--- title: 6 Tips For Winning A Design Award description: 6 Tips For Winning A Design Award image: https://blog.nordby.net/hubfs/eggers_-15-Edit%20%26%20Resize.jpg --- [![Nordby](https://blog.nordby.net/hubfs/Nordby-May2017/Images/logo.png "Nordby")](http://construction.nordby.net/) - [Construction Services](http://construction.nordby.net) - [Signature Homes](http://signaturehomes.nordby.net) - [Wine Caves](http://winecaves.nordby.net) - [Construction Services](http://construction.nordby.net/) - [Signature Homes](http://signaturehomes.nordby.net/) - [Wine Caves](https://winecaves.nordby.net/) - Close menu ![](https://blog.nordby.net/hubfs/Nordby-May2017/Images/logo.png) [**MENU ☰**](https://blog.nordby.net/6-tips-for-winning-a-design-award#sidr) # The Nordby Effect # 6 Tips For Winning A Design Award Posted by [Michael Quesenbury, CSI, CDT, LEEP AP](https://blog.nordby.net/author/michael-quesenbury-csi-cdt-leep-ap) on Apr 26, 2021 11:22:42 AM ![](https://blog.nordby.net/hubfs/quesenbury.png) Find me on: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelquesenbury/) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![eggers_-15-Edit & Resize](https://blog.nordby.net/hs-fs/hubfs/eggers_-15-Edit%20%26%20Resize.jpg?width=750&name=eggers_-15-Edit%20%26%20Resize.jpg) The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is known for bringing together licensed architects, industry professionals, and people seeking educational and networking opportunities to share the latest news and resources to continually push building architecture and design to new heights. As a former Allied Board Member for the Redwood Empire Chapter and committee member for the 2018 AIARE Design Awards, I previously helped facilitate AIA Chicago’s jury submission review, gaining valuable insight into the review process. In doing so, can share some key takeaways for how to put forth your best work to the panel of jurors.   **1)  TELL THE STORY** It is important for the jury members to understand the intent, goal, and reason why the project was built. Essentially, relay the passion behind the project. *Be concise. Be poetic. Be pragmatic.* **2)  SHOW THE SITE PLAN** Projects missing a site plan were quickly dismissed as the jury felt there was not full transparency behind the presentation. In the 2016 AIARE reviews, Francis Ching, a former instructor, refused to review any presentation without a site plan.   **3)  BACK TO THE STORY** Maintain a concise and clear vision. Long winded descriptions were irritating and overlooked.  One paragraph, 200 words should do the trick. **4)  SHOW THE PROJECT IN SCALE** Your presentation needs to provide the jury with a varying focus of the project in drawing scale and images. Similar to the book *S,M,L,XL* (Koolhaas & Mau, 1995), jurors have made comments stating images appear to be too medium and there needs to be representation on a larger scale. **5)  RENDERINGS** Virtual renderings can make or break the presentation so, if used, be sure to practice and refine execution. Any low quality virtual renderings will be dismissed. On the contrary, hand drawn sketches that are developed into high-resolution images are well-liked as it shows the process and hints at the project’s story. **6)  SUBMIT FOR THE RIGHT CATEGORY** Your submission may fall into one or more categories, but when deciding be selective and correct. The first step in the review process is to confirm if categories are correct. If the incorrect category is selected for your project, your submission will be eliminated as a contender. *Do you have experience in the AIA awards review process?  If so, please share your ideas or advice on this subject below.*   ![nordby-logo_SH_RGB](https://blog.nordby.net/hs-fs/hubfs/nordby-logo_SH_RGB.jpg?width=216&name=nordby-logo_SH_RGB.jpg)   # The Nordby Effect The Nordby Effect can often be described as being reassured that a project is being performed in a way that exceeds expectations.  Most websites feature finished structures. The real story happens before the project is finished. This blog covers the project story and the people who make these structures a tangible reality. ### Subscribe. ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [signature homes (7)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/signature-homes) - [wine caves (7)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/wine-caves) - [wineries (5)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/wineries) - [construction services (4)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/construction-services) - [Nordby (3)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/nordby) - [rebuilding after disaster (3)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/rebuilding-after-disaster) - [tenant improvement (3)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/tenant-improvement) - [winery (3)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/winery) - [building performance (2)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/building-performance) - [country club (2)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/country-club) - [due diligence (2)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/due-diligence) - [historic building (2)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/historic-building) - [restaurant (2)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/restaurant) - [underground spaces (2)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/underground-spaces) - [wine storage and aging (2)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/wine-storage-and-aging) - [AIA Redwood Empire (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/aia-redwood-empire) - [Canine Companions (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/canine-companions) - [Duckhorn Wine Company (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/duckhorn-wine-company) - [Indoor Air Quality (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/indoor-air-quality) - [Risk Assessment (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/risk-assessment) - [Space Configuration (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/space-configuration) - [Workspace Strategy (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/workspace-strategy) - [building management systems (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/building-management-systems) - [building materials (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/building-materials) - [clubhouse (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/clubhouse) - [cogen (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/cogen) - [compliance (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/compliance) - [concrete (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/concrete) - [craftsmanship (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/craftsmanship) - [design awards (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/design-awards) - [drone (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/drone) - [high end finishes (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/high-end-finishes) - [metal building (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/metal-building) - [modernization (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/modernization) - [pandemic (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/pandemic) - [recreation center (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/recreation-center) - [resilience (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/resilience) - [roadheader (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/roadheader) - [seismic retrofit (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/seismic-retrofit) - [senior community (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/senior-community) - [tasting room (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/tasting-room) - [training center (1)](https://blog.nordby.net/topic/training-center) see all ### Nordby Construction (707) 526-4500 [info@nordby.net](mailto:info@nordby.net) [FTP Login](http://projects.nordby.net:81/) 1229 N. Dutton Ave., Ste C Santa Rosa, CA 95401 [![](https://blog.nordby.net/hubfs/facebook.png)](https://www.facebook.com/Nordby-130298040870829/) [![](https://blog.nordby.net/hubfs/Twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/NordbySocial) [![](https://blog.nordby.net/hubfs/googleplus.png)](https://plus.google.com/117991422238441710751) [![](https://blog.nordby.net/hubfs/linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/894197?trk=tyah&trkInfo=clickedVertical%3Acompany%2CclickedEntityId%3A894197%2Cidx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1461032356965%2Ctas%3Anordby%20construction) [![](https://blog.nordby.net/hubfs/houze.png)](http://www.houzz.com/pro/nordbyconstructioncompany) Copyright © 2017 | Nordby