Napkin Sketch Contest
2025 ALA Napkin Sketch Contest
Theme: Light and Shadow
The 2025 Napkin Sketch Contest is now closed for submissions, and our panel of judges is currently reviewing the entries. Thank you to everyone who participated—your creativity and vision are what make this contest so special.
This year’s theme, “Light and Shadow,” invited architects, designers, students, and enthusiasts to explore how these two elements interact to shape space, emotion, and experience. From bold contrasts to subtle transitions, each sketch tells a unique story.
✍️ About the Competition
Participants were asked to submit a hand-drawn sketch on a 5-inch x 5-inch format, using any medium—pencil, ink, watercolor, or mixed media. Sketches could depict real or imagined spaces, interiors or exteriors, and were judged on creativity, originality, and technical skill.
The contest was open to:
- ALA members
- Non-members
- Students in architecture or design programs
- Design professionals
- The general public
🏆 Award Categories
- Grand Prize – Best overall sketch
- Professional Excellence – Top entry by a licensed architect or design professional
- Student Visionary – Best sketch by a student
- Public Creativity – Top entry by a non-professional
🎉 Recognition & Celebration
Winners will be featured on:
- www.alatoday.org
- ALA’s LinkedIn and Facebook channels
- ArchitectureFocus, our partner site
The Grand Prize winner will be showcased at the 2025 ALA Design Awards Gala on November 13, 2025, at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, IL.
All winners may also be published in ALA’s newsletter and highlighted across our platforms.
📞 Questions or More Info?
Contact the ALA office:
📧 ala@alatoday.org
📞 (847) 382-0630