Join Thorntree and Co-sponsor FKP Architects at This Fun and Prestigious Event

For over two decades in the first part of June, teams of architects, designers, engineers and contractors have taken their tools to East Beach in Galveston for what is considered one of the world’s largest sandcastle competitions. The Houston Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsors the 24th Annual AIA Houston SandCastle Competition. 

This year 60 teams have their eyes (and shovels) set on winning the prestigious Golden Bucket Award. Firms begin months in advance generating ideas, developing designs, and assigning duties. On the day of the event, the teams stretch along the beach meticulously sculpting their sand piles and working non-stop for five hours. The judging of the sandcastles is rated on originality of concept, artistic execution of the concept, technical difficulty, carving technique, and utilization of the site. In addition to the Golden Bucket, Awards are given in 8 different themed categories as well as for best team t-shirt design, best team signage, best costume, and public favorite.

At the end of the day, everyone goes home with memories of a great day on the beach filled with fun, sun, sand, and sea.

AIA SandCastle is a fundraising event for the AIA, scholarships, and the ArCH Foundation. It is also one of the top five revenue generating events for Galveston.

SandCastle Committee Chair for 2010 is Rudy Del Bosque II, Assoc. AIA.

Schedule of Events Saturday June 5th, 2010
10:00 am - 3:00 pm SandCastle Building
3:00 - 4:30 pm SandCastle Judging
4:30 - 5:00 pm Awards Ceremony

Please respect the hard work of our participants and sponsors. Please do not touch, damage, climb on, or destroy the sand sculptures. Many spectators visit the beach on Sunday to view and enjoy the works