One of the big announcements at the National Association of Home Builders International Builders’ Show, scheduled for January in Orlando, Florida, will be the winners of the NAHB Best in American Living Awards, honoring outstanding residential design in 32 categories. 

NAHB announced last week that it is now accepting submissions, all of which can be filed electronically (hardcopy notebooks are no longer required, the association says). The submission deadline is September 1 – just over five weeks away. 

In addition to the 32 award categories, one winner in each of nine geographic regions will receive a Best in Region Award, for which entries, in their respective regional competitions, are entered automatically. Winners in relevant categories will also be eligible for the Home of the Year, Room of the Year, and Community of the Year awards. 

The Best in American Living Awards program is open to builders, architects, remodelers, designers, developers, land planners, and interior designers. Click here for BALA category requirements, and click here for the BALA registration form.

What the judges look for

Judging criteria for categories 1 through 14 (whose winners will be eligible for the Home of the Year award), and 22 through 24, include exterior design/curb appeal; interior architecture/interior design; site plan; construction quality/cost efficiency; and product sales success. NAHB also notes that one category in this grouping, number 11, will be judged “based on innovation and design excellence produced through public and/or private efforts that expand homeownership opportunities for American families whose income does not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).”

Judging criteria for categories 25 through 27 (whose winners will be eligible for the Community of the Year award) include project protections for and access to the natural environment; the land-use mix; land-use efficiencies and innovations; transportation options; pedestrian accessibility; housing choices; alignment with local housing traditions; utilization of infill opportunities; and job creation and economic development.

Judging criteria for categories 15 through 21 and 28 through 32 (whose winners will be eligible for the Room of the Year award) include the contractor’s ability to meet client needs; interior architecture/interior design; functional strengths; creative and innovative product and material applications; and aesthetics.

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