Enter today!
Design an artwork that empowers preservationists! The winning design will be featured on merchandise at the 2027 APTi Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
The winning artist will receive an online showcase, with recognition on APT and Patti the Preservationist social media sites. They will also receive complimentary merchandise.
Participants can interpret this by using different mediums like:
Architectural sketches/drawings
Paintings
Graphic design
Photography
Illustration
Digital art
Who can Enter?
FREE TO ENTER
OPEN TO EVERYONE
(APT MEMBERSHIP IS NOT REQUIRED)
Theme: FORGED TOGETHER
Preserving Birmingham's Stories
Next year's conference will explore Birmingham's struggles, triumphs, and enduring determination to persevere and flourish. Shaped by its industrial roots in iron ore, limestone, and coal, Birmingham's history reflects the strength of its built environment and the resilience of the people who have shaped its identity.
From industrial landmarks and architectural treasures to the historic places that witnessed the civil rights movement, Birmingham's buildings and landscapes hold stories of innovation, perseverance, struggle, and progress. These places remind us that history is not defined by structures alone, but by the people, communities, and experiences that give them meaning.
Forged Together celebrates the connection between historic preservation, architecture, and the human stories that shape our communities. We invite designers to explore how Birmingham's industrial heritage, architectural character, and cultural history can inspire creative interpretations of preservation.
Through imagery, materials, textures, and storytelling, submissions should reflect the enduring relationship between people and place, honoring the past while recognizing preservation's role in shaping the future.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
ARCHITECTURE & PLACE
community resilience
PEOPLE & HISTORY
craftsmanship
SCoring details
This design competition will have anonymous judging.
Each submission will be evaluated based on these three categories:
Visual Impact - 10 points
Creativity - 10 points
Connection to Preservation and Theme - 10 points
Total possible points = 30
COMPETITION TIMELINE
Submissions Open:
November 1st, 2026
Submission Deadline:
February 28th, 2027
Winner will be announced on April 2nd, 2027.
Late submissions will not be considered after this date.
Submission form will close on Sunday, February 28th at midnight (US Central Time).
Participants submit:
One high-resolution .PNG design (300 PPI) or 8.5" × 11" Digital PDF submission (may be vertical or horizontal)
Ensure the creator’s name or signature is not visible in the design to keep anonymity.
PNG of creator’s signature with transparent background
FINAL DESIGN
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Submitted work must be original and created by the participant. AI-generated final artwork is prohibited.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they have permission to use:
• Photographs
• Illustrations
• Graphics
• And other third-party materials
Optional MaterialS (Not part of Judging)
1. Project Description
Participants can explain their design concept and connection to preservation
2. Short Creator Statement
Participants briefly introduce:
Who they are and their background
Why does preservation or the equity scholarship matter to them
3. Include a Personal Website or Portfolio Link
Design an artwork that empowers preservationists! The winning design will be featured on merchandise at the 2027 APT Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.
The winning artist will receive complimentary merchandise. The artist will also receive an online showcase, with recognition on APT and Patti the Preservationist social media sites.
Patti DESIGN COMPETITION
By submitting a design, Participants grant Patti the Preservationist and APT permission to:
Display the work
Sell merchandise using their work, with proceeds funding the Equity Scholarship
Feature it on social media
Use for promotional purposes and materials
Use it for future competition promotion