Ensuring that your project tells a compelling story can help land it in front of our voracious editorial team, and taking time to edit the Project Pages your firm creates can go a long way to getting your project featured on Architizer. For this reason, we’re sharing our top tips to help you improve your project’s chances of being shared. Tips on how to start uploading can be found here. (Firms who upload to Architizer also share their work with professionals and design enthusiasts through our Firm Directory and Projects database!).

Create a Project Page

So, after you’ve started your Architizer profile and uploaded your firm’s latest projects, consider taking the follow six steps to maximize your project’s potential to be featured in articles and on our platform:

1. When it comes to images, the more, the better.

Senegal School by Mado Architects, Senegal | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Unbuilt Institutional 

Think about the breadth of considerations that went into the design of your project: from exterior and interior aesthetics to lighting and ventilation to materials and detailing. How can you capture the complexity of the project as a whole? A diverse range of images can go a long way in telling a more complete story about your project.

Recognize that the completed building is only one aspect of the architectural project; sketches, drawings, renderings and models also share important information about the concepts that drove your design. Likewise, images of construction shots may reveal structural or material innovations, while images of the building at various times of day highlight different features and showcasing the exterior as well as the interior reveal the relationship of the building to the site and so on… All of these different types of images offer a better window into the concepts that drove the design, and are therefore more appealing from an editorial perspective.

2. Drag and reorder your images to help tell a story.

Prime Seafood Palace by Omar Gandhi Architects, Toronto, Canada | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Restaurants (L > 1000 sq ft)

On Architizer, you can reorder your images by hovering your cursor over the upper righthand corner any of the thumbnails where you will see a series of black icons. Clicking and dragging the icon with four arrows (see animated image, above) will allow you to drag the image to a new spot on the grid of thumbnails.

3. Choose a strong hero image.

The hero images is the background image that you see at the top of your Project Page; it also acts as a thumbnail for your project on your Firm Page and across architizer.com. Your hero image is therefore, arguably, the most important image of your work. You’ll want to choose the image that best represents the spirit of your project and “hooks” the viewer to want to see more. Our editorial team finds that façade shots are often a more compelling “first look” than an interior. Drawings and other process documents are less ideal.

Maison Sédimentation by Studio Fei (Field Object Lab), Montréal, Canada | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Unbuilt Cultural 

To reset your project’s hero image, hover your mouse over the upper right corner of your favorite image on the Project Page, then select the crown icon, which will make the image visible at the top of the page. Once your hero image is set, you can readjust the image’s placement on the page by right clicking your cursor on any part of the image to move it up or down.

Note: This same trick can be applied to any of the thumbnails on your grid of uploaded images, which can be especially helpful for portrait images. Simply right click on the thumbnail to move it up or down in order to center the most compelling parts of the photo.

4. Fill out location, size, year and project type, and consider uploading a spec sheet.

Future Artspace H by AD ARCHITECTURE, Shantou, China | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Architecture +Art

If you want your work to get featured in an article on Architizer, providing more specific details about your project is the easiest way to give it a better shot. Don’t forget, Architizer.com is a database, and our writers are also database users, who search specific parameters for article inspiration and research!

For example, many of the collections style articles on our journal take location into account, and tagging where the project is built will help surface your project page in searches and data pulls. Same thing with size and typology. This type of information also provides more context for viewers who may better appreciate the design’s climatic considerations by understanding the climate it is mean for. The same can be said about project size and typology!

Furthermore, the more complete a project page is, the better it will be for telling the story of your project. By uploading a spec sheet, you’ll increase connections between products and brands who are also on Architizer’s platform, again providing a fuller picture of your project’s scope and multiplying possible themes your project could be featured under.

5. Take time to edit your project description.

Conversion and renovation of the listed Local, Probate and Guardianship Court Building by Dannien Roller Architekten + Partner, Tübingen, Germany | Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Government & Civic Building 

Most firms have a standard PR text description of their project that they simply copy and paste into the Project Description box. We’re here to tell you that it pays to take a couple of minutes to edit and tidy that text for your Architizer Project Page.

