Overview
A Global Call to Reimagine Residential Water Use Design
The Shaping the Future of Water Use at Home Architectural Design Challenge (ADC) is an international ideas competition organized by USGBC California and supported by regional and international partners and prize funders.
We invite architects, engineers, designers, and students to create innovative, water-efficient living spaces. By reimagining residential design, participants will propose scalable solutions that make water and energy efficiency effortless, importantly without compromising comfort, beauty, or livability.
The goal: inspire residential solutions that can be applied in the next one to three years, accelerating progress toward a water-positive future.
Key Features
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- Innovative architectural and home design solutions that integrate water and energy efficiency seamlessly
- Scalable and market-ready ideas for both new construction and retrofit homes
- Kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor spaces, and landscaping re-envisioned for water-efficient living
- Integration of smart home technology and leak detection
- Use of passive and net-zero design principles
- Nature-based approaches that reduce irrigation demand
Building on Success
This challenge builds on lessons from the 50L Home Los Angeles Pilot, which proved water and energy savings are achievable without disrupting daily routines:
- Reduced average water use to 87 liters (23 gallons) per person per day — nearly 50% less than the Los Angeles average
- Achieved 40% hot water savings at kitchen faucets and laundry cycles
- Delivered overall household energy savings of more than 15%
- Learn more here (press release)
These results set the stage for the next wave of innovation through architecture and design.
Official Challenge Overview
Get the full details of the Architectural Design Challenge in our 8-slide Applicant Overview guide. It highlights the competition’s goals, eligibility, and design prompts, along with prize details and key dates. Reviewing it before you apply will ensure your submission aligns with the challenge vision and maximizes your impact.
Apply Now
Applications CLOSED
Thank you everyone who applied to participate. You will receive a notification of your application status on Monday , December 15.
Official Rules
All participants must review the Official Rules before submitting. These outline eligibility, judging criteria, file requirements, and prize distribution. Reviewing them ensures your submission meets all standards, avoids disqualification, and considers guidelines for your success.
Note that Application and its deadline is only to ensure alignment before joining the competition. Final design submissions are due on or before February 8, 2026.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: September 24, 2025
- Applications Close (Date Extended): December 12, 2025
- Challenge Begins: December 18, 2025*
- Submissions Due: February 15, 2026
- Finalists Announced: March 30, 2026
- Winners Announced: May 28, 2026 (California Green Building Conference)
*We will host a workshop and framing exercise on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 9am Pacific. We will hold office hours with subject matter experts throughout the design window up to the submission deadline. You will then submit one proposal by the February deadline that meets the criteria. There are no extra rounds or revisions, though a team member or judge may occasionally reach out with a clarification. The key is that the work you submit is your own, and of course aligned with one or more of the design prompts that will be provided.
Prizes & Recognition
Cash Prizes: $50,000 awarded across professional and student categories:
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- First Place (Professional & Student): $15,000 each
- Second Place (Professional & Student): $7,500 each
- Third Place (Professional & Student): $2,500 each
Recognition: Winning designs showcased at the California Green Building Conference
Visibility: Featured in USGBC-CA publications, networks, and partner communications
White Paper Resource: The Energy Cost of Water
This report from our 50L Home Pilot Project offers great insights and context into the what, why, how, and overall vision for this sibling design competition. It provides insight into the inherent energy and carbon expenditures associated with providing water, encompassing its transportation and distribution as well as the effectiveness of alternative water sources.
Design Challenge Supporters
In addition to fostering real-world and necessary solutions, the design challenge will foster collaboration between thought leaders, startups, and other innovators committed to a sustainable future.
Supporters include Accelerate Resilience LA, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Metropolitan Water District, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and other community members, all committed to driving sustainable innovation.
Design Challenge Sponsors
Contact Us!
For general questions about the challenge, please contact Kyle Pickett, kyle@usgbc-ca.org.
For inquiries to sponsor or otherwise support the challenge, contact Carrie Hester, carrie@usgsbc-ca.org.
For interest in future design challenges and innovation pathways including the Net Zero Accelerator, contact Colin Mangham, colin@usgbc-ca.org.
