2025 Design Excellence Awards

Entries must focus on a single bathroom within a private residence. New construction and remodeled projects are eligible. Remodeled entries must include before and after photography.

Entries must focus on a single bathroom within a private residence. New construction and remodeled projects are eligible. Remodeled entries must include before and after photography.

Entries must focus on a kitchen in a private residence. New construction and remodeled projects are eligible. Remodeled entries must include before and after photography.

Entries must focus on a kitchen in private residence. New construction and remodeled projects are eligible. Remodeled entries must include before and after photography.

Entries may include, but are not limited to custom homes, second homes, single family homes, townhomes, apartments and vacation homes. Only new construction projects are eligible.

Entries may include, but are not limited to custom homes, second homes, single family homes, townhomes, apartments and vacation homes. Only new construction projects are eligible.

Entries must focus on a renovation of a private residence. Only renovation projects are eligible. Entries must include before and after photography.

Entries must focus on a renovation of a private residence. Only renovation projects are eligible. Entries must include before and after photography.

Entries must focus on any single space that serves a dedicated function. Examples include but are not limited to foyers, bedroom, dining, family room, home office, Closet., pantry. New construction and remodeled projects are eligible. Remodeled entries must include before and after photography.

Entries may include, but are not limited to pools, outdoor living, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pergolas, gazebos. Process drawings are required to illustrate the designer’s intent.

Entries may include but are not limited to smart lighting, security systems, window coverings, smart cookers, entertainment.

Entries must focus on a kitchen within a private residence. Only renovation projects are eligible. Entries must include before or after photography

Entries must focus on a single bathroom within a private residence. Only renovation projects are eligible. Entries must include before or after photography.

Entries may include, but are not limited to corporate offices, spas, hotels, museums, community centers. Only new construction projects are eligible.

Entries may include but are not limited to doctors’ office, learning spaces, restaurants, salons, lobbies, conference rooms. Only renovation projects are eligible. Entries must include before and after photography.

Entries must focus on any single space that serves a dedicated function. Examples include but are not limited to studios, teaming areas, break rooms, hotel bars, public restrooms. New construction and remodeled projects are eligible. Remodeled entries must include before and after photography.

Entries may include, but are not limited to public pools, outdoor dining, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pergolas, gazebos. Process drawings are required to illustrate the designer’s intent.

Entries must prioritize accessibility and inclusivity to accommodate diverse user needs. New construction and remodeled projects are eligible. Remodeled entries must include before and after photography.

Entries must include but are not limited to prioritize environmentally friendly products, sustainability, renewable materials, energy efficiency. New construction and remodeled projects are eligible. Remodeled entries must include before and after photography.

Entries opened to projects that successfully preserve and enhance a historic property. Process drawings are required to illustrate the designer’s intent.

Entries must demonstrate an innovative product design. Examples include but are not limited to furniture, accessories, art installation, millwork. Process drawings are required to illustrate the designer’s intent.

Entries must demonstrate a creative use of lighting to enhance the space. Process drawings are required to illustrate the designer’s intent.

Entries must demonstrate a creative use of color to enhance the space. Process drawings are required to illustrate the designer’s intent.

This category recognizes the collaborative efforts between industry partners and design professionals on a specific project. Entries may include—but are not limited to—custom-made products, installations, or services that contribute to the overall design vision. Eligible submissions may feature custom tilework, furniture, lighting, textiles, wall or surface treatments, cabinetry, millwork, hardware, or any other design elements developed in partnership with a designer. The project should showcase innovation, craftsmanship, and the value of collaboration in achieving design excellence.

This category recognizes projects that creatively and thoughtfully incorporate local art into the design. Entries should demonstrate how artwork by regional artists—such as paintings, murals, textiles, sculpture, or installations—enhances the space and connects to the local culture or community.