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SketchUp Launches ‘Design Spring Challenge;’ Winner Gets $5K

by | Apr 30, 2025

Designers must rethink what can be done in 500 square feet within 60 minutes. This challenge offers a chance for creativity, visibility, and a $5,000 prize.

To celebrate 25 years of SketchUp, Trimble has announced a global “Design Sprint Challenge” inviting architects, designers, and creative professionals to imagine how small spaces can shape a better future. This time-limited competition challenges participants to design a meaningful space in just 60 minutes using SketchUp, with a grand prize of $5,000 and more.

Focus: The Future of Design in Just 500 Square Feet

Participants are encouraged to design interior, exterior, or landscape spaces that address future needs – from environmental sustainability to community improvement or accessibility. The space must be no larger than 500 square feet, challenging designers to think creatively and within spatial limits.

Challenge Requirements and Timeline

To qualify, entrants must:

  • Complete their designs using SketchUp in 60 minutes or less.
  • Use at least one SketchUp visualization feature: Ambient Occlusion, Diffusion, Photoreal Materials, Environments, and/or Live Components.
  • Submit a full entry including:
    • A description outlining the design concept, time taken, and features used
    • The .SKP file of the model
    • A JPEG image of the final design
    • An MP4 video, which can be a screen recording of the modeling process

Each participant is allowed only one submission. The challenge begins Monday, April 28 at 09:00 MT and will close on Wednesday, June 11 at 00:00 MT. Late or incomplete entries will not be considered.

Prizes and Recognition

The first-place winner will receive $5,000, a one-year SketchUp Studio subscription, and feature promotion across SketchUp’s platforms. This gives participants the opportunity not only to earn a monetary prize but also to gain visibility within the global design community.

How to Enter

All entry details and submission guidelines can be found on SketchUp’s official challenge page.

About SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software developed by Trimble, used in architecture, interior design, construction, and urban planning. Known for its intuitive interface and powerful modeling tools, SketchUp supports both conceptual design and detailed visualization. As part of Trimble’s portfolio, SketchUp continues to evolve with tools that support design efficiency, visualization realism, and cloud collaboration.