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MISSION

The AIA Westchester + Hudson Valley Design Awards Program will honor projects exhibiting excellence in design. The Program’s goals are to recognize local architects who have made a positive contribution to the built environment, and as a result have increased public awareness of quality architectural design.

ELIGIBILITY

Completed or unbuilt work by a licensed Architect, Associate AIA member, or firm located within the chapter area. In the case of firms with multiple offices - the office based within the chapter area must be the primary office producing the work.  The work must be completed between January 2020 and August 2023. There is no limit to the number of projects submitted and applicants are encouraged to submit as many projects as desired.

JUDGING

Projects will be evaluated on one or more of the following criteria:

  • DESIGN QUALITY reflecting resolution of the program or idea; innovation, thoughtfulness, and technique.
  • DESIGN RESOLUTION of formal, functional and technical parameters.
  • DESIGN ADVANCEMENT through proposing new approaches to the development of architectural and/or urban form.
  • SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT demonstrating a commitment to social progress.
  • TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT exploring new technologies and/or their architectural applications.
  • ENVIRONMENTAL ADVANCEMENT demonstrating a commitment to environmentally sensitive design, sustainability and/or energy/resources conservation.
  • PRESERVATION / RESTORATION demonstrating skill, sensitivity and thoughtfulness in preservation, restoration, or the adaptive re-use of existing buildings.
  • NEW THIS YEAR: The jury shall be comprised of a panel of 3-5 industry professionals nominated by the Chapter. Qualifications for jury appointments include: working or retired individuals with professional experience in the Chapter’s market area, architectural design, local government, or related fields. Jury members should be unbiased individuals who recognize the value of quality design in our community. Jury members are not permitted to make submissions to the Design Awards program.
  • The jury shall review projects based on the program outline, criteria, and rules as described herein. By entering, each entrant accepts and agrees to be bound by these official rules and the decisions of the judges. Any dispute regarding these rules or awards will be resolved by the jury and the executive committee of the AIA Westchester + Hudson Valley, and their decision shall be final. A maximum of three (3) awards shall be granted to a single applicant.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Entries shall be submitted in one (1) of the following categories, inclusive of new construction, additions, alterations, and unbuilt work. The number of awards granted shall be at the sole discretion of the jury. Additionally, based on their review of the submissions, the jury may decide that awards not be granted in every category. Priority shall be given to built projects.

  1. Commercial / Corporate
  2. Institutional - Education, Medical, Religious
  3. Interior Architecture
  4. Municipal / Community / Planning
  5. Residential - Single Family
  6. Residential - Multi-Family
  7. Historic Restoration / Adaptive Re-Use

The jury has the option of selecting projects within specific areas of excellence for special mention awards. Special award categories might include:

  • Preservation
  • Sustainability
  • Design Research
  • Lighting
  • Work by Emerging Professionals

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

REGISTRATION AND SUBMISSIONS BY

Monday, September 4, 2023

JURY REVIEW                                       

September-October 2023

AWARDS PRESENTATION                      

Wednesday November 8, 2023 (tentative)

*Please mark your calendar, and do not rely on extensions being granted!!

**Encourage your peers to submit! Discounted gala tickets may be available for validated referral submissions.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Each entry shall be submitted via the Openwater Project Submission Form (link below), and shall include:

PROJECT INFORMATION:

·         Project and team identification.

·         A brief description for presentation and publication.

SUBMISSION PDF:

  • Name this PDF “SUB-Project Name”. “Project name” is the actual name of your project. 
  • The first page of the Submission PDF shall include the Project Information Sheet which shall include “Project Name”, “Short Project Summary”, “Project Type”, “Project Square Footage”, “Project Budget”, “Completion Date”, and “Zoning Constraints.”
  • The first or second page of the Submission PDF shall include a Project Narrative, which shall describe the project goals, solutions, and accomplishments. The project Narrative shall not exceed 300 words.   
  • The submission PDF shall be formatted as a single document / file, with multiple pages. The number of pages in the Submission PDF is at the discretion of the entrant. However, over 20 pages is discouraged.
  • The maximum size for the Submission PDF file shall be 20MB.
  • Submission graphics shall be at the discretion of the entrant. However, as applicable, the submission should include the following: site plan, floor plan(s), elevations, photographs (built projects), and site context photographs.  Site and/or building sections are recommended.
  • The Submission PDF shall include no logos or text identifying the submitter. Circumstantial information such as prior awards, which may tip the jury, are grounds for disqualification.
  • Photography credit may remain on photographs. Where authorship is not indicated on the images or would compromise anonymity, list credits in the Project Information.

MARKETING IMAGES:

  • Include 3 to 5 images that best capture the essence of the submission.  Images shall be in JPEG (.jpg) format, with a minimum image size of 2000 x 3000 pixels, and a maximum file size of 2MB each.  Include photography credits for each photograph.

TIPS FROM PAST YEARS:

  • Please use a relatively generic project name, e.g. “Highway House”; avoid specific addresses or identifying information as much as possible.
  • Clearly outline and identify the scope of the project. Do not leave the jury guessing.
  • Include before and after photos and drawings where applicable.
  • Sustainable design, energy efficiency, health and wellness, adaptive reuse, affordable housing, etc. are all consistently prioritized by juries.
  • If your project is under construction, wait until it is complete to submit. Completed projects are judged more favorably.
  • Tell a compelling story.

FEES (PER ENTRY):

$200 for AIA members

$100 for Associate Chapter Members

$300 for non-members

$25 per student submission

The entry fee does not include the cost to attend the Award Gala. Please call Valerie Brown (914) 232-7240 at the Chapter Office for tickets/reservations. Make check payable to: AIA Westchester + Hudson Valley.