CIRT National Design and Construction Competition

A new year of ideas, innovation, and opportunity begins today with the launch of the 2027 CIRT National Design + Construction Competition, presented by the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) in partnership with the ACE Mentor Program of America.

For 2027, teams can choose from three challenges reflecting important questions and opportunities facing the built environment. Each challenge asks teams to consider not only what they would design or build, but how and why their solution could work in the real world—including functionality, materials, constructability, cost and community impact.

NEW FOR 2027 SIX FINALIST TEAMS will be invited to Washington DC, and up to THREE PRESENTERS PER TEAM will have the opportunity to present to industry professionals. The six teams will participate in a Preliminary Presentation Round, competing head-to-head against the other finalist in their challenge category. Jurors will select one team from each challenge to advance, resulting in three teams presenting in the Final Presentation Round before CIRT members and industry leaders.

The expanded format gives twice as many teams the opportunity to experience Washington, present and defend months of work before professionals, and make meaningful connections with leaders across architecture, engineering, construction and design—while preserving the excitement of a three-team national final.