NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2025 — In a bid to improve safety and clarity on construction worksites affected by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, the Architectural League of New York and Construction Workers United, an initiative of the Worker’s Justice Project, have announced a new design competition titled Sign and Line.
The competition invites designers, architects, and creative teams to develop a replicable and adaptable signage system that clearly defines site boundaries, reinforces worker protection, and communicates critical legal and safety messages to both employees and management.
“The Sign and Line system is intended to communicate two critical messages: that only authorized employees may enter specific zones without a judicial warrant, and that site managers stand in solidarity with workers within the limits of the law,” the organizations explained in the call for proposals.
Recent ICE enforcement actions have disrupted construction jobsites nationwide, raising concerns over worker safety, legal rights, and operational clarity. Construction Workers United noted that these raids often create confusion among workers and management about who is authorized to enter work areas and how employers should respond while complying with federal law.
“This project highlights the intersection of design, labor rights, and social justice. Clear visual systems can prevent confusion, ensure compliance with the law, and demonstrate management’s commitment to worker protection,” said a spokesperson from Construction Workers United.
The competition emphasizes clarity, safety, and solidarity, using language, color, typography, and materials to communicate effectively across diverse workforce populations, including non-English speakers and workers with varying literacy levels.
Designers are asked to submit three-page PDFs with a one-page cover sheet by 11:59 p.m. on October 30, 2025, via Dropbox. A jury representing both organizations will select the winning design based on creativity, clarity, and scalability.
The winning proposal will receive a $500 honorarium, with production and distribution handled by the Architectural League. The intent is for the signage system to be replicable across multiple worksites nationwide, providing a practical, legal, and visual framework for construction sites navigating complex labor and immigration enforcement issues.
“This competition allows designers to have a direct impact on worker safety while addressing urgent social and legal realities on the jobsite,” said a spokesperson for the Architectural League. “We want the Sign and Line system to be visible, understandable, and replicable across multiple worksites nationwide.”
Participants are encouraged to consider:
By addressing these factors, the project aims to prevent misunderstandings, reduce workplace conflicts, and create a safer, more supportive environment for construction workers across the country.
Architects and designers have a unique opportunity to influence labor safety through practical design. The initiative underscores how visual communication systems can play a critical role in protecting vulnerable workforces in the construction industry, particularly amid increased scrutiny from federal agencies.
“This is not just about signs — it’s about designing a system that safeguards people, improves operational clarity, and establishes solidarity on the worksite,” the Architectural League noted.
For more information on the Sign and Line competition, submission requirements, and judging criteria, visit the Architectural League’s official website.
Originally reported by Niall Patrick Walsh in Bustler.
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