Latvian Architecture Award 2025: From Belonging to Courage

The announcement of the finalists of the Latvian Architecture Award 2025 highlights the central theme of this year — belonging. It is not only a professional criterion but also a societal question: How can architecture find its place in time and space while simultaneously creating new values for the future?

This year, the national jury visited 48 completed buildings and 10 processes across Latvia, selecting 15 finalists for evaluation by the international jury. The results demonstrate how Latvian architects combine wisdom, creativity, and professional excellence to create enduring architectural values.

“Over three weeks, the national jury travelled across Latvia to review 38 completed projects and hear presentations on 10 ongoing processes. Throughout this journey, we shared a sense of pride and joy — pride in the intelligence and thoughtfulness of Latvian architects, who are creating lasting values for our country. In this anniversary year, as the Latvian Architecture Award celebrates its 30th anniversary against the backdrop of global political uncertainty directly affecting Latvia, we reflected on belonging: What does it mean for architecture to find its place in today’s world? Each of us must now think about our role in the changing world order — and about architecture’s place within it,” emphasized Zaiga Gaile, Chair of the Latvian Architecture Award 2025 National Jury.

According to Artūrs Lapins, President of the Latvian Association of Architects, the award’s long-term impact is undeniable:

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Latvian Architecture Award. The submitted works, the evaluations, and the public analysis of architecture have, over time, contributed both to educating society and to advancing architectural theory. Looking at this year’s finalists — from private homes to an observation tower, from carefully designed residential quarters to innovative processes — we see how each project uniquely demonstrates the ability not only to belong but also to enrich the built environment, becoming an integral and valuable part of it.”

Yet alongside belonging, this year’s discussions have also brought a clear focus on the future — and the question of courage.

The finalists of the Latvian Architecture Award 2025 stand as proof of our architects’ professionalism: The ability to create high-quality, sustainable architecture that withstands cultural critique and competes internationally. This year’s final selection is both a source of national pride and a clear signal of the direction ahead.

“For me, this award reflects how architects respond to cultural challenges. The nominees of this year continue to move architecture towards more sustainable solutions. The next step is courage — projects that not only reflect, but also inspire, shape, and define the future of culture,” notes Davis Dauvarts, Architect in SEP.

SEP is the largest architectural bureau in the Baltics, bringing together over 70 architects, engineers, designers, and BIM specialists. The company specializes in designing complex and technologically advanced projects — from industrial and energy facilities to biogas plants, civic projects, and public buildings. Since 2025, SEP has been complemented by SEP Construction, enabling the integration of design and construction into one seamless and efficient process.