BARKITECTURE 2026

Design it. Build it. Show it. Save animal lives!

Barkitecture 2026 is a pet architecture competition inviting architects, designers, contractors, and creatives to design and build innovative animal homes.

Entries will be exhibited and auctioned at a dog-friendly community event at Czig Meister Brewing Company on October 11, 2026, 12–4 PM.

Proceeds benefit animal rescue organizations!!

REGISTER TO BE A PET SHELTER DESIGN/BUILD TEAM

Deadline to Register: July 15, 2026
Entry Fee: $150 per entry

Registration is required to secure a build slot.

Click HERE to register!

Questions? Contact Robert Epstein at [email protected]

THE MAIN EVENT

The 2026 AIA Newark & Suburban Architects Barkitecture competition will conclude with a lively, dog-friendly and beer-friendly community gathering, where all submitted designs will be on display and auctioned at Czig Meister Brewing Company on October 11, 2026, from 12–4 PM.

Czig Meister Brewing Company
106 Valentine St
Hackettstown, NJ 07840

Imagine all your hard work coming together in a shelter that not only helps save animal lives, but also becomes part of a fun, high-energy community celebration—where your design will be showcased, judged, and auctioned, with awards recognizing standout creativity and impact. Join us as the community comes together to see how deeply you value both animals in need and the power of the architecture profession.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

Barkitecture challenges participants to design and build creative, functional, and imaginative shelters for animals—from doghouses to cat condos and beyond. All entries will be showcased at the event and auctioned to support local rescues.

Awards will be given across multiple categories.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Open to architects, designers, builders, and creative individuals or teams.

  • Must register in advance to secure a competition slot.

DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

  • Structure Type: Doghouses, cat condos, birdhouses, or other pet-friendly shelters.

  • Size Limit: Maximum footprint of 5’ x 5’ x 5’.

  • Materials: Sustainable and recycled materials are encouraged. Must be safe for people and pets.

  • Durability: Must be freestanding and stable. Must be safe for people and pets.

  • Transportability: Two people should be able to move the structure easily.

  • Presentation: Each team must provide a 24” x 36” design board detailing their concept, materials, and features.

For further details please consult the Barkitecture Team Build Guide here.

AWARDS

  • Best in Show – Awarded to the overall best design, excelling across all categories.

  • Greenest Paw – Recognizes the most sustainable design using eco-friendly materials and strategies.

  • Craziest Cat – Honors the most unique and innovative design redefining pet architecture.

  • Fat Cat – Given to the build that raises the highest donation in the silent auction.

  • People’s Choice – Awarded based on votes collected during the event.

  • Graphic Bark – Recognizes the best signage with strong graphic design and build information.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities to sponsor Barkitecture will be posted very shortly!