Blenheim Palace is inspiring the next generation of architects with a nationwide design competition, where winners will receive an incredible prize, including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sign a roof slate and have their name in situ on Britain’s Greatest Palace for centuries to come.

The Baroque masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site has launched the competition for the next generation to leave their own mark on history, to coincide with Blueprints of Power, its latest exhibition, which celebrates the 300th anniversary of its architect Sir John Vanbrugh (1664–1726). 

The competition, announced during National Careers Week (2nd-7th March 2026), features three categories: 

• Budding architects (under 12s) must draw a picture of Blenheim Palace 
• Aspiring architects (ages 12 to 17) create a moodboard showing what feature/s could be added if Blenheim Palace were designed today
• Rising architects (18+ studying a degree or equivalent in architecture, construction, creative or design-related subjects) invited to submit an interpretation of what they believe Blenheim Palace would look like if it were designed today – 300 years since it was built

To enter, participants must submit their response to the brief in their category via a PDF A4 visual to blenheim@cabcampaign.co.uk by Wednesday, 18th March.

Entries will be judged by an esteemed panel including Sir Charles Saumarez Smith CBE, author, curator and architectural historian, Kelly O’Driscoll, Head of Built Heritage at Blenheim Palace and Donald Insall Associates Practice Director, and Edward Lewis, currently leading the restoration project at Blenheim Palace.

Winners in each category will be announced Monday, 23rd March and will receive:

• Exclusive invite to the Blenheim Palace topping out ceremony on 31st March 
• Once-in-a-lifetime chance to sign a roof slate, reinstalled on the Palace, meaning your name remains in situ at Britain’s Greatest Palace for generations
• Exclusive talk and tour with Kelly O’Driscoll, Head of Built Heritage, Blenheim Palace*
• Signed copy of Living Buildings: Architectural Conservation, Philosophy, Principles and Practice, Sir Donald Insall*
• An annual pass and afternoon tea for two at Blenheim Palace  

Heather Carter, Managing Director – Visitor Attraction, Blenheim Palace, said: “This period of vital restoration has been a truly historic moment and a chance for everyone to see Blenheim Palace from a whole new perspective. Alongside the project, it’s been wonderful to witness our visitors marvel at the incredible new exhibition that highlights one of the world’s most renowned architects and brings to life a timeline showcasing the different stages of building Blenheim Palace.

“We have such a rich architectural history, so this challenge is an exciting one. We can’t wait to see the submissions and do not doubt that the talented aspiring architects in the UK will create some amazing designs.”

The monumental £12 million roof restoration project at Blenheim Palace began in early 2025 after a combination of age, climate change and penetration from rainfall led to the declining state of the roof, the attic timbers and ceilings below. Earlier this year, the heritage attraction launched its Sign a Slate initiative, giving the general public a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sign a roof slate in exchange for a donation to support the vital roof repairs, helping to preserve the Palace’s historic architecture and safeguard its heritage for future generations.

Admission to the Blueprints of Power exhibition and to see the restoration in action is included with a valid day ticket or Pass to Britain’s Greatest Palace.

Beyond this competition, on Wednesday 29th April from 4:30pm-7pm, the three judges will also join forces for a Panel Talk: Vanbrugh’s Hidden Blenheim at Donald Insall Associates studio in Marylebone. The panel will bridge the gap between historical archives and their on-site discoveries, assessing Vanbrugh’s legacy and the modern challenges of climate resilience and heritage conservation.

For more information about the competition and the terms and conditions, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/john-vanbrugh-competition/

To find out about Blenheim Palace, the major restoration efforts, the new exhibition, and to book tickets, visit www.blenheimpalace.com 

*Terms and conditions apply. This element of the prize will only be received by the winner of the Rising Architect (18+) category.

Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals