PLH Cup brings the industry together once again

For the past nine years, the PLH Cup has marked the start of summer for architects, designers, and constructors – not with blueprints or site visits, but with football, camaraderie, and connection. What began as a simple idea has grown into one of the industry's most anticipated social events.

"The PLH Cup feels like my baby. I came up with the idea because I knew so many people across different studios, and I really wanted us all to have something fun and social to do together. We kicked things off nine years ago with just eight teams, and it was an instant hit. Since then, it’s only kept growing," says Jesper Spager, Project Director at PLH and the founder of the PLH Cup.

The vision was never just about football, but the purpose was – and still is – to bring people together across the industry.

"The tournament is more than just a football tournament; it’s also a great way to network. It gives us a chance to connect with people across industry, which is so important. Sure, we often compete on projects, but just as often, we have to collaborate too," says Jesper Spager.

Oliver Pearson, PLH’s football coach and co-organizer of the event, agrees. For him, the day represents far more than the game on the field.

“The architecture world is small and most of us already know each other. The PLH Cup is a great way to reconnect in a setting that’s social and relaxed. It’s not about business, it’s about enjoying each other’s company. And those relationships are so valuable,” says Oliver Pearson.

On the day of the PLH Cup, rivalries between studios are swapped for friendly competition, as the pitch becomes a stage for bonding and teamwork. Those values are just as important in architecture as they are in football.

Makes teamwork work better

Beyond the football and fun, inclusion remains a cornerstone of the PLH Cup. Everyone is encouraged to join in regardless of their age, role, or football ability. The welcoming atmosphere might be the answer to the big success of the tournament.

"Other studios organize their own tournaments, but nothing compares to the PLH Cup. It's the biggest one out there, with 800 to 1,000 guests. We also make a strong effort to keep it diverse and inclusive, ensuring that everyone feels welcome," says Jesper Spager.

Some might ask, why football? Why not handball, swimming or something third? For both Jesper Spager and Oliver Pearson the answer is simple.

"Football has always been close to my heart. And it’s such a powerful way to bring people together. So, it was the natural starting point," says Jesper Spager, a statement Oliver Pearon agrees to:

“I was on the phone with my parents recently, and we talked about how much football has given me, even though I never went pro. Here at PLH, football has helped me build strong relationships with my colleagues. It’s taught us how to function as a team.”

For Oliver Pearson, an architectural team isn't all that different from a football team as neither can succeed without great teamwork.

“It’s all about cooperation. Sometimes you’re not the one scoring the goal, but you’re passing the ball so someone else can. It’s not about individual glory; it’s about the team’s success,” says the PLH coach.

A day with friendly competition and connection

At the field of Emdrupparken players and spectators can look forward to a day with great football and lots of social interaction with their colleagues across the industry.

"At the end of the day, the most important thing about the PLH Cup is to have fun, enjoy the atmosphere, and feel the incredible sense of community that exists among architects," says Jesper Spager.

Although the tournament has been around for a while now, there's still room for development. This year, the tournament is taking another leap forward by welcoming architecture students into the mix.

“It’s a great initiative from one of our colleagues. For us ‘older’ architects, it’s a good way to start building relationships with the next generation. And for the students, it’s a fun way to get a (football)boot in the door of the architectural world,” says Oliver Pearson and continues:

“It’s a huge day for PLH and a real privilege for everyone in the studio. Being given the role of coach in the PLH Cup is a real honor. In the grand scheme it’s maybe not a big thing, but for me it’s important. I can’t wait to show how PLH can gather people, arrange big events, be a front runner, play good football and of course: Bring out the best in people.”

As tradition continues to grow, one thing remains certain: the PLH Cup is more than a tournament – it’s a celebration of teamwork and networking across industry.

Previous winners of the PLH Cup

• 2016 KANT
• 2017 Årstiderne Arkitekter
• 2018 VLA
• 2019 Lundgaard og Tranberg Arkitekter
• 2020 Cancelled (COVID-19)
• 2021 Cancelled (COVID-19)
• 2022 Sweco
• 2023 H+
• 2024 Sweco

Teams participating in PLH Cup 2025

3XN/GXN, ACT Architects, Arkitema, Cobe, Dissing & Weitling, Dorte Mandrup, GPA, Effekt,Gottlieb Paludan architects, H+, Henning Larsen, Herzog & de Meuron, Holscher Nordberg, Tredje Natur, JAJA Architects, LINK Arkitektur, Mikkelsen Arkitekter, Pålsson Arkitekter, RH Arkitekter, Sweco, Vandkunsten, Zeso, AART, Ingcon, JESPERSEN NØDTVEDT, KADK, PLH.

Sponsors of PLH Cup 2025

Danske Byggeøkonomer, Cosani, Catalano, HAY, Louis Poulsen, Gerflor, Anker&co, New Works, Muuto, Gubi, &Tradition, Menu Space, Audo, Fredericia Furniture, Kontra Kaffe, Plantepakken, Kontorland, Fischer gardiner, Kurage, Jespers Torvekøkken, Vitra, Holmris, Labofa, Stark, Geysier, Chat Board, Lintex, Mazo Design, Ferm Living, Frama, +Halle, Flokk, Kasthall, Vipp.