12th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off

Architecture Center Houston will host the 12th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off at Levy Park on Saturday, December 11, 2021.Competing teams will create 100% edible, architectural masterpieces using gingerbread, candy, and all sorts of other sweet treats (of which leftovers will be composted)! More than 4,000 spectators are expected to attend and cheer on the teams, play in the kids' construction zone, and see Santa! All of that entertainment is free and open to the public!

Who can participate?
Team registration is open to local architects, designers, engineers, high school and college students, and holiday enthusiasts of all kinds, seeking fame and fortune with their sugary structures.

Competition Categories
After 18 months of being locked in during the pandemic, we are celebrating the great outdoors with our special featured category, Parks and Rec. From Baltimore Harbor to the Golden Gate Bridge, show us your favorite outdoor spaces! Teams may also compete in one of the other categories: Architectural Icons, Tallest Standing Structure, Best Holiday Themed, Best Non-Holiday themed, and Best Houston-centric.

Team registration for the 2021 event is open to local architecture firms, design professionals, students, and enthusiasts seeking the coveted Grand Prix de Show for their edible structure.

EVENT DAY SCHEDULE:
10:00am–11:00am  Gingerbread Team Check-in
11:00am–4:00pm  Gingerbread Team Competition Building
11:00am–4:00pm  Kids' Construction Zone and Scavenger Hunt
3:30pm–4:30pm    Houston Bronze Ensemble performance
5:00pm–5:30pm    Gingerbread Team Award Winners Annoucned

GINGERBREAD JUDGES

Catherine Callaway, President, Architecture Center Houston
Debra Lathan, Assistant Director Houston Parks and Recreation Department
Jeromy Murphy, Presenting Sponsor, ACI
Patrick Renner, AIA Houston Artist of the Year
Chef Lawerence Walker, Culinary Director, Lucille’s

TEAM REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
Team registration is open. Early Bird registration for team registrations and additional materials forms closes Friday, October 29, 5pm. General registration closes Friday, November 12 by 5pm.
Team registration and competition rules can be found here. 

BECOME A SPONSOR:
Event sponsorship supports Architecture Center Houston's educational and public programs that include exhibition, lectures, walking tours and k-12 educational programs. For more information contact Aleks Stavitski at aleks@aiahouston.org .

VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer to help with the Gingerbread Build-Off! ArCH needs help with the Kids Construction Zone, as well as setup/teardown of the event. Email jennifer@aiahouston.org. Educational and civic groups welcome!