In late 2019, leaders from the AIA Hampton Roads Young Architects Forum (YAF Hampton Roads) were awarded the Helene Combs Dreiling Fellowship to develop a design competition to encourage collaboration among emerging professionals in the industry. As the coronavirus emerged and social distancing protocols were put into place, YAF Hampton Roads quickly pivoted their vision for the program to support students current enrolled in a Virginia college or university architecture, structural engineering, building sciences, construction management program (or related field of study). And, thus the Summer Design Challenge was born. A cash prize of $1000 will be awarded to the winning team.

The design brief outlines the challenge and eligibility requirements. Following registration, participants will be assigned to multidisciplinary teams, each of which be assigned a mentor. The mentor will facilitate a design charrette and remain available to assist and offer guidance until they’re ready to make their final submission to the Summer Design Challenge.

The registration deadline is June. 5.