The Contemplative Commons received the distinction of Highly Commended by the Civic Trust Awards, which recognizes outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment. According to the Civic Trust Awards feature, “The Contemplative Commons at the University of Virginia is a measured and deeply thoughtful intervention that uses architecture and landscape to create space for reflection, wellbeing and shared experience within an active academic setting.”

The Society for College and University Planning (SCUP) recognized the University of Virginia's Contemplative Commons with a 2025 Design Excellence Award. SCUP honors achievement in strategic, integrated planning that results in exemplary buildings and grounds, institutional success, and careers that inspire. The Contemplative Sciences Center facility was honored in the category of Excellence in Architecture for a New Building.