vitality of our region. As we mark this milestone, these awards celebrate the architecture, design leadership, and innovation that continue to define Bethesda as one of the most dynamic communities in the region.

Award Categories

• Residential Buildings
• Commercial Buildings

Fannie Mae Rule: for mixed-use projects, buildings with less than 35% commercial use will be considered residential.

What is Design Excellence?

Design excellence reflects a thoughtful and integrated approach to creating buildings and places that are both inspiring and functional. It recognizes projects that successfully balance design quality, usability, environmental responsibility, and community value.

Projects demonstrating design excellence typically exhibit:

• Architectural Quality and Innovation A strong design vision that responds thoughtfully to site, program, and context while enhancing how people live, work, and interact.
• Functionality and User Experience Spaces that are intuitive, adaptable, and improve daily life for occupants and visitors.
• Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility Strategies that promote energy efficiency, resilience, responsible material use, and long-term performance.
• Community Contribution Projects that strengthen their surroundings, enhance the public realm, and contribute to Bethesda’s continued growth and identity.

Eligibility

• Projects must be located within the Greater Bethesda region
• Projects must have been completed within the past 25 years
• Renovated buildings are eligible if there has been a significant change in size and footprint

Jury

Submissions will be juried by the American Institute of Architects – Maryland.

Recognition

Winners will be honored at the 2026 GBCC Real Estate Update on June 3, 2026, at The Cordell, as part of the Chamber’s centennial celebration.

Submit a Project

Know a project that represents the best of Bethesda’s built environment over the past 25 years?

Submit a nomination and help us celebrate the architecture that has shaped our community—and will continue to inspire its future.

 Ready to NOMINATE?  Click here to NOMINATE