Lead with descriptive text, not the stats that include project name, firm, size, since these are visible elsewhere on the page. Instead, put the most compelling aspect of your design, what makes it stand out the most, in the first few sentences (is it LEED Gold; have you innovated programmatically? What was a challenged posed by the client that your design overcame?). If someone is quickly clicking through projects, you want to try to hook them with the most unique thing that makes your project stand out right away, so avoid repetition.

6. Tag architectural photographers and collaborating firms.

Robarts Library Reading Room by Superkül, Toronto, Canada | Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Educational Interiors 

In this digital age, photographs are hugely important to a firm’s success. Architizer strives to credit architectural photographers and creators, but we need your help, and karma will reward you. Since we tag all photographers in our social media posts, you’ll increase a posts’ engagement and visibility, as well as your chances of being selected for editorial coverage.

Hover your mouse above one of your images and check of the white box in the upper right corner. From here, a tool bar will appear suggesting that you can “Select All” (and then uncheck any drawings or images that weren’t taken by the photographer). This way you can then tag the person who took your photos.

Ring of Bjólfur by ESJA Architecture; exa nordic; Okkarheima / ANNA Landscape architect and Arkibygg arkitektar, Seydisfjordur, Iceland | Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Unbuilt Landscape 

You can also tag other architectural firms who have collaborated on the project. In order to do so, however, those firms must already have profiles on Architizer, as the tagging feature will link to their Firm Profile page, so that you can both “own” your shared Project Page.

Once your collaborators have Firm Profiles, you can simply scroll down to the “Firm” section on the left hand side of the page and select “Add Collaborating Firm.” From here, you can type your collaborator’s name to search it in our database, then indicate their role in the project.

7. Consider entering Architizer’s A+Awards with the click of a button.

Comprehensive renovation and extension of the Kindergarten, Učenjak unit by OD-DO architecture and Navor, Ljubljana, Slovenia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Adaptive Reuse or Renovation Project, 12th Annual A+Awards

A+Awards Winners are given priority publication opportunities by Architizer’s Editorial Team in special A+Awards features published throughout the year, which are shared with millions across our weekly newsletter and social media channels. (One top of priority features, winners receive a bevy of additional benefits, including publication in print; digital badges and a trophy; potential speaking opportunities; inclusion in the iconic A+List and more).

For those firms who already have a profile and projects uploaded to Architizer, your Firm Administrator account will allow you to create a submission in as little as 5 minutes. Our system will automatically fill in most of the information on the application based on the project’s available information, including Project Name, Firm Name, Project Location and Project Year; then it will be up to you to edit the text down to 300 words and to select your best 12 images. Alternatively, firms can start an A+Awards entry from scratch (it also doesn’t take too long!).

Following these steps is a quick and easy way to get your project entered in the A+Awards, providing you with the opportunity to gain worldwide recognition for your work through publication in print and online, and editorial priority across our social platforms.

With all of this in mind, you’re ready to get featured! Start uploading your projects and incorporating these tips to help increase your chances of being selected by Architizer’s editorial team:

Create a Project Page

The post Editor’s Guide: 7 Ways To Get Your Project Featured on Architizer appeared first on Journal.

Want a sneak peek into the mind of a judge who evaluates your A+Awards submissions? I had the honor of judging Architizer’s A+Awards for the first time in 2023. This year, I’ll be returning to the 12th Annual A+Awards jury alongside an incredible collection of industry experts! Submissions are due this Friday, February 23rd, and I can promise you there’s still enough time to put together a winning submission.

Enter the 12th Annual A+Awards

Last year, I spent several evenings reviewing and ranking submissions for eight different categories of work. It took me back to my own hopeful awards submissions of the past. It’s SO HARD to win awards for your work, right?

Many architects struggle to assemble a compelling application that effectively conveys their accomplishments and unique approach to a project. You’re unsure what to include in the application, how to showcase your work in the best possible light, or how to make your submission stand out from the hundreds of others the judges will review.

