Accessible Dwelling Unit Design Competition

Accessible Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Competition

Arizona is in crisis. Arizona has the fourth worst affordable housing shortage in the country, according to a recent National Low Income Housing Coalition’s (NLIHC) Gap report, and among the cities, Phoenix was ranked as having the fourth most severe shortage in the country with 21 available and affordable units for every 100 households.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, City of Phoenix rents have soared, burdening the finances of many low- and middle-income households, and home prices are up significantly, putting homebuying out of reach for more people. The number of people experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County is up, and the number of eviction filings in 2023 was on track to be the highest since the Great Recession era.

In September of 2023, to improve affordable housing options, Phoenix’s City Council approved the legalization to build attached or detached accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, to all single-family residential homes. Yet, there is still work to be done.

The AIA (American Institute of Architects) Phoenix Metro and the City of Phoenix are teaming up together to hold a design competition for schematic ADU designs in accordance with the City of Phoenix Ordinance G-7160 with the intent of helping to develop the City of Phoenix's ADU “Pre-Approved” Standard Plans Library.

A selection committee will evaluate each design submission. The winning designs will be awarded a cash prize. Additionally, funding will be provided by the City of Phoenix, to help selected winners complete their Standard Plan submittal package for the City of Phoenix. In addition to receiving a cash award, the winners of the competition will be credited with the schematic design of the ADU's. The winning designs will be displayed in an online gallery with images, descriptions, and information about the designer. Additionally, the City of Phoenix may also choose to promote the winning entries through their marketing of the ADU program to the public.