The 2026 IIDA Southwest Student Design Charette challenges student teams to rethink how people gather, rest, and experience place. You’ll receive most of the prompt 24 hours before the event—but team assignments and floor plans won’t be revealed until you arrive. From there, it’s all fast thinking, sharp collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
Bring your creativity, your favorite tools and software, and whatever helps you work quickly—all platforms are welcome, including AI.
You’ll compete with students from across the region for a chance to advance to the Follow-On Challenge, an individual competition where two winners earn an all-expenses-paid trip to NeoCon.
👀 Your only hint: Arizona has no shortage of spectacular destinations… and you get to choose the one that inspires your design.
🎟️ Registration
$0 for IIDA Student Members
$11.20 for Non-Members
Limited to the first 25 students
🕘 Schedule Highlights
• 9:00 AM – Arrival & Breakfast
• 9:30 AM – Welcome + Challenge Overview
• 10:00 AM–2:00 PM – Charette
• 2:15–3:15 PM – Team Presentations
• 3:45 PM – Winners Announced
• 5:00–7:00 PM – Winners & Sponsors Happy Hour (Location TBD)
We can’t wait to see what you create!