Submitting Successful Design Award Entries: Insights from Award-Winning Architects

Preparing a strong design awards entry takes more than great photography and compelling projects — it requires a clear narrative, thoughtful presentation, and an understanding of what juries are looking for. Join the AIA New Jersey Awards Committee for an engaging webinar focused on how to successfully submit entries for both your local section Awards, State Design Awards, Tri-State Design Awards program, and AIA National Design Awards.

This discussion will feature award-winning architects and AIA national sharing practical advice, lessons learned, and strategies for creating impactful submissions that stand out to juries. Panelists include Jeff Goldstein, FAIA from DIGSAU, a past Tri-State Design Awards winner; Bart Shaw, FAIA from Ibanez Shaw, recipient of numerous state and national design awards; and Lisa Ferretto Senior director of Design Excellence from AIA, who will discuss how the AIA Framework for Design Excellence can strengthen and elevate awards submissions.

Topics will include:

• What makes an award submission successful
• Assessing if your project is award worthy
• Common mistakes to avoid
• How to clearly communicate design intent and impact
• Incorporating the Framework for Design Excellence into submissions
• Tips for presentation, storytelling, and jury engagement

Whether you are submitting for the first time or looking to strengthen future entries, this session will provide valuable insight into the awards process from professionals who have successfully navigated it.

Please note that projects must first be submitted to your respective State Design Awards program in order to be eligible for the Tri-State Design Awards competition. Projects previously submitted to State Design Awards programs in 2024, 2025, and 2026 are eligible to be entered into the Tri-State Design Awards competition.