a poster for a design competition in tones of brown and grey with white text

The Architect's Chair

Dezeen Competitions: The Architect's Chair competition by Buildner invites architects and designers to create a signature chair.

The competition aims to produce chairs that join iconic designs by architects, including Charles and Ray Eames and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

This competition is now closed


Organiser: Buildner
Competition: The Architect's Chair, edition four
Judges: yet to be announced
Submission deadlines: the registration deadline is 18 September 2025 and closing date for submission is 23 October 2025
Winner announcement: 2 December 2025
Prizes: the first prize is €3,000, the second is €1,500 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

Click here to enter ›

Competition overview

The Architect's Chair Competition, a groundbreaking contest in custom furniture design, invites architects and designers from around the world to create a 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 competition is open to submissions until 23 October 2025, with winners of the €7,000 prize to be announced on 2 December 2025. Visit the competition'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 in writing 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 23 October 2025.

Submission deadlines

The final registration deadline is 18 September 2025 and closing date for submissions is 23 October 2025.

Winners will be announced on 2 December 2025.

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.

Dezeen Competitions

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