Understandably, awards can be a source of frustration. You put a tremendous amount of work and effort into your projects, only to have their submissions overlooked or rejected. And while we don’t necessarily do architecture for the awards, failing to win awards for your work can be demotivating.

So why not dive deeper into the perspective of a judge? Because while all of the work was incredible, the presentation of the work itself varied greatly. And when it comes to awards, the presentation makes all the difference.

Here are 3 simple things you can do to improve your submission.

1. Address the Criteria Directly

HiLo Unit at NEST by ETH Zurich, Block Research Group, Dübendorf, Switzerland | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Architecture +Innovation

Something that becomes immediately clear is whether or not a firm chose to read the requirements and adjust their submission accordingly. It’s obvious if a firm does a simple copy + paste of the project description from their website versus a firm that explains how and/or why the project addresses the evaluation criteria.

Take the time to read through the submission guidelines and make sure you understand exactly what the judges are looking for.

For example, I was asked to judge projects based on three criteria — form, function and impact. Some descriptions were more indirect in relation to the criteria, forcing me to read between the lines. Others addressed each criterion directly and explained how the project responded to each, which made it much easier to evaluate. By being more direct, firms can better control the conversation and thought process of the judges.

Focus on highlighting the aspects of your work that align with the award criteria.

For example, if the award is focused on sustainable design, ensure you include information on the sustainability features of your project and how they impact the environment. If the award is focused on community impact, be sure to highlight the ways in which your project positively impacted the surrounding community. Heck, throw in a quote from an end user of the project just to really bring home the impact!

2. Activate Images with People

Jadgal Elementary School designed by DAAZ Office, Photos by Deed Studio-UAE, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Architecture +Photography & Video

Architecture ultimately serves people and society. So while images of the building itself are important, photos that show how people interact with and use the space are more impactful. Sure, this is my personal opinion but there’s also some science behind it. It’s a little known marketing tactic that images with people tend to increase conversion rates because they’re more relatable.

Images that show occupied spaces help judges understand the human impact of your work. They can also help them understand how the space is used and how it meets the needs of its users. Bonus points if the image is powerful enough to welcome the viewer in and allow them to imagine being in the space.

In general, I found myself more drawn to images of architecture that were activated by people.

3. Tell a Story

Warrnambool Library and Learning Centre by Kosloff Architecture, Warrnambool, Australia | 11th Annual A+Awards, Jury Winner in Libraries; Popular Choice Winner in Architecture +Learning

It’s important to consider the order of your visual material. Rather than simply grouping together similar drawings and images, think about the narrative and story you want to tell. Stories oscillate between different feelings and emotions to hold our attention. They have a beginning, middle, and end. They need context. They need characters. Maybe even heroes, villains, and sidekicks.

It might make more sense to sprinkle drawings in between photos of the spaces that they represent, for example. Perhaps the images of the building’s context would be best suited towards the end because the story begins within a small interior.

By being thoughtful and deliberate with the order, you lead the judges through an engaging story of your project so they can appreciate the thought and care that went into its design and execution.

TL;DR [too long; didn’t read]

Awards are hard to win. But there are some things that you can do to better capture the attention of the judges.

1. Address the criteria directly so that the judges can easily evaluate.
2. Activate images with people because they are better at capturing attention.
3. Tell a story with a thoughtful order of visual material.

And don’t be so hard on yourself if you don’t win. The true measure of project success is determined by the people that occupy the architecture every day, not some remote judge with a newsletter that is beloved by thousands of architects 😉

Now you have the secrets to success, you’re ready to participate! Time is ticking — submit your best new projects before this Friday February 23rd, 2024. Hit the button below to get started on your entry:

Enter the 12th Annual A+Awards

Top image: Ghaf Majlis by Etereo Design, Ajman, United Arab Emirates | Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Mixed Use (S < 25, 000 sq ft)

The post Secrets to Success: Inside the Mind of an Architizer A+Awards Judge appeared first on Journal.

