Design Submissions Are Open 8/8/25 - 11/14/25

THE COMPETITION:

The Maine Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Maine) is pleased to announce their launch of 207 Home: Design Competition, aimed at identifying innovative and sustainable housing solutions to address community needs across Maine. The competition opens August 8, 2025, and invites Maine design firms, professionals, residents and students enrolled in Maine high schools or colleges to submit visionary housing designs through November 14, 2025. Thanks to a generous AARP Community Challenge Grant, this design contest is intended to spark innovation to improve Maine communities for people of all ages.

Participants are encouraged to submit creative proposals for built environments that address the diverse housing needs of underserved communities, considering factors such as age, ability, income, and other significant community housing challenges. The competition aligns with recent legislative advances in Maine—notably LD 2003, which promotes Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), and LD 1829, which allows greater flexibility for constructing one- to three-family homes on residential lots. The contest aims to showcase innovative solutions that help communities visualize practical, affordable, and inclusive housing options that support aging in place. Submissions may include new work or previously designed or built projects.

This year’s competition will also feature online educational sessions on accessibility (see schedule under “DATES”, aging in place, and an innovative housing community currently under construction in Maine. The full schedule is available on the AIA Maine events calendar and the competition website. 

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of expert judges across four award categories: Professional, Public, Student – University, and Student – High School. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners in each category. Judging will take place in late November, with finalists and category winners honored at a special reception and public exhibition on December 16, 2025.

AIA Maine believes in the power of creativity and collaboration to transform housing accessibility and affordability across the state. This competition presents an exceptional opportunity for Maine’s residents and students to shape the future of sustainable and inclusive housing solutions.

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DATES:

• Online educational sessions for August and October TBA soon!

• Submissions will be accepted Friday, August 8th - Friday, November 14th. Projects can be submitted HERE.

• Semifinalists will be notified November 24th.

• Semifinalist project boards will be printed and displayed at the AIA Maine Annual Meeting and Day of Learning Conference on December 4th.

• Awards & Prized for each of the four categories will be presented on December 16th, at the University of Maine, Augusta, details/times TBA.
  

FAQ’s:

• Does each submission team need a licensed architect?
  There are 4 categories open for submission. To enter the “professional” category, you must have at least 1 Maine licensed architect on the team.
  

• What financial resources exist for groups submitting designs?
  Unfortunately we are unable to offer financial resources for groups submitting designs. Participants are welcome to solicit “sponsorship” from their friends, family, and mentors in the form of computer and software use, or physical materials.
  

• What is the format for submissions?
  The format for submitting is digital, with each project board submitted being sized at 36 x 36 inches and a minimum of 300 dpi. If you are completing your project board by hand, please allow time to have your submission scanned or photographed. For further questions, contact Kelli Shedd at kelli@aiamaine.org
  

• Should the designer's name and information be on the submissions or are these judged anonymously?
  The submissions will be judged anonymously. Please include your name, contact and project information during the online entry platform, but do not include personal information directly on your project board.
  

• Can submitters select innovative elements such as off-grid energy, water and waste lines?
  Yes, as long as the design elements are consistent with local building codes.  The intent of this competition is to serve as a catalyst for key conversations regarding current codes and potential changes that might better serve the needs of the community.
  

• Do the design specifications include wheelchair accessibility?
  We would encourage universally designed submissions which are inherently age-friendly. Age-friendly features such as step-free entrances, wider doorways, and bathrooms with maneuvering room all make living easier for people who use walkers or wheelchairs. All UD housing is more easily customizable and adaptable than traditional homes. For instance, bathrooms include grab bars, shower benches, and open kneespace. View the Resources section of the website for more guidance.
  

• Are the homes meant to be designed for a single occupant, a family, or something in between?
  This is an ideas competition and all ideas surrounding innovative and sustainable housing solutions to address community needs including; aging in place, accessibility, inclusion, and underserved populations.
  

• How is the selection committee ensuring inclusive and diverse applicants into this competition?
  Outreach was intentionally designed to reach a diverse audience.
  

• Can people submit plans for homes that are already built?
  Yes, we welcome you to submit designs of existing homes.