2014 Categories

New Construction   |   Remodeling   |   Design   |   Sales and Marketing   |   Individual Recognition

EXCELLENCE IN NEW CONSTRUCTION

BEST DETACHED HOME – Home types include single-family detached homes, condominium homes, and manufactured homes. Square footage is defined as all living spaces measured to the exterior face of the exterior walls and does not include garages, unfinished basements, attics, covered patios, or porches. Entries will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, function, and creative use of interior space and creative integration of plan design with site considerations. 
1. UNDER 2,500 SQUARE FEET 
2. 2,500 TO 5,000 SQUARE FEET 
3. OVER 5,000 SQUARE FEET 

BEST ATTACHED HOME – Home types include single-family attached homes on fee simple or leased lots. Square footage is defined as all living spaces measured to the exterior face of the exterior walls and does not include garages, unfinished basements, attics, covered patios, or porches. Entries will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, function, and creative use of interior space and creative integration of plan design with site considerations. 
4. UNDER 1,800 SQUARE FEET 
5. OVER 1,800 SQUARE FEET

BEST LIVING AREA: PRIVATE RESIDENCE – Home types include single-family detached/attached homes and manufactured homes. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, and flow of the overall design including use of space and the incorporation of various architectural elements.
6. KITCHEN 
7. BATH 
8. LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM OR BEDROOM

9. BEST CLUBHOUSE: COMMUNITY – Includes community centers, recreation centers, clubhouses, activity centers, or any other freestanding structures that are used as a central gathering space or information center for a residential community, sub-division, or development. Site plan of overall community should be included with submittal. 

10. BEST 50+ COMMUNITY – Includes age-qualified and age-designed for sale or rental housing communities with common amenities and facilities to create an active adult lifestyle. A site plan should be included in addition to exterior elevations and floor plans. 

11. BEST MULTI-UNIT FOR SALE COMMUNITY – Includes multi-family units for sale such as condominiums and duplexes in a community setting, and may include amenities such as a clubhouse or common areas. Entries will be judges on overall conceptual plan, interior layouts, and exterior elevations. Submissions should include all available floor plans, a site plan, and collateral used for marketing. 

12. BEST RENTAL COMMUNITY – Includes rental units in a community setting, and may include amenities such as a clubhouse and other common areas. Entries will be judged on overall conceptual plan, interior layouts, and exterior elevations. Submissions should include all available floor plans, a site plan, and collateral used for marketing. 

13. BEST AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY – In order to be eligible, a community must have some units/homes built during the time frame referenced in the submittal instructions and the project must be actively for sale at the time of submittal. A copy of the site approval issued by the certifying agency in addition to a project ledger that breaks down the affordable units and the market-rate units with corresponding pricing is required with the submittal. A site plan should be included in addition to exterior elevations and floor plans. 

14. BEST MIXED-USE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT  – Entries may be any urban, suburban, or village development, or even a single building that blends a combination of uses including residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial. Judges will consider the overall integration of a variety of different uses for the benefit of the community. A site plan of the project will be required in addition to a detailed description of the different uses involved. The organizations and companies that operate within the project should also be mentioned in the submittal statement. 

15. BEST COMMERCIAL PROJECT (MEDICAL, NON-MEDICAL, RETAIL OR INSTITUTIONAL) – Projects may include medical, commercial, industrial, recreational, and retail buildings (e.g., non-residential) as the primary focus. Submission statement should reference certifications, awards, and recognition received by the project team(s). Overall interior and exterior design will be taken into account by the judges. Project must be new construction or at least 60% of the project must be considered a major renovation of an existing structure. 

16. BEST INDEPENDENT AND/OR ASSISTED LIVING, SENIOR HOUSING OR SPECIAL NEEDS PROJECT) –
This category includes independent living communities (including retirement communities), assisted living communities that provide assistance with daily living and health care services for seniors and/or residents with special needs. Special needs services include provision of special care to address Alzheimer’s, dementia, sensory impairment, and/or other life threatening diseases. Assisted living communities may include adult day care, may be part of a larger life care community, or be a fee-for-service, non-licensed, or licensed community. These communities may be rental, for-sale, or cooperatives. Consideration includes community spaces and common areas, interior & exterior design, living environments, and lifestyle demonstrating the overall appeal of the facility.