Architizer's 14th A+Awards judging is live! Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter for updates on Public Voting and the big winner reveal later this spring.

In a move that celebrates architectural excellence, we are delighted to announce a significant enhancement to the Firm Profiles pages on Architizer: introducing distinctive blue “+” badges for firms that have secured an A+Award in any Firm Awards category. Architects can also expect to see a summary of the cumulative number of A+Awards that firms have won for projects over the years on their Architizer profiles.

The blue A+Award Firm Badges symbolize a mark of honor, indicating that a firm has achieved distinction and acclaim through the prestigious A+Award program. Previously confined to Project Pages, these badges now become a prominent feature on Firm Profiles, delivering an immediate visual cue of a firm’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of architectural design. Combined with a list of the number of awards won for various projects, these updates offer page visitors a comprehensive view of a firm’s commitment to quality design.

Elevating Excellence with A+Award Firm Badges

Olson Kundig, Jury Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Large Firm (41+ Employees); with 5 Winning projects and 12 Finalists in Architizer’s A+Awards over the years. 

The blue “plus” badge isn’t just a visual embellishment; it serves as a powerful indicator that the firm and its projects have clinched a prestigious A+Award — and, if a firm wins in multiple categories or in separate years, they can expect to see an impressive stack of “+” badges on their firm page. Hovering a mouse over each badge reveals a trove of details, offering users a deeper understanding of the award, including its category, the year of recognition, and whether the project secured the coveted Jury or Popular Choice accolades. Finalists and Special Mentions can also expect to see these badges on their profiles!

Put differently, he A+Award program, synonymous with recognizing outstanding architecture worldwide, now extends its impact beyond individual projects to architectural firms themselves. The blue badges on Firm Profiles emphasize that firms have not only demonstrated design prowess on singular occasions but have consistently contributed to the evolution of the architectural industry, thereby setting the firm’s body of work — its overarching design approach — apart.

Architizer’s decision to integrate A+Award Firm Badges on Firm Profiles underscores the platform’s dedication to spotlighting industry leaders. Users can now navigate Firm Profiles with a heightened sense of confidence, knowing that the firms adorned with the A+Award badge have not only produced award-winning projects but have consistently demonstrated a commitment to pushing the boundaries of design over the course of years as an ethos of their practice. The cumulative tally of the number of A+Awards that firms have won for their projects over the years further contributes to this celebratory transparency.

The Power of Firm Profiles and Project Uploads

Badges are now given for every type of A+Award accolade, including Wins, Finalists, and Special Mentions | SUP Atelier of THAD, Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Sustainable Firm, Special Mention, 2021 A+Awards, Small Firm of the Year, Finalist, 2021 A+Awards, Best Firm in Asia; with 7 Winning projects and 2 Finalists in Architizer’s A+Awards over the years. 

Architects play a pivotal role in shaping the built environment, and creating Firm Profiles on Architizer serves as a powerful means to showcase their expertise. We encourage all architects from around the world to upload their projects, enabling them to share their portfolio with a global audience. By creating Firm Profiles and showcasing projects, architects gain visibility, connect with potential clients and collaborators, and contribute to the broader discourse on architectural innovation.

For users exploring the diverse landscape of architectural firms in Architizer’s expansive database, the A+Award Firm Badges offer a valuable tool for identifying and understanding each firm’s caliber. The blue badges are a visual guide, and users can confidently traverse Firm Profiles secure in the knowledge that those with A+Award badges have been recognized for their exceptional work.

This enhancement not only benefits the A+Award-winning firms but also elevates the overall user experience on Architizer.com. As users seek inspiration, collaboration, or potential partners for their projects, the A+Award Firm Badges offer a quick and reliable way to identify firms that consistently demonstrate a commitment to excellence and innovation.

