Photo by Scott Amundson
It’s that time of year again—the Midwest Design Awards entry portal is open, and we’re on the hunt for the Midwest’s most remarkable residential and commercial spaces.
Our fifth-annual contest honors excellence across architecture, interiors, landscaping, and so much more—not to mention all the finely honed details in between. From contemporary kitchens and historic renovations to staircases that double as sculpture, we are eager to see (and celebrate!) it all.
But if you’ve ever wondered how to give your submission that extra edge, consider these tips before clicking “submit.” Let us help your work rise to the top—and maybe even land you a standing ovation at our December gala. And remember: You can’t win if you don’t enter!
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Think like a judge.
Judging is inherently subjective. A contemporary-loving architect from the West Coast might see things differently than a traditionalist from the South—that’s the beauty of our industry. This year’s independent panel represents a wide cross-section of the design world—media pros, firm founders, professors, and more—each with distinct tastes and priorities. You can’t control their preferences, but you can control how clearly and strategically you present your project. Here are some items to consider:
- Lead with your strongest image. Your first photo sets the tone. Make it a showstopper—one that immediately communicates the mood, materiality, and uniqueness of the space.
- Make it easy to spot what’s special. Don’t assume the judges will notice the custom millwork, clever storage solution, or sustainability feature—point it out in your description and show it clearly in your photos.
- Emphasize design challenges and how you solved them. Judges love knowing why you made the choices you did. If the home sits on a narrow urban lot, explain how you used vertical space or interior glass to bring in light. If you had to work within historic preservation rules, show how you honored the past while introducing modern convenience.
- Style with intention, not distraction. Cluttered counters, overly trendy props, or too many competing textures in the frame can take the focus off your craftsmanship. Styling should enhance the space, not compete with it.
Photos by Taylor Hall O'Brien
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Don’t sleep on the niche categories.
Yes, the kitchen and powder bath categories are always popular (and wildly competitive!), but if your project boasts a standout guest suite, specialty structure, or sculptural use of stone—lean into that. The more obscure the category, the fewer entries you’ll likely compete against. Flip through our 70-plus options and look for opportunities to stand out where others might not. If you’ve done something unexpected, now’s the time to show it off.
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Display (and style!) your work.
You can submit up to eight images per project, and we recommend taking advantage. Have a killer shot of a millwork detail for a submission in the stair and railing category? Lead with it. Submitting a remodel? “Before” shots are fair game. Horizontal images are especially valuable (they display better in print and at the gala), and remember that styling isn’t optional—it’s essential. Invest in a photographer who knows how to make your work sing. (This blog features 20 Midwest Design-approved local photogs who can help.)
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Customize your descriptions.
Each project requires a 100- to 250-word project statement. Avoid the easy “copy and paste” of the same one across multiple categories by editing with intention. For instance, tailor your write-up so the judge evaluating your wine room entry isn’t reading about the tile in the primary bath. This is your chance to help the judges understand why this work matters.
Photo by Alyssa Lee
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Partner up. Submit more. Save big.
Collaborating with a builder, designer, or architect? Consider entering together and listing each other as co-entrants. You’ll share the recognition, increase your exposure, and split the costs. Entries start at $100 each, but the more you submit, the cheaper they get—as low as $50 per project. Bonus: 50% of your entry fee counts toward a Spring 2026 print ad!
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Don’t wait until the eleventh hour.
Schedule your photo shoots early—there are no deadline extensions! All entries must be submitted and paid in full by 11:59 p.m. on July 31. Head to MidwestDesignAwards.com to create your account, download the entry packet, and get started.
