Innovative, socially relevant, award-winning!
Since 1954, the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft has been supporting young emerging talents in the field of architecture. Throughout its long tradition, the Architecture Prize has been continuously developed and today ranks among the most highly endowed awards for young architects.
The prize is awarded to graduates with a master’s degree in architecture or urban planning from German universities (no universities of applied sciences) who completed their studies within the past year. It provides them with valuable support right at the start of their careers.
Competition Profile
In 2025, the Kulturkreis will launch a new competition profile, in which master’s theses that address socially relevant issues and propose innovative, creative, and forward-looking solutions will be awarded.
In addition to prize money of €20,000, the award winners will have the opportunity to present their approach. In public discussion formats with renowned partners, they can prove and further investigate their design and architectural position on social issues. Furthermore, the prize enables young talents to take part in a self-chosen research trip or training program in order to further develop their professional and technical skills.
Jury
The jury brings together interdisciplinary experts from the following fields:
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Architecture
Jette Cathrin Hopp, Snøhetta
Prof. Ludwig Wappner, allmannwappner -
Sociology
Prof. Dr. Anna Steigemann, Universität Regensburg -
Sustainability
Annabelle von Reutern, TOMAS, Transformation of Material and Space -
Innovative future solutions
Nils Buschmann, ROBERTNEUN™ -
Context expert jurors
Katja Domschky, ACUBE - Kommunikation, Marketing, Strategie
Nicole Heptner, JUNG (Förderpartner)
In a two-stage process, the jury selects one award winner. The diversity of the jury ensures that the submitted works are examined and evaluated from different social perspectives.
The works nominated for the competition, as well as the shortlisted candidates, are publicly presented on the Kulturkreis’ website.
Timeline
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Nomination by the universities
Until April 14, 2026
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Submission of documents (pre-jury)
Until April 30, 2026
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Pre-jury (digital)
May 20, 2026
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Final jury (in-person presentation in Berlin)
June 9, 2026
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Award ceremony as part of the Kulturkreis annual meeting
Expected: October 9, 2026
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Start of the funding period
From November 2026
More information here.
Contact
Do you have any questions? Feel free to get in touch with us!
For questions regarding the application and competition:
Elisabeth Warnecke
Program Officer, Architecture
e.warnecke@kulturkreis.eu
Tel.: +49 30 2028 1519
Media partner
Sponsor
The Architecture Prize of the German Economy is funded by
An architecture competition for graduates is an investment in the future of our built environment. Young architects bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and the courage to explore new paths—especially in times when sustainability, resource conservation and social responsibility are paramount. By supporting the Architecture Prize of the German Economy, we are strengthening innovation, equal opportunity and the building culture of tomorrow.
