Kindling, the European hospitality architecture and interior design competition for undergraduates, has opened its entries for its second edition: Sanctuary…
The collaborative creation between ReardonSmith Architects and MKV Design, the 2025/2026 Kindling competition – entitled Sanctuary – invites A&D students to consider what hospitality spaces can offer to people who, for any number of reasons, have been displaced from their home or community.
Aimed at individuals and groups of students studying architecture, design, or a combination of both, the competition comprises of two categories – architecture or interior design – and seeks to highlight the vision, insights and creativity of tomorrow’s designers.Â
Students should propose schemes designed to welcome, nurture and help break down barriers, as well as to cater for the practical needs of those who are dislocated via buildings and interior spaces that provide a sense of home, a sense of place, and a sense of security. In short, a place where human dignity can be restored.
The Architectural Brief (in brief)
The judges are seeking a vision for a building which will provide sanctuary and community for dislocated people. The vision should not be constrained by the operational detail of hospitality planning. Competitors should state the country and location of their scheme and attempt to convey this in their design.
The Interior Design Brief (in brief)
Students are invited to present their interior design concepts for a combination of spaces that offer sanctuary and support to those displaced. The interior design should consider the wellbeing of the residents, the psychological impact of being displaced and ways of making residents feel not only safe but comforted in a welcoming environment. Ideas on how space could easily be adapted and personalised to reflect people’s lifestyles and cultural background would also be encouraged.
The individual or team representative behind the two categories’ winning entries will be invited to London for a four-day, all-expenses paid trip that will take place in November 2026. The trip will include attending the Hotel Interiors Experience (HIX) 2026, as well as an awards show where the winners will receive their trophies. Winners will also receive a cash prize.
Timeline
Friday 20 February 2026: Deadline for submitting Letter of Intent
Friday 2 October 2026: Deadline for final submissions
Week commencing 5 October 2026: Judging – winners and runner-ups notified
November 2026: Four-day London trip
Patrick Reardon, Executive Chairman of ReardonSmith Architects, explains the firm’s involvement: “It’s all about helping tomorrow’s architects and designers explore the potential of design to influence change by inviting them to consider an issue of our time in the context of a hospitality environment. We encourage college tutors to be actively involved and convert the competition into a great learning opportunity for their students.”
Maria Vafiadis, Founder and Managing Director of MKV, adds: “I believe it is relevant to consider how we in the hospitality sector, a global industry dedicated to giving succour and safety to strangers and neighbours, can shine a light on the tragedy of dislocation.”
Students and tutors can find out more and enter the 2025/26 scheme by going to www.kindlingdesigncompetition.com.
Main image credit: Kindling
