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Need some advise? Here are some tips for creating winning entries:

Naturally, entering an outstanding project is the most important element in winning an Innovative Design Excellence Award, but so is presenting that project in its best light. Here are some suggestions to help you make sure your entry meets competition requirements and improves your chances of winning. Some of these tips will make more sense after you receive your IDEA binder, but in the interim, some food for thought.

1. Provide complete information
Make sure you have completed all sections, provided photos and CAD drawings — maybe even floor plans if you have them. Also, make sure you and the photographer have dated and signed the photo release forms. To sum it up, we just need permission to print the work of professional photographers.

Important: Do not put your name or company name on photos, plans or project descriptions in order to ensure that the judges remain impartial when judging entries. Also double-check that the entry has been entered under the proper competition category.

2. Think like a judge
IDEA judges review many entries, so make it easy for them by keeping descriptions brief and to the point. Focus on the best points in your project. Type or clearly print all information.

3. Use professional-quality photos
Professional-quality photos of the finished project improves an entry's chances of winning; however, color photocopies are not acceptable. Before you hire a professional photographer make sure he or she understands that the photos are to be used in a professional competition and that a signed photographer release is mandatory for all entries (even if you took the photos yourself). If you don't want to submit hard copy images, the submission of a disc containing high-resolution images is more than welcome.

4. Include "before" photos
Did you transform an existing space? If so, and if at all possible, send photos of what the space looked like before your company touched it. This is not an essential element, but it could help. Before photos do not have to be of professional quality or even in color, but they should show enough details to help the judges evaluate your accomplishments.

5. Include floor plans
If the project involved changes in room layout(s) or configurations, send floor plans to help the judges easily see what changes have been made. Make sure the plans are no bigger than standard 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Simplify them by eliminating unnecessary details.

6. Have your entry proofread
Before mailing your entry make sure forms and information are complete and all required releases are signed and dated. Have someone proofread your entry critically — like a judge would. Don't worry; we're not going to dock you points for grammar, spelling or punctuation errors.

Back to the competition and entry info