Striving for Excellence: Top Firms Article Series

Winning an A+Award and earning a badge on a firm’s profile not only celebrates past achievements but also positions firms on an upward trajectory within Architizer’s ecosystem. A significant aspect of this elevation is the contribution to Architizer’s “Top Firms” article series, which recognizes and transparently ranks firms according to the geographic location of their headquarters, and based on their commitment to architectural excellence and innovation.

As firms accumulate A+Award Firm Badges on their profiles, they simultaneously climb the ranks within Architizer’s “Top Firms” series, which ranks firms by country, city and even specialization. This recognition contributes to a firm’s broader visibility and positions them as leaders in the industry, fostering a community that values and celebrates excellence in architecture.

Elevate Your Firm’s Architizer Profile By Entering the A+Firm Awards Categories

Leckie Studio Architecture + Design, Popular Choice Winner, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Young Firm, Finalist, 11th Annual A+Awards, Best Medium Firm (16-40 Employees); with 5 projects as Finalists in Architizer’s A+Awards over the years. 

As architects engage with Architizer.com, it’s not just about showcasing past achievements; it’s an invitation to the vibrant community of architectural excellence. The A+Award Firm Badges signify not only individual triumphs but also a commitment to elevating the standards of the architectural profession. As we celebrate this new chapter with blue badges on Firm Profiles, we extend an enthusiastic invitation to architects worldwide to participate in the A+Firm Awards categories.

Start Entry

Winning the Firm Categories in Architizer’s 12th Annual A+Awards is an opportunity to have your collective body of work recognized, celebrated and distinguished; it’s a chance to join the ranks of global leaders in architecture, contributing to the ever-evolving narrative of design innovation. As architects upload their projects and create Firm Profiles, they not only enrich the architectural discourse but also position themselves for the coveted A+Award Firm Badges that symbolize excellence, creativity and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of design. Architizer is not just a platform for Architect’s to showcase their work; it’s a celebration of architectural prowess, and your firm could be the next to be recognized and celebrated on a global stage.

Architizer's 14th A+Awards judging is live! Subscribe to our Awards Newsletter for updates on Public Voting and the big winner reveal later this spring.

The post Architizer Introduces A+Award Firm Badges to Elevate Your Firm’s Profile appeared first on Journal.

Many design professionals also use their profile as a foundation for industry award applications, proposals and broader marketing initiatives. Whatever the purpose, Architizer enables architecture firms to tell their story in a way that is visually powerful and insightful in equal measure.

The best part? Launching your own firm profile and uploading projects is completely free. You can get started by registering here:

Share My Work

Architizer is fueled by the creative energy of thousands of architects from around the world who upload their stunning work throughout the year. From conceptual designs to projects under construction to completed buildings, we are proud to serve as a platform for showcasing the talent and innovation of architectural designers, visualizers, engineers, manufacturers and photographers from across the globe. Click here to learn how to start uploading projects to Architizer.

Why upload your work to Architizer? There are many reasons, but here are three of the most compelling:

1. Get your work in front of Architizer’s global community

Architizer garners millions of page views every month from design savvy visitors from around the world. Projects are showcased year-round on our popular projects page. Architizer’s editorial team reviews every project that is uploaded, and selects high quality projects for feature. Featured projects are published on Architizer’s homepage and are shared across our social media platforms, home to more than 4.5M engaged followers.

➡️ Click here to explore the latest featured projects

2. Build a stunning portfolio for your clients and colleagues

At its core, your Architizer Firm Profile is a beautiful, visual showcase of your work. Via a minimalist, ad-free interface, your profile places your work front and center, accompanied by useful information that allow potential clients to gain a deep understanding of your firm’s past, current and upcoming projects. From planned and completed projects to unrealized concepts and under-construction works, Architizer forms the definitive directory of world class architecture, worldwide.

➡️ Click here to see firm profile examples by our existing members

3. Get set for the Architizer A+Awards

Curating your projects on Architizer year-round means you have everything you need when the next edition of the A+Awards, the world’s largest awards program for architecture, interiors, landscapes and products, launches. Since 2011, the A+Awards has been held to honor exemplary, groundbreaking projects and the people that help bring them to life. Winners are published in print in “The World’s Best Architecture” compendium, as well as having their work celebrated online with a global audience of more than 400 million.

