New architecture and design competitions: Modernism in America Awards, Zagreb Sports Precinct, International Design Awards, and Northwestern University Research Building

For this week's curated picks of architecture and design competitions listed on Bustler, we are featuring four calls seeking exceptional creations across various design disciplines, submissions for a new engineering research building for Northwestern University, best cases of preservation and reuse of American modernist sites, and entries for a stadium and sports recreation center in Zagreb, Croatia.

For the complete directory of newly listed competitions, click here.

International Design Awards (IDA)
Registration/Submission Deadline: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

"Inviting all architects, interior designers, product designers, graphic designers and fashion designers to submit their creative works into one of THE most respected design awards in the world. Receive worldwide recognition for your creative projects! The International Design Awards (IDA) exists to recognize, celebrate and promote exceptional design visionaries and discover emerging talent in Architecture, Interior, Product, Graphic and Fashion Design worldwide."

Northwestern University: Search for A/E firm for new engineering research building
Registration/Submission Deadline: Wednesday, April 15, 2026

"Northwestern University has launched a new selection process to identify potential architect/engineer (A/E) partners to design a future engineering research building on its Evanston campus. The University has recently completed a research facilities master planning process that identified space needs for its broader research and education ambitions. [...] Northwestern is issuing an initial, wide call for US-based talent, to develop a longlist of potential partners. Experience with campus and/or laboratory design is preferred; practices may demonstrate capability through built work or partnerships that evidence capacity to deliver a complex academic building."

2026 Modernism in America Awards
Registration/Submission Deadline: Thursday, June 11, 2026

"Now in its 13th year, the Awards celebrate the documentation, preservation, and reuse of modern buildings, structures, and landscapes built in the United States or on U.S. territory and recognize those building owners, design teams, advocacy, and preservation organizations that have made significant efforts to retain, restore, and advocate for the aesthetic and cultural value of such places."

International Architecture Competition: Maksimir Stadium and Svetice Sports and Recreation Centre in Zagreb, Croatia
Registration/Submission Deadline: Wednesday, June 24, 2026

"The competition was launched on March 20th 2026 following a landmark agreement between the City of Zagreb and the Croatian Government. This €224 million joint investment aims to replace aging infrastructure with a world-class, integrated sports precinct. The organisers invite visionary designs for a 35,000-seat stadium and a 'City of Sport' that honours the site’s historic character while meeting 21st-century athletic needs."

Would you like to contribute competitions, award programs, or calls for submissions that aren't listed on Bustler yet? Send them directly to our team to review. We may include them in our next roundup.