Stairs Design Awards, the international competition for architecture students

An architecture competition centered around the staircase

The Stairs Design Awards gather participants around a challenge that is simple in appearance, yet deeply demanding: reinventing the staircase.

This competition is tailored for architecture students, inviting them to transform this technical element into a genuine playground for creative, functional, and visionary expression.

Organized by PBM Groupe, the Stairs Design competition celebrates innovation and architectural boldness. It invites creators to imagine staircases that transcend their simple utilitarian function, becoming masterpieces at the very heart of architecture.

Beyond the technical aspects, the goal is to design a staircase with a strong identity. Candidates are encouraged to push the boundaries of design while highlighting their unique vision.

This is a unique opportunity to turn the staircase into a symbol and an architectural signature.

A competition for students

Participation in the competition is entirely free of charge and open to all students enrolled in architecture schools in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Spain.

Terms of participation

Candidates can compete individually or form a team of up to three members. Each participant must be a student and hold a valid student ID card.

Both registration and project submission must be completed exclusively online via the dedicated platform.

Key dates

The Awards Ceremony

The ceremony marks the final stage of the competition for the students. It is a unique opportunity for the finalists to pitch their projects to the jury, who will then deliberate to announce the winners of the upcoming Stairs Design Awards!

This exceptional event will take place at the Palais de la Bourse in Lyon. Listed as a historical monument, this prestigious venue offers the perfect setting for a warm and exclusive gathering, bringing together the PBM Groupe teams, key players from the construction and architecture sectors, and the winning students.

The ceremony is a moment for professionals and future professionals to connect. It is a wonderful opportunity to network over a buffet and cocktails while enjoying the scheduled entertainment.

Stairs Design Awards supports the Équerre d’Argent

Stairs Design Awards supports the next edition of the Équerre d’Argent, the benchmark architecture competition organized by AMC, the leading architectural media outlet. This unmissable event shares the same core values of commitment and dedication to architectural excellence.

Explore all past editions of the international architecture school competition

Would you like to become a partner for our event?

Align your brand with architectural excellence and sustainable innovation by becoming an event partner. Demonstrate your support for student creation and future industry professionals by actively investing in the future and talent of architecture schools.

Expand your network by taking advantage of an exclusive networking opportunity during the awards ceremony.

Our partners from the past edition: