Overview
The Architects Stair 2025 is a conceptual design competition that reimagines one of architecture’s most enduring elements—the stair. More than a mere connector between levels, the stair is celebrated as a poetic, sculptural, and symbolic element that speaks to movement, transition, and spatial storytelling. Designers are invited to explore stairs without any constraints—no limits on program, material, scale, or context.
The competition runs through various registration phases starting April 24, 2025, and ends with the submission deadline on July 14, 2025. The winners will be announced on September 16, 2025.
Why You Should Participate
This competition offers a rare opportunity to push the boundaries of conventional architectural thinking. It is a platform to:
- Showcase your unique design philosophy through a conceptual approach
- Gain international recognition and publication through Buildner
- Compete for a total prize pool of €7,000
- Be part of a global dialogue on rethinking architectural elements
- Engage with a jury of respected designers and thinkers
- Receive the Buildner Student Award, specifically supporting young talents
Whether you’re a student or a seasoned architect, this competition provides an inspiring space to test radical design ideas, explore symbolic architecture, and build your portfolio.
Key Highlights
- Eligibility: Open to architects, designers, students, and creatives globally.
- Design Freedom: No constraints on style, function, material, or scale.
- Focus: Conceptual reinterpretation of the stair as an architectural expression.
- Recognition: Awards, publications, and exposure through Buildner’s platform.
Entry Fees
| Registration Phase | Dates | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration | April 24 – May 8 | €90 |
| Advance Registration | May 9 – May 22 | €120 |
| Last Minute Registration | May 23 – June 5 | €140 |
Prizes and Recognition
| Prize Category | Number of Winners | Amount per Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize | 1 | €3,500 |
| 2nd Prize | 1 | €1,500 |
| 3rd Prize | 1 | €1,000 |
| Honourable Mentions | 6 | – |
| Buildner Student Award | 1 | €1,000 |
Submission Details
- Project Scope: Conceptual design of a stair with no restrictions on scale, context, or materials.
- Required Deliverables: Boards or visual formats as outlined in the submission guidelines on Buildner’s platform.
- Anonymity: Entries will be judged anonymously; names should not appear on visuals.
- Language: All submissions must be in English.
- File Format: Digital submissions only, submitted through the competition portal.
Important Dates
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Final Registration Deadline | June 5, 2025 |
| Submission Deadline | July 14, 2025 (23:59 London) |
| Winners Announced | September 16, 2025 |
How to Join
- Choose your registration tier based on your timeline.
- Register via the Buildner competition portal.
- Prepare your conceptual stair design.
- Submit your entry before the deadline.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on:
- Conceptual clarity
- Originality and innovation
- Architectural expression
- Narrative and symbolic potential
- Aesthetic and spatial quality