EXCELLENCE IN REMODELING

BEST REMODELING/RESTORATION – Renovations include single-family detached and attached homes, as well as multi-family and commercial buildings. Creative re-use of existing elements should be emphasized. This can include both exterior and interior remodeling, interior alone, or exterior alone. This category requires the involvement of multiple rooms within the house as a part of the overall remodeling/restoration. “Before and after” photographs (preferably taken from similar angles) are highly recommended to show the extent of the changes. Price should be defined as the market price charged to the consumer or owner. 
17. UNDER $250,000 
18. BETWEEN $250,000 AND $750,000 
19. BETWEEN $750,000 and $1 MILLION

BEST KITCHEN REMODEL – Includes kitchen projects within the specified price ranges. “Before and after” photographs (preferably taken from similar angles) are highly recommended to show the extent of the remodel. Price is the market price charged to the consumer or owner. Any floor plans, diagrams, and drawings that will assist the judges in understanding the project should be included, especially in cases where additional emphasis is needed or when the photography alone is not adequate to reflect certain aspects of the project. 
20. UNDER $75,000 
21. BETWEEN $75,000 AND $150,000 
22. OVER $150,000 

BEST BATHROOM REMODEL – Includes bathroom projects within the specified price ranges. “Before and after” photographs are highly recommended to show the extent of the changes. Any floor plans, diagrams, and drawings that will assist the judges in understanding the project should be included, especially in cases where additional emphasis is needed, or when the photography alone is not adequate to reflect certain aspects of the project. 
23. UNDER $75,000
24. OVER $75,000

25. BEST HISTORICAL RENOVATION – Entries must demonstrate significant efforts to incorporate historical design elements and re-use of historical materials, either on the interior, exterior, or community grounds of a project. Details about the historic significance and or recognition should be included within the submission statement. 

26. BEST MULTI/SINGLE FAMILY RE-USE OR CONVERSION – Projects include those that have taken over an existing structure for conversion into a residential dwelling. “Before and after” photographs (preferably taken from similar angles) are highly recommended. 


EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN

27. BEST ENERGY EFFICIENT PROJECT – Entries will be judged based on demonstrated energy efficiency. Specifications, technological enhancements, renewable energy systems, and construction methods used to improve the overall performance of the home will be reviewed. Certifications and ratings should be summarized in detail within the submittal statement. Comparisons and measurements should also be used to quantify the levels of energy savings. 

28. MOST INNOVATIVE GREEN DESIGN – Entrants must demonstrate significant efforts to incorporate green design elements and construction practices, either on the interior, exterior, or community grounds of a project. All entries will be judged on the best use of “green” elements during the construction phase of the project. Awards and certifications should be listed in the submission statement. 

BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL  – Model types include single-family detached and attached homes, condominium homes, and manufactured homes on fee simple or leased lots. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, wall and window treatments, and the impact that the furniture and accessories have on overall marketability of the home. 
29. AVERAGE SALES PRICE UNDER $500,000 
30. AVERAGE SALES PRICE OVER $500,000 
31. RENTAL COMMUNITY 

32. BEST KITCHEN DESIGN: PRIVATE RESIDENCE  – Home types include single-family detached/attached homes and manufactured homes. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, and flow of the overall design including use of space and the incorporation of various architectural elements.

33. BEST INTERIOR DESIGN OF A LIVING AREA (LIVING ROOM, DINING ROOM OR BEDROOM): PRIVATE RESIDENCE – Home types include single-family detached/attached homes and manufactured homes. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, and flow of the overall design including use of space and the incorporation of various architectural elements. 

34. BEST DESIGN FOR OUTDOOR LIVING – Spaces may include patios, courtyards, outdoor kitchens, pool areas, and more. Entries will be judged on concept creativity, functionality, and the impact of furniture and accessories within the overall space. A site plan should be included with the submission. 

35. BEST LANDSCAPING DESIGN – Entries will be judged on the concept creativity, functionality, and effectiveness of the landscaping design, including live plantings, innovative use of indigenous plant species, water conservation methods, and lighting design. A site plan should be included with the submission. 

36. MOST INNOVATIVE LIGHTING DESIGN  – Residential project types including new construction and renovations. Entries will be judged on the functionality, creativity, and aesthetics of the overall lighting design. Wattages, control techniques, and the use of energy maintenance components for lighting are to be provided in the submission statement. 

37. MOST CREATIVE/UNIQUE USE OF SPACE – Share your creativity and cleverness in design and implementation. Unintended uses of common materials, maximizing a small space, turning a “useless” space into a very useful one… anything goes. Stretch the limits of your imagination! 

38. BEST UNIVERSAL DESIGN – Entries will be judged based on the design being usable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life. Best practices in universal design and procedures that comply with universal design principles should be demonstrated within the submission statement. Examples of space versatility should also be noted. 

39. BEST LAND PLANNING – Entries will demonstrate land use that exhibits innovation in the creation of a place with character that is more than the sum of its parts and respects its environment as well as its neighborhood. Before and after pictures, renderings, and other helpful documentation should be included which gives the judges a sense of the overall land area.


