Tips For Preparing An Award Winning Entry

A well-presented entry submission is the key to standing out to the BRICC judges. Make sure that your online entry is as impressive as your finished project. ​
JUDGING CRITERIA ENTRIES WILL BE ASSESSED BY THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
Design - Site Management - Client Relationship - Project Management - Quality of Construction - Execution of Design - Value for Money - Sustainability - Innovation - Wow Factor
Plan Ahead 
  • Review possible entries, and make final decisions in a timely fashion;  
  • 3-4 weeks from the deadline is not too soon to start. 
  • Don’t wait until the deadline — too much pressure.
  • Organize all work from this starting point, and be systematic; try to nail down all elements of the final package well ahead of the deadline. 
More Tips for Writing a Winning Description
  • Include plenty of details in your project description, including the size of the project, cost, materials used, etc. Be specific about the work done: Were cabinets replaced? New appliances brought in? Energy-efficient windows or insulation installed? New flooring put in?
  • Address the purpose for the work done. Was space added to accommodate a growing family? Was the home made handicap-accessible for a homeowner with limited mobility?
  • Discuss the challenges of the existing space and how your work improved the space or met a particular need of the homeowner. What were the homeowner’s goals for the project, and were they accomplished?
  • Concise to the point statements written to enhance the imagery submitted.
  • Point out strategies, challenges, constraints – how the team addressed these and what were the results.
  • Discuss elements in the photos/imagery submitted. Stay away for referencing elements not seen in photos. Example: don’t reference the adorable little girls room, if no image is available. 
  • Know your audience — the judges are members of the industry.  
  • Write and present your materials as a professional project. Avoid messaging that is directed as sales or consumer focused. 
  • Entrants are encouraged to keep statements succinct and focus on the entry’s highlights.
  • Bulleted format is preferred.
Consider The Following When Writing Your Project Description
  • Appropriate siting and orientation
  • Success of floor plans at meeting needs
  • The building envelope design and construction techniques
  • Balance of budget, cost
  • Practical and innovative  materials and finishes
  • Energy-efficiency, durability and maintenance
  • Style-appropriate and quality of craftsmanship
  • Relationship of   landscape, and outdoor spaces
  • Describe any innovative construction or design details.
  • Solutions to unique design challenges, special constraints.
Your project description and images are the most important portion of your online submission. Please use the following questions to guide you in creating a winning entry.
  • What were your goals for the space?
  • If a remodel, outline the problems with the existing space and describe your design and construction solutions.
  • How does your project relate to adjacent spaces/site?
  • How much did the project cost?
    • How many square feet?
    • Cost per square foot?
  • What did you do to save money?
  • What items did you decide to splurge on? Why?
Photography Tips
  • If possible, take “before” pictures of the project (or check to see if the homeowner has before pictures) as well as pictures while the work is being done to include with your photos of the finished project. Before and after shots are helpful as they will assist the judges in understanding the total scope of the project. Match the before and after shots to make it easy for the judges to compare the steps of the project.
  • Each entry should include at least two photographs that show an overall view of the project and any key features and details. A maximum of ten (10) photographs are allowed for each project entered.
  • Let your photography help tell the story. Text or diagrams can be used to support the photography and provide additional information on the more interesting aspects of the project. If you reference photos in your text, please number each photo for clarity or provide a short caption.
  • Make sure your pictures are high-resolution (preferably 300 dpi) and large enough to show details in print as well as to reproduce for video without becoming blurry. Photos that are 8”x 10” are an ideal size.
  • Many entrants choose to hire a professional photographer for their entry photographs. Using a photographer who knows about proper lighting and equipment can be a great investment for helping to show your project at its best.