OVERTIME 26

The Center for Architecture + Design is seeking creative artwork to feature in the upcoming exhibition OVERTIME 26. Submissions can range from sketches, paintings, drawings, and photography to jewelry, sculpture, furniture, and anything you can think of. Any and all scales are encouraged!

This is an opportunity for architects and designers to showcase their talents beyond their design for the built environment. Through this exhibition, CA+D aims to highlight the richness and diversity of the local interdisciplinary design community. 

Overview:

Overtime was conceived in 1991 by a group of recent graduates of the Architecture Program at UC Berkeley. Keith Krumweide, now the dean of Architecture at CCA, noticed a number of empty storefronts in the Old Oakland development and conceived the idea of using these vacant spaces for a design show. The group of young architects pitched the developers the idea of a design pop-up, asking to use the spaces for free in exchange for revitalizing and using these empty storefronts. The OG creators – Keith, Tom Collom, Jim Zack, Ingrid Schoenlenk, Erin Collom, and John Brotzman came together to organize the first OVERTIME show in May of 1991.

Their idea was to exhibit work by designers, artists, architects, and makers in a self-supporting environment – artists and designers could show their work for a modest entry fee and volunteer time to host the show. The goal was to support and celebrate young designers with real jobs working on art and design in their overtime.

The first show in Old Oakland had 40-50 entries, including furniture (functional or not), sculpture, lighting, graphics, and more. The second and third shows were held in San Francisco in 1992 and 1993, growing each year. The final show in '93 took place in a vacant office space at Hills Plaza, featuring over 10,000 sq ft of gallery space and more than 150 entries.

The Center for Architecture + Design is delighted to be renewing the concept of overtime, with the original creators. 

The show will be in two phases. Phase 1, titled OG, will showcase the creations of original participants in the first three OVERTIME shows, from 1991 to 1993. Half of this phase will be dedicated to our original generation, while the other half will be open to all. OG participants are encouraged to dig up their contributions from the original shows, as well as submit new work, so we can see what you are up to now, 35 years later!

Phase 2, REDUX, will reflect on the original intention of OVERTIME, highlighting the new generation of architects and designers, with a greater focus on students and recent graduates. 

While the two phases of the show will aim to celebrate different generations of designers and artists, we encourage entries from all generations at each phase. 

Timeline:

Phase 1, OG

Submissions for the first phase are due February 25, 2026. Installation will take place from March 13 to 17, with the launch scheduled for March 18, 2026.  

OG entries, if you are interested in showcasing your original pieces, please be sure to submit them so we can manage participation. We also want to encourage OG’s to submit more recent works!

Submissions from phase 1 will also be considered for phase 2, based on space and curation. Architects and designers of all generations are encouraged to submit! 

Phase 2, REDUX

Submissions for the second phase are due June 2, 2026, with installation scheduled from June 12 to 14 and launch on June 17, 2026.  

Participants are responsible for overseeing and supporting the installation of their object. Participants will work with Center staff and the Jury on how to install the object. The Center for Architecture + Design is not responsible for any damage or theft that may occur to the object.

Submit here