2026 LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION:

NEW CHAPTER:

The Dundee Institute of Architects recently made the move in December 2025 from being an unincorporated organisation to becoming a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), following in the footsteps of other chapters who have already made the switch.

This change gives the DIA its own legal identity, making it easier to manage things like contracts and finances, while also protecting our trustees through limited liability. Becoming a charity also helps open up new opportunities for funding and grants.

Overall, it’s a positive step that puts the DIA in a stronger position for the future and supports our ongoing work in promoting architecture and representing the interests of our chapter. It is an exciting time and to mark the important change, we want to engage with our members to create a new logo that will take us forward into this new chapter.

CALL FOR ENTRIES:

The DIA is inviting submissions for a brand-new logo to mark this new, exciting chapter in the organisation's history and complete the rebranding initiative. The new logo will be used on the DIA’s website, socials and all associated documents and information.

We are seeking a fresh, contemporary identity that reflects the values, heritage, and future direction of the DIA and the Architecture sector.

ELIGIBILITY:

  • The competition is open to members of the DIA, including:

    • Architecture students (including year-out students) holding a RIAS membership

    • Architectural assistants

    • Architects

  • Members of the DIA Council may enter but will not take part in the judging process.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

  • All submissions must be original work created by the entrant.

  • Entries must not infringe the rights of any third party.

  • AI-generated or AI-assisted work is not permitted and will be disqualified.

  • To ensure the winning logo can be used across all platforms, submissions should include:

    • Logo files in PNG and PDF format

    • The logo should work effectively with both the full name “Dundee Institute of Architects” and the abbreviated form “DIA”, either as a single combined design or as a flexible identity that can be used in different formats.

    • A vector file (e.g. AI, EPS or SVG) suitable for scaling

    • Colour versions plus monochrome / black-and-white versions

    • Colour information (RGB / CMYK values where applicable)

    • A short design statement outlining the concept and rationale

  • Logos should be suitable for both print and digital use.

CONTENT & SUITABILITY:

  • Entries should be appropriate for use by a professional architectural institute and for public display.

  • Designs must not include content that could reasonably be considered offensive, discriminatory, misleading, or inappropriate. The DIA reserves the right to exclude any entry it considers unsuitable for use or display.

CLOSING DATE:

  • Submissions will be accepted from Friday, 31st July at 12:00, and the closing date for entries is Friday, 4th September at 21:00

JUDGING PROCESS:

  • Entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges appointed by the DIA.

  • Shortlisting and selection will be decided by simple majority.

  • The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

  • Judges will be: Jenni Shanks (DIA president), Carol Roberston (Head of architecture school DJCAD), Jamie Stein (graphic designer and tutor in graphics at DJCAD)

PRIZE:

  • The winning entrant will receive credit across DIA social media platforms and the DIA website, and their logo adopted as the official DIA logo for the foreseeable future.

USE OF ENTRIES & INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY:

  • The winning entrant agrees that ownership of the winning logo will transfer to the DIA, allowing unrestricted use, adaptation, and publication across all media, including colour change

  • Non-winning entrants retain ownership of their work.

  • By entering, all entrants grant the DIA permission to display submitted entries, including shortlisted or commended designs, at the DIA Awards Dinner and/or on the DIA website and social media, for the purposes of showcasing the competition.Entries may be showcased as part of the competition (including at the AGM, Awards Dinner, and online), with the DIA aiming to credit designers wherever reasonably practicable.

GENERAL:

  • The DIA is not responsible for lost, late, or incomplete submissions.

  • By submitting an entry, entrants confirm they have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.