European Competition for Under-Graduates

 

Kindling, the hospitality architecture and interior design competition for under-graduates across Europe, has announced its second edition.

Entitled Sanctuary, the competition invites students to consider what hospitality spaces can offer people who, for whatever reason, have been displaced from their homes and communities.

Aimed at individuals and groups of students studying architecture, design, or a combination of both, the competition comprises an architecture and an interior design category and seeks to highlight the vision, insights and creativity of tomorrow’s designers.

 

 

Kindling is an initiative created by ReardonSmith Architects and MKV Design, and is supported by Europe’s hotel design event, Hix, Ahead Europe and the Refugee Council.

Patrick Reardon, Executive Chairman of ReardonSmith, explains: “It’s all about helping tomorrow’s architects and designers explore the potential of design to influence change by inviting them to consider an issue of our time in the context of a hospitality environment. We encourage college tutors to be actively involved and convert the competition into a great learning opportunity for their students.”

Maria Vafiadis, Founder and MD of MKV, adds: “I believe it is relevant to consider how we in the hospitality sector, a global industry dedicated to giving succour and safety to strangers and neighbours, can shine a light on the tragedy of dislocation.”

The individual/team representative behind the two winning entries (architecture and interior design) will be invited to visit London on a four-day, all-expenses paid trip in November 2026.

This will include attending HIX and the Ahead Europe Awards where they will receive their trophies.

Students and tutors can find out more and enter the 2025/6 scheme by going to www.kindlingstudentcompetition.com