The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals

Recognizing Professional Excellence

AOLP’s Lighting Awards program celebrates the creators who transform spaces and experiences through the power of outdoor lighting. Whether you’re a new or seasoned designer, this is your platform to gain recognition for your outstanding work. Entry is open to all AOLP members in good standing.

Entries for 2026 will open in late summer. Stay tuned for more information.

Categories:

Residential: Lighting installation designed to enhance the overall landscape and architecture of the residence, in the front and/or back of the property. Outdoor living or entertainment areas are not the focus of this category.
- Small: 25 fixtures or fewer
- Large: 26-99 fixtures
- XL: 100-249 fixtures
- XXL: 250 fixtures or more
Commercial: Lighting installation designed to enhance the overall landscape and architecture of the commercial property.
Feature-Focused: Lighting installation designed to illuminate a special outdoor feature. This category includes: water features, statuary, walkways or stairs, and memorials.
Outdoor Living: Lighting installation in any area in the built environment where people entertain or “live” outside, such as a patio, deck, covered terrace, outdoor kitchen, fireplace (or fire pit) area or dining area (spaces that are not part of the general planted landscape).
Holiday Lighting: A temporary lighting installation designed to provide decorative and/or festive illumination for any holiday or season. Religious references are allowed but not required.
Splash of Color: A permanent lighting installation that incorporates color in functional or decorative outdoor lighting. Whether it’s a vibrant and energetic atmosphere or a more subtle and relaxing ambiance, show off the splash of color(s) used in your outdoor illumination project. This category includes: water features, color-changing capabilities that highlight specific areas, or any colored illumination that adds drama and/or versatility to your outdoor lighting project.
Mobile Mastery: All lighting installations captured on a cell phone without professional photography.