We invite bakers and cake-makers of all kinds to create an edible response to the architecture of John Lautner.
Competition Rules & Entry Requirements
Your cake must be inspired by John Lautner. It may respond to a specific Lautner building, a recurring element of his architecture, his use of materials and landscape, or the larger spirit of his work.
The cake must serve at least eight people.
The cake must be edible. Structural supports and other non-edible elements may be incorporated where necessary, but the cake itself should be designed to be served and eaten.
If selected, you agree to create your proposed cake and personally bring it to the event on November 14, 2026. You will also be asked to participate in the presentation and serving of your cake.
Selected bakers will be notified approximately two weeks before the event.
Your Entry Should Include
Cake Name. Give your creation a fun, imaginative name! A little architectural wordplay is encouraged (e.g., The Sheats-Goldstein Chocolate House or The Chemosphere Chiffon).
Cake Concept — 500 words maximum. Tell us about your approach. Describe the proposed shape and appearance of your cake, its connection to John Lautner or a particular Lautner building, and the ingredients and flavors you plan to use.
Optional: Concept Image or Sketch. Upload a drawing, collage, rendering, diagram, or other visual representation that helps us understand what you envision.
Optional: Previous Cake. Upload at least one photograph of a cake or other ambitious baked creation you have previously made.
Short Bio — 200 words maximum. Tell us a little about yourself, including your professional or creative life and your experience with baking. Professional baking experience is not required.
Photo of You. Please submit a clear photograph of yourself that FORT: LA may use in connection with the competition and event.
If You Are Selected
You will receive a $200 honorarium to help cover ingredients, materials, and your time.
You will be responsible for creating, transporting, presenting, and serving your cake at the November 14 event.
Please design your cake with the event conditions in mind. FORT: LA will not be able to provide refrigeration or refrigerated storage for cakes at the event. We will also not be able to provide baking, serving, or presentation supplies beyond plates and napkins. Your cake should therefore be designed to remain safe, stable, and presentable without refrigeration for the duration of the event, and you should bring any utensils, serving tools, cake stands, supports, decorations, or other materials you will need.
You must provide a complete list of ingredients at the event, clearly identifying common allergens, including nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat/gluten, soy, and any other relevant allergens.
Please note that slices of the competition cakes will be offered to event attendees as part of a paid ticket upgrade or other fundraising opportunity benefiting FORT: LA. By entering the competition, you acknowledge and agree that FORT: LA may offer portions of your cake to attendees in this manner and that you will not receive additional compensation beyond the stated $200 honorarium.
Your finished cake should substantially reflect the concept submitted with your application, although reasonable adjustments in design, construction, and ingredients are expected as the idea develops.
By entering, you grant FORT: LA permission to photograph and share your submitted materials, your name and bio, your likeness, your cake concept, and the completed cake in connection with the competition, FORT: LA programming, publicity, social media, website, and related communications.
Above all, be imaginative. We’re interested in cakes that interpret Lautner rather than simply reproduce him. Think cantilevers, curves, concrete, glass, landscape, gravity, drama—and, of course, crumb.