We are proud to announce the winners of the 2026 High School Design Competition
2026 Finailsts (L to R): Kira Grama, Benke Sepulveda, Grace Oberg, Nicole Velandia, Keith Mullen, Itzel Vasquez-Fernandez, Cas Elliott, Nico Ruffenach, Winslow Seamans, Isabell Payne, Bella Da Re, Evie Beuville
1st Place: Isabelle (Bella) Da Re, 11th grade, Dos Pueblos High School
2nd Place: Isabell Payne, 11th grade, San Marcos High School
3rd Place: Winslow Seamans, 10th grade, Midland School
Honorable Mention: Benke Sepulveda, 11th grade, Dunn School
Honorable Mention: Cas Elliott, 12th grade, Olive Grove Charter School
Sixty-three students from 15 Santa Barbara County high schools participated in design charrettes on February 24th at two locations: Santa Barbara City College and Allan Hancock College. Twelve finalists presented their designs during a Juried Review on February 28th at Elverhøj Museum in Solvang.
Over the past 35 years, thousands of students have gone through this rigorous and fun design challege. This year’s competition challenges students to design their home in the year 2026.
Congratulations on all who participated! It was a joy to have this competition and we look forward to another year of the High School Architectural Design Competition!
For more details, visit our High School Design Competition Page.
