This March, YAF is reviving the AIA NoVA Napkin Sketching Contest. We all know the greatest architectural marvels often start as a humble napkin sketch! It’s the architect’s go-to canvas! Get ready because this March, YAF’s AIA NoVA Napkin Sketch Contest is back, offering you the chance to unleash your creativity and sketch your way to architectural fame. Whether it’s quick conceptual doodles or intricate works of art, we want to see your distinctive viewpoint immortalized on the modest napkin.

Sketch Rules 

• All are welcome to enter – you do not need to be a member of AIA NoVA. 
• Submissions may be on any size napkin or with any medium, but must be hand drawn. 
• No restrictions on subject or theme. 
• If your napkin artwork has a title, DO include this on your napkin, otherwise it will not show up in the voting interface.
• DO NOT: sign or include your name or firm’s name on your napkin artwork. 

Submission Guidelines

• Snap a high-quality photo of your napkin sketch for submission. Max size: 4MB. 
• Email your entry in to [email protected] with the subject line: “2024 AIA NOVA Napkin Sketching Contest Entry”. 
• In the email (not on your napkin), include your name, email address, and if applicable, your current firm. 
• Maximum 2 entries per person.

Deadline for Submissions 

• Sketches due: March 15 by 11:59pm
• Voting: March 18-20
• Winners announced: Late March

Notice: By entering a submission to this competition, you are affirming that the work is your own and that you acknowledge your submitted work may be used, for marketing, educational, or archival purposes.