National Logo Design Competition's Rules and Regulations

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA), in its centenary journey of advancing the profession, announces an Exclusive National Logo Competition, curated by the IIA Gujarat Chapter. This initiative aims to design a distinct architectural identity that resonates with the ethos of architecture in India.

Through this competition, we invite creative minds to craft a logo that symbolizes not just the profession, but also the spirit of innovation, sustainability, and cultural heritage that defines Indian architecture. The winning design will stand as a visual identity for architects nationwide and will be showcased on national and international platforms.

1. About :

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA)

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) founded in 1917, is the premier national body for architects in India. With over 30,000 members, IIA plays a vital role in promoting the architecture profession by organizing and uniting architects nationwide to enhance the aesthetic, scientific, and practical aspects of architecture in both practice and education.

IIA is actively involved in several national and international committees related to architecture, art, and the building industry, and maintains strong affiliations with global organizations such as the International Union of Architects (UIA), Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA), and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation of Architects (SAARCH).

To know more - https://indianinstituteofarchitects.com/

Council of Architecture (CoA)

Council of Architecture (CoA) was established by the Government of Indiaunder the Architects Act, 1972, which came into force on 1st September 1972, under theMinistry of Education (Department of Higher Education).

Professional conduct is governed by the Architects (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 1989 (amended in 2003). Violations constitute professional misconduct and are subject to disciplinary action under Section 30 of the Act.

There are 362 recognized institutions in India offering architectural education. These institutions must comply with the CoA (Minimum Standards of Architectural Education) Regulations, 2020, covering admissions, course structure, staffing, and infrastructure. The CoA ensures quality through regular inspections and can recommend recognition or de-recognition of qualifications to the Central Government.

To know more - https://www.coa.gov.in/

National Institute of Design (NID)

The National Institute of Design (NID) was founded in a post-independence India looking to balance its rich traditions with modern industrialization. In 1955, writer Pupul Jayakar met American designer Charles Eames, sparking a conversation that would be pivotal. This dialogue led to the Indian government inviting Charles and Ray Eames to the country in 1957. After an extensive visit, they submitted the India Report in 1958, which proposed a design philosophy that saw designers as a link between tradition and modernity.

Based on these recommendations, the Government of India, with help from the Ford Foundation and the Sarabhai family, established the institute in Ahmedabad in September 1961. The early years were shaped by Gautam Sarabhai, who adopted the "learning by doing" philosophy of the Bauhaus design movement. This revolutionary curriculum is a cornerstone of NID's education even today. The institute is now an internationally recognized leader in design education and research, and was declared an "Institution of National Importance" by an Act of Parliament in 2014.

To know more - https://www.nid.edu/home

2. Objective of the Logo:

• To create a recognizable symbol for architects, similar to the symbols of other professions (e.g., Chartered Accountants, Doctors).
• To confer dignity upon the profession and distinguish architects.
• To protect the profession by differentiating qualified architects from unauthorized individuals using similar titles.

3. Theme:

• Capture Timeless Heritage: The logo should symbolize India's rich architectural legacy, reflecting the grandeur of ancient structures and craftsmanship.
• Embrace Modern Innovation: Simultaneously, it should convey a forward-looking perspective, representing the innovative and sustainable practices defining contemporary Indian architecture.
• Showcase Diversity: The logo must celebrate the variety of architectural styles across India, uniting cultural differences in a cohesive visual narrative.
• Inspire Connection: Above all, the logo should evoke pride and foster a sense of belonging among architects, students.

4. General Guidelines:

• The logo can be anything like Combination mark, abstract mark or Emblem.
• The logo should be contemporary and contextual to regional architecture.
• The design must be adaptable across various media platforms: print, digital, and outdoor.
• The deadline for submission is 25th September 2025.

5. Submission Guidelines:

• The symbol and logo should be a maximum size of 100mm (length or height) on an A4-sized vertical format. This should be submitted in PDF format with both colour and black-and-white (CMYK mode, 300 dpi).
• Maximum dimensions for the symbol and logotype: 100mm x 100mm, both in colour and black-and-white (CMYK mode).
• 300 dpi resolution, A4 size, and the name of the font used in the logotype should be specified.
• A concept Notes:
  1. Length: Max 250 words (1 page).
  2. Content should cover:
     • Inspiration: What idea, symbol, or cultural reference inspired the design?
     • Meaning: How does the logo reflect the values and identity of Architects in India?
     • Design Approach: Why did you choose this style (abstract, emblem, combination)?
     • Usability: How the logo works across formats? (print, digital, monochrome).
  3. Clarity: Write in simple, professional language. Avoid jargon.
  4. Format: Submit as a PDF file along with the logo.
  5. Identification: Participants must not include any personal identification details such as name, email, phone number, or any other distinguishing marks. The presence of any such information will lead to disqualification.

6. AI Usage Disclosure and Conditions:

• AI Usage Disclosure: If any participant uses AI tools to generate or assist in the creation of their design, they must indicate this by writing “AI” in their submission. This should be explicitly mentioned in their concept note.
• Ethical Use of AI: Participants are expected to use AI tools responsibly and ethically. AI-generated content should not infringe on any third-party intellectual property or violate any copyright laws. The use of AI should not substitute original creativity or artistic expression, but rather be an additional tool for design exploration.
• Originality: Even if AI tools are used, the participant must ensure that the final submission remains their own original work. AI-generated content should not be the sole element of the submission. The design, concept, and execution should reflect the participant's own creative input.
• Impact on Judging: The jury will consider the ethical use of AI in the evaluation process. The jury has the right to disqualify any entry if they determine that AI has been used in a manner that compromises originality or breaches the competition's guidelines.
• Transparency: Participants must provide a brief description of how AI was used in the creation of their design, specifying the tools or platforms employed, if any. This should be mentioned in the concept note or as a supplementary statement.
• No AI Plagiarism: Participants should ensure that any AI-generated content used in their submission does not plagiarize or replicate the work of others. The submission must remain in accordance with the principles of intellectual property rights.

7. Conditions:

• Eligibility: Open to all participants as per the guidelines.
• Each participant may submit a maximum of five entries.
• All entries must adhere to the specified format and include the required details.
• The responsibility to comply with the guidelines lies with the participant, and IIA CoA or NID shall not be held liable for any disputes raised by third parties.
• The symbol must be the original work of the participant and should not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights.
• IIA reserves the right to further develop, modify, or define the use of the selected symbol with the assistance of a third-party design agency.
• The jury's decision is final.
• Any entry that does not comply with the guidelines will be disqualified.
• Late submissions will not be accepted.

8. Jury Panel:

• President, IIA (or nominee)
• President, COA (or nominee)
• President, NID (or nominee)
• Nominee from relevant government department.
• Celebrity from the advertising/graphic design world.
• Two members from the working committee, one each from IIA and NID.

9. Selection Process:

• Entries will be evaluated by a jury panel after the submission deadline.
• The jury will select the winning entries.
• IIA may engage a professional design agency to further develop the brand and communication strategy based on the winning design.

10. Awards:

• Winning Prize: INR 1,00,000 /-
• 2 Consolation Prizes: INR10,000 /-
• The award amount will be shared equally among the winners in the event of a tie for first place.
• If the jury panel selects no logo, the award will not be given.
• The jury may request shortlisted participants to revise their logo designs based on their feedback.