Avery Review Essay Prize 2026

Applications are now open for the Avery Review Essay Prize 2026, the ninth annual essay competition organized by The Avery Review, a journal of critical essays on architecture published by the Office of Publications at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. This opportunity is open to current undergraduate and master’s students, as well as recent graduates (graduated after December 1, 2024), from any field of study worldwide—as long as the essay focuses on architecture.

The submission deadline is January 31, 2026. It is completely free to enter—no application or submission fee. Winners receive cash prizes (one first-place of $4,000 and three second-place of $2,000 each) and publication in the June 2026 issue of the journal. This is a fantastic chance for emerging writers to publish thoughtful, critical work on architecture in a respected academic journal, gain recognition, and earn prize money—all through an online submission process with no travel required. You can check out more Internships, BS, MS, PhD and postdoc positions here.

Key Details:

• Host Organization: The Avery Review / Columbia University GSAPP Office of Publications
• Eligible Participants: Current undergraduates, current master’s students, recent graduates (after Dec 1, 2024); any university, any field (architecture as subject)
• Open for all Nationalities!
• Application Fee: None
• Deadline: January 31, 2026
• Language: English (assumed, as per journal standard)

What This Opportunity Offers:

• Substantial cash prizes: $4,000 for first place, $2,000 for each of three second-place winners
• Professional publication in a leading architecture journal (The Avery Review, June 2026 issue)
• Recognition for bold, critical writing that engages urgent architectural questions
• Opportunity to develop and showcase your intellectual voice through reviewing books, buildings, projects, or other media

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Eligibility Criteria

• Current undergraduate students (any major, focusing on architecture)
• Current master’s-level students (any major, focusing on architecture)
• Recent graduates from undergraduate or master’s programs (graduation after December 1, 2024—include actual or anticipated date in email)
• Open worldwide, from any university
• Essays can stem from coursework, seminars, or independent work
• Must submit student status and graduation date in the email

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Essay Focus and Requirements:

Essays should be critical reviews or essays centered on an object (book, building, exhibition, project, or other architectural media—broadly defined). They explore urgent questions in architecture using review/essay genres, while testing and expanding your own theoretical, architectural, or political commitments through others’ work.

Preferred style: Stylish, concise, accessible, and earnestly felt. Have a clear core object of review. Length: Usually 3,000–4,500 words.

Before submitting, check out past winning essays on the Avery Review website for examples of strong, engaging writing (issues from recent years feature pieces on topics like urban risk, archival silence, colonial legacies, and more).

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How to Apply:

1. Write your essay as a double-spaced Word document (.doc or .docx)—text only, no images embedded.
2. (Optional) Prepare 6–8 images in a separate PDF (keep total file size under 3 MB).
3. Email both files to: [email protected]
4. In the email body, clearly state your:
   • Current student status (e.g., undergraduate, master’s, or recent graduate)
   • Actual or anticipated graduation date
5. Submit by January 31, 2026—no late entries.

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