If you’re an architect or designer, chances are competitions are already part of your life — or you’re thinking about getting into them. They’re one of the best ways to test ideas, build confidence, and take an active part in conversations about housing, materials, reuse, public space, and what architecture should be doing right now.

Below we've hand-picked five architecture competitions worth keeping on your radar. This list mixes ideas-based and built work, UK and international, and opportunities for students to experienced architects and emerging practices alike.

Our curated top architecture competition picks for 2026

From ideas competitions to hands-on making, furniture, housing, and public space; here are our top architecture competition picks open to designers and architects of all levels.

LFA 2026 – A Place to Belong

National | Built Design Competition

Design a temporary pocket park in East London that creates an inclusive place to pause, gather, and connect, supporting community life and public belonging during the London Festival of Architecture 2026.

Registration / Submission Deadline: 12 February 2026

The Architect’s Chair – Edition 5

International | Ideas / Product Design Competition

Design an innovative chair that explores ergonomics, materiality, and craftsmanship, translating architectural thinking into a functional object that balances comfort, identity, and experimentation at furniture scale.

Registration Deadline: 2 April 2026

Entry Fee: €140 (varied)

Pavilion Atlas 2026

International | Conceptual Ideas Competition

Design a conceptual pavilion that tells the story of a chosen country through space, expressing cultural, social, political, or environmental ideas using architecture as narrative rather than symbol or spectacle.

Registration Deadline: 16 September 2026

Entry Fee: €120 (varied)

Antepavilion 2026 – Full Reclaim

National | Design–Build / Experimental Architecture Competition (UK)

Design and self-build an experimental installation using only reclaimed materials, foregrounding craftsmanship, reuse, and hands-on making as an alternative model for architectural practice in the city.

Registration / Submission Deadline:27 March 2026

Entry Fee: £20

MicroHome 2026

International | Ideas / Housing Design Competition

Design a sustainable, off-grid micro-home within 25 square metres, testing innovative spatial strategies and compact living solutions for contemporary lifestyles through thoughtful, environmentally responsible design.

Registration Deadline: 30 September 2026

Entry Fee: €75 (varied)

As always, check individual briefs for full eligibility details, deadlines, and submission requirements.