ADAM Architecture Travel Scholarship 2026
Competition Brief
The ADAM Architecture Travel Scholarship is an annual award open to architecture students and recent graduates. It funds independent travel abroad to conduct self-directed research on an architectural subject of the applicant’s choice. The scholarship has been running since 2005 and is organized directly by ADAM Architecture, a UK-based practice with offices in Winchester and London known for its focus on classical and traditional architecture.
Intent
The scholarship aims to support original research in architecture, architectural technology, and urban design. It encourages students to pursue subjects they are genuinely curious about — whether related to contemporary, traditional, or historical built environments — and to develop that work beyond the typical academic curriculum.
Purpose
The award exists to fund travel that enables significant, independent research. Past winners have traveled to countries including Japan, Cuba, Iran, Ethiopia, France, Belgium, Sicily, and Malta. Many recipients have been invited to present their findings at public events hosted by ADAM Architecture, and the practice holds joint copyright over the resulting research report, which it reserves the right to publish.
Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A completed application form (available for download on the official competition page)
- A portfolio of up to 20 images or pages (A4 or A3, PDF, maximum 10MB)
- A short CV
Eligibility extends to students enrolled at UK or international universities studying RIBA Part I through up to three years after their Part II qualification, as well as students on CIAT-accredited degrees or equivalent post-graduate courses.
Shortlisted candidates are required to attend an in-person interview at ADAM Architecture’s Winchester or London office, or via webcam for those based outside the UK. The prize of £2,000 is paid in two equal installments: the first upon award, and the second upon presentation of the completed research.
Jury
The judging panel consists of the Directors of ADAM Architecture, plus external guests invited from business or academia on a case-by-case basis. The practice reserves the right to change the panel if circumstances require. Named directors who form the core of the panel include:
- Hugh Petter — Director, ADAM Architecture
- George Saumarez Smith — Director, ADAM Architecture
- Robbie Kerr — Director, ADAM Architecture (past scholarship winner, 2008)
- Darren Price — Director, ADAM Architecture
- Robert Cox — Director, ADAM Architecture
- Alison Duthie — Director, ADAM Architecture
- Wayne Reakes — Director, ADAM Architecture
- Rossana Miles — Director, ADAM Architecture
- Ian Lawrence — Director, ADAM Architecture
External judges are invited at ADAM Architecture’s discretion and are not named in advance.
Fees
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | Free |
| Submission Fee | Free |
Rewards
| Prize | Amount | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Scholarship Award | £2,000 | Paid in two equal installments |
| First Payment | £1,000 | Paid upon award of the scholarship |
| Second Payment | £1,000 | Paid upon presentation of completed research |
| Currency Conversion | Applies | Prize converted to local currency for winners outside the UK |
Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | April 2026 |
| Closing Date | Friday, 5 June 2026 |
| Interview Date | To be announced (Winchester, London, or webcam) |
| Submission Email | adammarketing@adamarchitecture.com |
✦ ArchUp Competition Review
The ADAM Architecture Travel Scholarship is organized by ADAM Architecture, a UK practice with a consistent and documented track record since 2005. The jury is composed primarily of the firm’s own directors, with occasional external guests whose identities are not disclosed in advance — a structural limitation in terms of independent transparency. The scholarship functions as a research grant rather than a conventional design competition, with applicants proposing their own research topic, giving it a more academic character. The £2,000 award is modest relative to the cost of international travel and the depth of research expected, and the firm’s retention of joint copyright and publication rights adds a layer of institutional interest that applicants should factor in. For students focused on architectural history or traditional built environments, this award offers a genuine portfolio asset and a structured research outlet — though those with broader stylistic interests should note the firm’s clear editorial alignment with classical architecture.
Final Thoughts
The ADAM Architecture Travel Scholarship is one of the longer-running student awards in the UK architecture scene. With over two decades of operation, named past winners, and a published book compiling past research, it carries more institutional credibility than most firm-run awards.
That said, the jury structure is not fully transparent. ADAM Architecture’s own directors form the core panel, and external judges are neither named nor confirmed in advance. The firm also retains joint copyright over all submitted research and controls publication rights — terms that are clearly stated but worth understanding before applying.
For students with a genuine interest in independent architectural research, particularly those drawn to history, heritage, or underexplored built environments, the scholarship provides a real and documented output. The interview stage and public presentation requirement give it more professional substance than a simple open-call submission. You can explore similar research-focused opportunities in our roundup of student architecture competitions.
The £2,000 prize covers basic travel but may not stretch far for long-haul or extended fieldwork. The primary value here is the framework — a supported, structured context for independent research that results in a presentable, publishable piece of work.
Students interested in architecture competitions that offer research or portfolio development opportunities will find this scholarship worth considering, provided they are comfortable with the firm’s co-ownership terms and the closed nature of the jury selection process.
Registration Deadline
Brought to you by the ArchUp Editorial Team
Inspiration starts here. Dive deeper into Architecture, Interior Design, Research, Cities, Design, and cutting-edge Projects on ArchUp.