EXCELLENCE IN SALES AND MARKETING

40. BEST LOGO OF THE YEAR: COMMUNITY, BUILDER OR ASSOCIATE – Color or black and white logo designs are acceptable. This category is for the logo/graphic element alone, not in its application form. Entries will be judged on graphics, concept, overall design, and execution, message, and emotion communicated to the target market. 

41. BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN: BUILDER OR ASSOCIATE – Includes brochures, advertisements, use of social media, and other marketing collateral featuring and promoting a specific company, community or facility. Entries will be judged on graphics, concept, overall design, and execution, message, and emotion communicated to the target market. 

42. BEST MARKETING EVENT OR SERIES OF THE YEAR – Industry events such as open houses, seminar(s), networking, awards, etc. that reach either trade or homeowner focused audiences will be judged based on their ability to gain the highest overall visibility for service(s) and/or product(s), as well as individual professionals or companies that provide them. Judging will be based on originality and creativity, communication, appropriateness of venue, event agenda, and event theme (whether its graphic design in the marketing materials or décor at the event). 

43. BEST AD (DIGITAL OR PRINT): BUILDER OR ASSOCIATE – A single color or black and white advertisement for an individual company. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, copy, layout, overall design, readability, and execution. 

44. BEST AD (DIGITAL OR PRINT): COMMUNITY – A single color or black and white advertisement for an individual community. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, copy, layout, overall design, readability, and execution. 

45. BEST SHOWROOM/SALES CENTER: BUILDER OR ASSOCIATE – Any building or space specifically designed as the main showroom or sales center including, where applicable, architecture, interior design, landscape design, and sales displays. Entrants will be judged on the function of the floor plan layout, use of creative imagery, strength of product presentation, and ability to create an atmosphere that increases the perceived value of the option products and promotes a superior customer experience. 

46. BEST WEBSITE: COMMUNITY, BUILDER OR ASSOCIATE – Website for an individual project, community, or company. Entries will be judged on originality, concept, execution, and ease of navigation as it relates to the specified target market. Website address should be clearly noted within submission statement. 

47. COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD – Entries will be judged on originality, concept, and execution of the community outreach and/or charitable programs. Examples: non-profit programs, Habitat for Humanity, children’s charities, healthcare advocacy, local community benefits, and private individual charity programs. Judges will look at how effectively a community that either works together or lives together can unite forces for the benefit of a cause or a program. This category is about celebrating the collective efforts of a group of individuals who successfully impact their community. Both residential and commercial projects built within the period of time as specified in the submittal instructions will be considered. 


INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION

48. PROJECT MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Entrants must be an on-site project manager employed by a builder/developer. Entrants will be judged on interpersonal, organizational, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as any industry contributions and recognition. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience as a project manager, responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration. 

49. **NEW** CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR – Entrant or nominee must be an on-site employee whose primary function is in the field of customer service. Note any significant accomplishments, innovations or items of merit in terms of customer service, and in what ways the entrant or nominee demonstrates industry-leading integrity and exemplary responsiveness to customer issues. Indicate any personality traits which set this individual apart. 

50. **NEW** SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR – Entrants must be an on-site superintendent employed by a builder/developer. Entrants will be judged on interpersonal, organizational, project-management, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as any industry contributions and recognition. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience as a superintendent, responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration.

51. **NEW** MARKETING PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR – Entrant or nominee must be an on-site marketing professional employed by a builder/developer or associate. Entries should include information about the nominee’s accomplishments, innovations or items of merit in the following categories: market research, product development, promotion and awareness, creativity, and overall impact on sales. Explain how the individual’s performance advances the value, awareness, and/or market share of the company through advertising, digital marketing, public relations, and/or creative strategy and campaign execution. 

52. SALES PERSON OR TEAM OF THE YEAR: BUILDER OR ASSOCIATE – Entrants must be an on-site salesperson or team employed by a builder or realtor whose primary function and responsibility is selling new homes full-time. (Full-time is defined as deriving at least two thirds of annual income from new-home sales.) Entries will be judged on sales achievements compared to others in the local market, community, and industry. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience in new home sales, including price range of homes sold (gross and net sales), responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration. 

53. **NEW** RISING STAR OF THE YEAR – Entrant or nominee should be a young professional or someone otherwise new to their role who works as an on-site employee for a builder/developer or associate. Entries should include information about the nominee’s accomplishments, innovations or items of merit in their role and how their performance is helping to establish an advancing career in their field. Include details about how the individual is crafting their own career advancement through continuing education, skills enhancement, self-evaluation, etc.