Contributed by: Traditional Building
Organization: Traditional Building
Dated Posted: June 26, 2026
Website: Visit External Site

In May 2023, Traditional Building launched a new drawing competition, the Raphael Award, named in honor of Raffaello Sanzio da Urbina (1483-1520), a leading painter of the Italian Renaissance who was a renowned draftsman as well. The award seeks to encourage the study of Classical and Neoclassical architecture through the practice of drawing and painting by hand. We are pleased to announce a call for entries for our third annual competition.

Entry Requirements:

1. Up to three high-resolution scans (300dpi or higher) of hand-drawn architectural sketches. Drawings can be of existing or proposed structures, with an emphasis on classical detailing and style.

2. Entries cannot have the name of the artist or architectural firm on the drawing itself.

3. Entries must be at least 6” wide by 10” tall (1800px by 3000px minimum)

4. Entries must be original work in pencil, ink or watercolor.

5. Cost per entry: $125 for three sketches

Categories for entry:

• On-site line drawing (pencil or pen)
• On-site watercolor (or other color media)
• Design sketch (any media)
• Design orthographic rendering by hand (any media)
• Design perspective rendering by hand (any media)

ENTRIES ACCEPTED between April 22 and August 31, 2026.

Entries will be judged by a panel of architects in September 2026. The winners will be featured in the December 2026 issue of Traditional Building.

Winning entries will also be showcased on traditionalbuilding.com, traditionalbuildingshow.com, period-homes.com, and our social media channels. The presentation of the winning entries will take place at the Traditional Building Conference in Charleston, SC, November 3-4, 2026.