The Architect’s Chair
Dezeen Competitions: Buildner’s fifth edition of The Architect’s Chair calls for designers to submit proposals for a signature chair.
The competition aims to prompt chair designs that join iconic pieces by designers such as Marcel Breuer and Arne Jacobsen.
This competition is now closed
Organiser: Buildner
Competition: The Architect’s Chair, edition five
Judges: yet to be announced
Submission deadline: 4 May 2026
Winner announcement: 30 June 2026
Prizes: the first prize is €5,000, the second is €2,500, and the third is €1,000. Prizes also include the Buildner student award at €1,000, and the sustainability award at €500. Six honourable mentions are also awarded
Competition overview
The Architect’s Chair Competition, a groundbreaking contest in custom furniture design, invites architects and designers from around the world to create their own signature chair, showcasing their creativity and versatility.
Drawing inspiration from iconic architects like Charles and Ray Eames, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer and Arne Jacobsen, participants have the opportunity to contribute to the rich tradition of designing custom chairs that embody their distinct design philosophies and vision.
The Architect’s Chair (edition five) competition is open to submissions until May 4 2026, with winners of the €10,000 prize to be announced on June 30, 2026. Visit the company’s website for more details.
Eligibility and judging criteria
The competition is open to all individuals 18 and over. No professional qualifications are required. Participants can enter individually or in teams of up to four members.
Participants are required to upload one A2 landscape presentation board as a visual representation of their proposal.
No video files are accepted, and all information provided must be in English.
Proposals will be judged on five requirements:
- Functionality and comfort
- Aesthetics and signature style
- Material exploration
- Craftsmanship and construction
- Versatility and adaptability
How to enter
Participants must upload proposals via the online upload panel by 4 May 2026.
Submission deadlines
The final registration deadline is 2 April 2026 and the closing date for submissions is 4 May 2026.
Winners will be announced on 30 June 2026.
About Buildner
Buildner specialises in creating and managing architecture contests, offering a platform for architects to showcase innovation and engage with a global community. Its mission is to inspire creativity and professional growth in the architectural industry.
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