2026 Excellence Awards

What You'll Need

Awards Program Dates

Awards Program Open
From: April 1, 2026 12:00AM ESTTo: May 31, 2026 11:59PM EST
What You'll Need

Entry Overview. What you’ll need to complete your entry.

 

Company Information

General company information: Name, Address, Homepage URL, Main/Public Email and Phone

 

Company Social Media

URLs: Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook

 

Company Logo

Company logo that looks best on a white background.

 

Production Contact

Contact person(s) to address issues or questions with the entry.

 

Photography Rights & Permissions

Confirm the Photography Rights & Permissions agreement for all submitted images, drawing and plans.

 

Entry Name

Provide an entry name to help judges identify and reference the project anonymously. For instance, something that is specific to the project. Example: Modern Green Bath

 

Project Resources

OUTSIDE CONTRIBUTORS: List all outside firms or contractors who played a significant role in the project. Provide the category, company and full name of persons involved. Category examples include Kitchen/Bath Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Contractor, Lighting Design, Cabinetry Design/Fabrication.

 

TEAM MEMBERS: List all members of your staff who should be credited for work on this project. Include names, credentials and roles.

 

BRANDS and SOURCES: Identify the category, brands and sources of the major materials and fixtures. Category examples include Cabinetry, Countertops, Countertop Source, Range/Ovens, Microwave, Refrigeration, Appliance Source, Backsplash, Backsplash Source, Pendant, Lighting, Lighting Source, Flooring, Plumbing Fixtures, Plumbing Fixture Source, Table, Chairs, Counter Stools, Special Finishes.

 

Project Goal and Objectives

What were the goals of the project in terms of functionality and aesthetics?

 

Project Description

Base the project description around the following. Click here for an example.

DO NOT USE COMPANY NAME IN TEXT

Word count: Minimum 200 to 500 maximum

Is this new construction or a renovation?

Describe challenges and solutions

Describe special innovations or unique materials (if applicable)

Identify special amenities or functions

Provide project location (city, state)

Tell a little bit about the homeowners

Project Size/dimensions

 

Project Images

Six minimum. 15 maximum. All images require a caption and photographer credit. Captions can be a simple description of the focal point shown in the image including materials, furnishings, etc. A nicely worded caption provides valuable insight for the judges.

 

Please note: The maximum file size for each image is 10MB, and files must be submitted in JPG format. If your entry is selected as a winner, these images will be used for publication in Home & Design’s Idea Book, so it’s important to provide the highest quality possible. We recommend starting with your highest-resolution file (typically a CMYK/TIF), converting it to RGB, and saving it as a JPG. This will significantly reduce file size without compromising image quality

 

Project Drawings and Plans

Submit a minimum of one and a maximum of five entries. All project drawings and plans must include a brief caption and photographer credit. Please ensure no company information is visible—especially within the legend.