On Wednesday, October 28, ghouls from across the city were summoned to the Center for Architecture for a thrilling night of Pumpkitecture. For the competition's seventh edition, six New York City-based design firms battled to the end, slicing and maneuverning pumpkins into their own creations with one goal in mind: carve the most otherworldly interior and take home the Pritzkerpumpkin.

This year’s prizes were awarded by our esteemed panel of judges featuring:

Leslie Edelman, Owner, Tiny Doll House
Hannah La Follette Ryan, Photographer; Educator, International Center of Photography
Mark Gardner, AIA, NOMA, 2026 President, AIA New York; Principal, Jaklitsch / Gardner Architects (J/GA)
Talia Mayden, Columnist, "Ask a Design Obsessive," The New York Times
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Proceed if you dare and see what these haunting teams have assembled...

The coveted Pritzkerpumpkin went to CTAAAHHH (CTA Architects), who devised a scene unlike any other. Through a variety of gourds, they created a space we’d all like to spend our time in: a hallowed conversation pit. With a hanging chandelier and intricately carved stained glass windows, this pumpkin is the perfect spot for all the ghoulies to hang.

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Our next winner, THE DLR Pigeon Posse (DLR Group), created a scene all too New York: a home for pigeons. For this pumpkin, it was all in the details. A Yankee cap hydrated these city menaces, and 2026 NBA Finals highlights haunted the living from NYC to San Antonio. By the decision of our judges, this pumpkin took home the first-ever Miss Congeniality Award!

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Slasher Gourd Squad (Shakespeare Gordon Studio) brewed an idea: what if a pumpkin reflected the city itself? Slicing their gourd right down the middle, they opened it up to represent green spaces and public places using all-natural materials, landing this creation the distinction of The Iconoclast Award!

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The Smashing Pumpkitects (IA) reimagined sustainable living for a pumpkin society. Their jack-o-lantern tower introduced recycled material samples, a residential courtyard, and was meant to be viewed from EVERY angle. We think we could make this one our home, and so did the crowd as the audience voted to crown the creation as The People's Pumpkin!

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A hearty congratulations and our deepest condolences go to the remaining two competing firms, who achieved only a pitiful prize for participation. The Pumpkin Gourd Specialists (Hoffmann Architects + Engineers) introduced the natural world to their pumpkin creation, letting the outside become the inside. We can’t think of a better place to take in the crisp fall air.

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As the final team, Cell-Block Boo (Pennoni) is looking for a roommate to share its scary cell. Amenities include: minimal critters, a cold coffin to rest at night, and all the blood a vampire might need! Stay a while, and stay…FOREVER!

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Thank you to all the teams for making this year’s Pumpkitecture a smashing success! We’ll see you next year to see what brilliant creations you can conjure.