designboom competitions in october 2025 closing soon
designboom rounds-up the latest competitions open for entries for architects, designers, and creatives in October 2025. From urban planning in Mongolia to Renaissance-themed design and sustainable solutions to logistical challenges in Africa, there is a wide variety of challenges available.
The diverse range of international contests invites aspiring entrants to push their skills and enter before the submission deadlines to have the chance of winning an array of prizes. designboom competitions is not only a vital launchpad for creatives, but it also directly connects institutes to a global readership. It makes designboom the premier location to submit your competitions’ open calls.
Readers are urged to check out the complete list here, and competition organizers can submit an open call here.
TITAN Property Awards Season 2
Organization: IAA
Competition name: TITAN Property Awards Season 2
Submission deadline: October 22, 2025
The TITAN Property Awards Season 2 honors those whose groundbreaking designs and architectural excellence set new benchmarks in the industry. It celebrates the visionaries who push the limits of architecture and interior design, creating spaces that blend beauty, functionality, and innovation. This is split into eight categories: Property Development, Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design, Lighting Design, Conceptual Design, Real Estate and Property Marketing.
Organization: Buildner
Competition name: Unbuilt Award 2025
Submission deadline: October 30, 2025
The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 marks the inception of an annual competition dedicated to celebrating architectural design excellence. This international competition invites submissions of unbuilt work that participants are most proud of, regardless of whether these projects are published or unpublished, fully designed or still conceptual. A mind-blowing prize pool of €100,000 highlights its commitment to celebrating and supporting architectural innovation.
Hunnu City International Urban Planning Competition
Organization: Hunnu City
Competition name: Hunnu City International Urban Planning Competition
Submission deadline: November 4, 2025
The Hunnu City International Urban Planning Competition invites architects, planners, and innovators to shape the conceptual plan of Hunnu City — a next generation urban center blending innovation with tradition. International design studios or cross-disciplinary team of forward-thinkers are invited to create a city that is smart, sustainable, climate-resilient, and deeply human-centered. With over 1.4 billion MNT in prizes and opportunities to influence a landmark project, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark on the urban future of Mongolia.
2025 Rome Design Awards Season 2
Organization: IAA
Competition name: 2025 Rome Design Awards Season 2
Submission deadline: November 28, 2025
The 2025 Rome Design Awards Season 2 champions the spirit of the Renaissance, dedicated to the modern creatives who are sculpting visionary works, just as the virtuosos of the past once did. Celebrating the art of transformation, the competition recognises designers who pioneer new techniques and set new standards of excellence. This theme represents the journey of design from its classical roots to the present, spotlighting those who lead the charge in redefining the industry.
Organization: International Competition Association
Competition name: un Design Award
Submission deadline: November 30, 2025
The International Competition Association calls architects, designers, developers, manufacturers, owners, teachers and students from colleges and universities around the world to enter the un Design Award. Split across two criteria – professional group and student group – concept designs, ongoing designs or design works completed within the past 5 years are all eligible to participate. These must fit with one of the Architecture, Interior, Landscape, Lighting, Product, and Graphic Design categories.
Organization: VAND INTERNATIONAL
Competition name: VAND Design Award™ 2025
Submission deadline: November 30, 2025
VAND Design Award™ 2025 internationally calls for calm, responsible, and purposeful design. The competition honors work that goes beyond trends and spectacle, seeking instead balance, dignity, and quiet strength in design. Entries should fit into one of the following categories: Architecture & Interior Design, Product & Industrial Design, Visual Communication, Visual Identity, and UI / UX.
Toyota Logistic Design Competition 2026
Organization: Toyota
Competition name: Toyota Logistic Design Competition 2026
Submission deadline: December 1, 2025
The seventh edition of the Toyota Logistic Design Competition (2026) shifts its spotlight on Africa. With an open call to design students and recent graduates worldwide, the competition invites creative, sustainable solutions to some of the continent’s most pressing logistical challenges. Submissions should be categorized as Product Design, Digital Platforms, Business Innovation, and Open Category – for unconventional but impactful ideas. The winning design will receive a $6,000.00 USD prize.
Organization: TerraViva
Competition name: Rising from Ashes
Submission deadline: December 8, 2025
TerraViva’s Rising from Ashes competition invites participants to rethink sacred architecture as a sensory, symbolic and communal experience. The aim is to envision a new place of worship for 400 people, where the mystical meets the social, and the liturgical engages with the everyday life. Proposals should specifically explore the possibility of building a new Christian church for Altadena – a Californian region, where multiple religious buildings were lost in the wildfires in early 2025.
Alpine Refuge World Architecture Competitions
Organization: AG360
Competition name: Alpine Refuge World Architecture Competitions
Submission deadline: December 15, 2025
The Alpine Refuge World Architecture Competitions seeks a design for a mountain retreat for all athletes or simply travelers who need a comfortable and contemplative space to rest before continuing their journey to the Swiss Alps. It should feature accommodations, an infirmary, a café, and an elevated viewing platform, making it a perfect stop for rest and contemplation. Its strategic location will serve as a connection between the Hospice and the Julen Theater, located in the area. It must be designed as a structure that will withstand the test of time and be easy to maintain.
New Zealand Nature Retreat – A lost retreat in New Zealand’s landscape
Organization: nonarchitecture
Competition name: New Zealand Nature Retreat – A lost retreat in New Zealand’s landscape
Submission deadline: December 21, 2025
Set in the extreme isolation of Antipodes Island, New Zealand, this competition invites architects and designers to explore architectural duality by designing a nature retreat in one of the world’s most remote locations. Participants are challenged to create a sustainable, off-grid structure that harmonises with the island’s harsh climate, fragile ecosystem, and rich biodiversity. By thoughtfully integrating these factors, designs can harmoniously coexist with the unique environment of the Antipodes Islands. The three winning proposals, one special award, and 10 honourable mention teams of New Zealand Nature Retreat – A lost retreat in New Zealand’s landscape will split total of 10.000€ in prizes.
London Urban Retreat – An Urban Oasis in the middle of London
Organization: nonarchitecture
Competition name: London Urban Retreat – An Urban Oasis in the middle of London
Submission deadline: December 30, 2025
Set in East London, the historic Haggerston Baths – an abandoned Grade II listed Edwardian bathhouse – offers a striking backdrop to explore themes of urban care and restoration. Participants are challenged to reimagine this former civic space as a new retreat for mind, body, and spirit, balancing technical renewal with architectural sensitivity. The three winning proposals, one special award, and 10 honourable mention teams of London Urban Retreat – An Urban Oasis in the middle of London will split total of 10.000€ in prizes.