Calling all Arkansas architects, designers, builders, and students – this competition is for you!
Design and submit a backyard cottage and/or attached private guest suite that fits our neighborhoods, climate, and new ADU ordinance while meeting Little Rock residents at every stage of life and potentially win both bragging rights and up to $1,000.
Submission Deadline: August 7, 2026 | Awards Ceremony: September 11, 2026
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a smaller, secondary home built on the same lot as an existing house — flexible enough to be a first apartment, a place for aging parents, or extra income for a homeowner.
ADUs let aging adults downsize without leaving their neighborhood, live near family for support, or house a caregiver on-site—supporting independence, social connection, and affordable aging in place.
About the Competition
Our Little Rock, in partnership with AARP Arkansas, is excited to host the “ADU for U” Design Competition to inspire new housing designs that will give Little Rock residents more affordable, age-friendly housing choices!
We invite architects, students, design-build teams and community members to submit innovative ADU designs that could shape expanded housing options across Little Rock.
Through this effort, we aim to:
Increase ADU Awareness and Access
Educate the community about the benefits of ADUs and what is possible across income levels and family configurations.
Spotlight Little Rock’s New ADU Ordinance
Introduce the community to recent guidelines that legalize ADUs and identify areas to further unlock ADU development citywide.
Champion Age-Friendly Design
Educate leaders, builders, and the public on design that lets peopel age in place or live near loved ones
How to Participate
Eligibility: Submissions are welcome from both professionals and non-professionals, including students, emerging designers, licensed architects, and builders. While anyone in Arkansas is eligible to participate, preference may be given to those who live or work in Central Arkansas, especially the Little Rock area.
Submission Instructions: All submissions must be submitted by 11:59 PM CST on August 7th with all required documents and information. Late or incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Applications can be submitted via the online portal linked here. Submission packets must be in one compiled PDF format. Please email all questions to hello@ourlittlerock.org.
Design Requirements:
All designs must be detached or an attached ADU addition, meet site conditions, and include the following elements:
- Kitchen: must include a sink with running water, food storage area, cooktop, and food preparation space
- Bathroom: must include a toilet, sink, and shower or tub with running water
- Sleeping Area: at least one sleeping area must be included
- Separate Entrance: independent access points that are not shared with the main home
- At least three (3) Universal Design Features: identified in the Universal Design Checklist (linked below)
ADU Design Competition Guidelines
Universal Design Checklist
Winners Circle
- First Place: $1,000
- Second Place: $500
- Third Place: $300
- Best Student Entry: $200
Additional Resources
ADU Design Competition Planning Committee
This initiative would not be possible without the contributions, knowledge, and resources from our planning committee:
- Blake Tierney, Age Friendly Little Rock Commission
Bobby Matthews, AB Property Holdings - Chloe Chapman, Incremental Development Alliance
- Chris Burks, University of Arkansas of Little Rock, Public Policy Department
Patricia Fry, AARP Arkansas
CJ Brady, City of Little Rock Sustainability Commission
Morgan Weithman, Quapaw Quarter Association
Kathy Wells, Coalition of Little Rock Neighborhoods - Justin Vess, Little Rock Downtown Neighborhood Association
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