The AIA Milwaukee Emerging Professionals Design Competition is an opportunity for architecture students, emerging professionals, and recently licensed architects (10 years or less) to bring imaginative, forward-thinking solutions to real-world urban design challenges facing the City of Milwaukee. 

This is a single-stage local ideas competition dedicated to examining and finding creative solutions to some of the design challenges facing the Greater Milwaukee Area. Participants are invited to envision a forward- thinking mixed-use development along a vibrant Water Street corridor. The ground floor of the Water Street frontage must activate the street with commercial uses; creative housing — including staggered row houses — occupies the floor(s) above and/or the remainder of the site. The project should feel like it belongs to the neighborhood while pushing its boundaries: a density-forward, people-first block that demonstrates what “missing middle” development can look like when design excellence leads.

The results of the competition will be announced in September, with the winning projects highlighted on Friday, October 2, 2026 at the 2026 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards Gala at The Wisconsin Club. A jury of professionals and peers will critique all entries and select a First, Second, and Third prize. Honorable mentions may be awarded by judges at their discretion. All winning entries will be published on the AIA Wisconsin website.

EXPAND YOUR NETWORK
In addition to being a great exercise for your design skills, this competition is also a chance to build your career. Winning entries will be celebrated at the 2026 AIA Wisconsin Design Awards Gala—a premier event that draws leading architects, firm principals, and creative talent from across the state. It’s the perfect platform for emerging designers to gain visibility, expand their network, and connect with potential mentors or employers. It’s also a great achievement to include on a resume!