b”Gertrude Lempp Kerbis Monument Memorial: a design competition based on the site of the Gertrude Lempp Kerbis plot in Graceland Cemetery.
“Competition Objective: What would you propose if you had the commission to design the Gertrude Lempp Kerbis cremation grave marker at Graceland Cemetery?
“We are looking for ideas/concepts/drawings/plans that reflect the achievements, essence and legacy of Gertrude Lempp Kerbis and pays tribute to kerbis as an architect, engineer, developer, feminist, Chicagoan, teacher, woman, gadfly, trailblazer, philanthropist and mother.
“The juried competition seeks to collect both buildable & conceptual entries, from professionals and non-professionals, honoring the life & legacy of Gertrude Lempp Kerbis, Chicago’s 1st lady of modernism. An awards ceremony is planned in June 2026.
“We encourage applicants to tour Graceland Cemetery and visit points of interest for inspiration, including the graves of William Le Baron Jenney, John W. Root, Louis Sullivan, Howard Van Doren Shaw, Daniel Burnham, Mies van der Rohe, Richard Nickel, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy, Walter and Dawn Clark-Netsch, Stanley Tigerman, Fazler Kahn, Bruce Graham, Bruce Goff and Marion Mahony-Griffin, the only renowned female architect buried at Graceland to date.
Prize money will be awarded 1st place ($2,500), 2nd place ($1,000), and honorable mentions ($500) in multiple categories including, professionals, non-professionals, per Graceland guidelines, and visionary designs. Please review the website for details.
Schedule:
Intent to Submit Phase: November 18, 2025 to February 13, 2026
Submissions Phase: February 16 – March 23, 2026