Vision, made tangible.
The 2026 Sky Design Awards shortlist presents a comprehensive and discerning overview of contemporary excellence in both interior and architectural design as well as product design. The selected projects span hospitality, workplace, and retail environments; cultural spaces; innovative materials; and meticulously crafted objects, as well as private residences, civic and cultural buildings, adaptive reuse, and urban interventions. All shortlisted projects are unified by rigorous spatial and structural thinking, distinctive materiality, and a confident engagement with the complexities of cultural, commercial, environmental, and social contexts. The shortlist highlights a thoughtful response to the demands of contemporary life and an enduring commitment to design innovation.
Ambientec Gallery Tokyo designed by ODS / Oniki Design Studio (Japan)
Oniki Design Studio transforms retail lighting at Ambientec Gallery Tokyo, pairing a high-precision modular display system with intimate, domestic-scale rooms to reveal the atmospheric potential of portable light.
Healing Pets designed by Informal Design Studio (China)
Informal Design revitalizes a Hangzhou factory into a high-performance pet-human social hub, utilizing integrated circulation and adaptable materiality to bridge cross-species comfort.
HAKUSAN MEGANE SHANGHAI designed by Each Design (China)
Each design redefines the Hakusan Megane Shanghai flagship store. By translating eyewear hinge mechanics into custom iron and reclaimed elm joinery, the retail interior connects Japanese craftsmanship with the historic Zhang Yuan district.
Lei — In Praise of Shadows designed by SOL style (Japan)
Experience the dark, meditative world of Lei—a fragrance shop where SOL style skillfully combines urushi lacquer, Japanese hinoki, and candlelight to transform luxury retail through sensory immersion.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC STORE HARAJUKU designed by SPACE CO., LTD. (Japan)
Discover how SPACE CO., LTD. revolutionized retail architecture with the Universal Music Store Harajuku. This cutting-edge, adaptive design features a dynamic open-façade layout, movable fixtures, and high-impact signage, setting a new global standard for immersive, fan-focused music concept stores.
Samsonite BLACK LABEL Ginza designed by SPACE CO., LTD. (Japan)
How do you localize a global icon in the heart of Tokyo? The Samsonite Black Label Ginza flagship by SPACE CO., LTD. redefines luxury retail, merging high-performance industrial metalwork with tranquil Japanese Zen garden aesthetics. Discover this award-winning fusion of heritage and innovation.
TOCLAS SALON TOKYO designed by Mitsui Designtec Co., Ltd.(Japan)
TOCLAS SALON TOKYO redefines the retail experience by bridging brand storytelling with technological precision inside a stunning, sustainable timber-hybrid space designed by Mitsui Designtec.
DAIKYO ANABUKI FUDOSAN Banchō Residence Salon designed by SPACE CO., LTD. (Japan)
SPACE CO., LTD. redefines the high-end residential sales experience in Tokyo. The Banchō Residence Salon guides visitors through a dramatic transition from a narrow black geometric passage into an expansive, light-filled interior overlooking the city.