Nominations have opened for the 2026 edition of the Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia, Malta’s national architecture awards, with the Kamra tal-Periti and the Planning Authority co-organising the event for the first time.

The awards recognise excellence across architecture, planning, urban design, engineering, conservation and the wider built environment, with a focus on projects demonstrating quality, collaboration and a positive contribution to society.

Named after architect and civil engineer Emanuele Luigi Galizia, the awards also place an emphasis on the collective effort behind projects. Nominations are to be submitted on behalf of the full project team, which may include clients, architects, planners, engineers, conservation specialists, interior designers, project managers and contractors.

Many notable buildings in Malta were designed by Mr Galizia, including the Addolorata Cemetery – which also houses the Sta. Maria Chapel – the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Mġarr, Gozo, and the Turkish Military Cemetery in Marsa, among others.

Kamra tal-Periti President André Pizzuto said the awards were established in 2018 to give greater recognition to architectural excellence in Malta, which he said can often be overshadowed by controversy surrounding the built environment.

He also described Premju Galizia as one of several initiatives on which the Kamra and Planning Authority are collaborating, including work towards Malta’s first National Architecture Policy, intended to raise the quality of architecture across the country.

Planning Authority Executive Chairman Johann Buttigieg highlighted the profession’s responsibility towards Malta’s built and environmental heritage. He said the collaboration aims to make quality, responsibility and vision in the built environment a national ambition, adding that he hopes Premju Galizia will serve as a meaningful recognition of a commitment to quality.

This year’s programme will feature projects addressing areas including the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, housing and density, public spaces, hospitality, infrastructure, conservation and urban regeneration. The awards also aim to encourage discussion about the future of Malta’s built environment and showcase examples of good practice across the sector.

Nominations remain open until 18th September 2026 at 11.59pm, with professionals, organisations, students and project teams encouraged to participate.