As a bonus: Projects that have been uploaded to Architizer can be expedited for entry with just a click!

➡️ Click here to register for the next A+Awards

What makes a good project upload?

First and foremost, high quality architectural photographs are essential. Additionally, a stellar sketch, drawing, rendering or diagram, as well as a detailed project description, can make a project stand out.

The post Share Your Work With the World | Upload Your Projects to Architizer appeared first on Journal.

The Vision Awards comprises three honors awarded in each Vision category: one for studios, individuals and students. Not sure what category is best? Read on to find out more about our Studio Categories:

Receive Key Program Updates

Apartment #5, a Labyrinth and Repository of Spatial Memories by Clement Laurencio

Why a Studio Should Submit

Entering the Vision Awards allows a studio to showcase their expertise and establish their firm as a leader in design. Remember, any in-house assets made during a project are eligible! There are a number of advantages to submitting as a studio, including:

• Diverse Submissions: You can submit for a range of different types, including speculative projects, unbuilt work, visualizations for work-in-progress, or complete and finished designs. Creative ideas should be celebrated at all stages, so we created an awards program for all of them.
• Competition Ideas: Did your studio already submit a great photograph, video, drawing, visualization, or model to a competition? Extend the life of your work by submitting to the Vision Awards and your idea can gain the recognition it deserves.
• Keep Momentum Going: Not all designs are brought to life overnight, and often, they can take years until completion. The Vision Awards allows a studio to keep up the excitement and momentum of a project while it is underway.  Even if a project is still on the drawing board, you can gain recognition for the work of your studio and team.
• Gain Recognition for Clients: Some of the best projects come from working with the best clients. Our awards program allows a studio to gain exposure for their work and for their clients. Studios can harness the marketing potential and highlight the value they can bring to other clients as well.

Memento Mori: A Peckham Hospice Care Home, Section Drawing by Jerome Ng

Understand the Categories

For the Vision Awards, you can submit in either the Vision or Creator Categories as a studio, individual or student. Firms are encouraged to apply: you can win recognition for your studio’s work, whether it is a photograph, video, drawing, visualization or model. Most awards programs are designed for constructed projects, whereas we conceived of a program for any visual. A studio can be recognized for ideas and any of their creations, even if it is unbuilt.

As a firm or studio, you can also win in three of the five Creator categories. These include Photographer of the Year, Visualizer of the Year, and Videographer of the Year. The final two categories, Architect Creator and Student Creator, are for individuals.

Television City, Visualization by Kilograph

Vision Categories

The Vision Categories celebrate every aspect of architectural representation, from early sketches and conceptual renderings to photographs and videos of a built project, as well as awards for physical models. There are 12 individual categories within the following category groups: Best Architectural Photograph, Best Architectural Visualization, Best Architectural Drawing, Best Architectural Video and Best Architecture Model.

Creator Categories

The Creator Categories honor the achievements of talented creators across every discipline listed above, forming a definitive “who’s who” of visionaries for the AEC industry. It includes 5 awards for the following categories: Architectural Photographer of the Year, Architectural Visualizer of the Year, Architectural Videographer of the Year, Architect Creator of the Year and Student Creator of the Year.

The House of Rising Sun, Visualization by Bogdan Begmat

Establish Your Firm as a Visionary

Clients come to studios looking for solutions, and in turn, designers can offer new ideas on how to work, play and live. Winning the Vision Awards helps cement a firm position as a pioneering practice. We created the global awards program to honor the art of architectural imagery and those that bring it to life. Communicating your value as thought leaders and experts in your craft, you can showcase what great design looks like for your studio.

We understand that exposure matters. So we’ve also assembled a multi-disciplinary jury of thought leaders from around the world, allowing studios to get their work and ideas in front of some of the industry’s leading figures. Our esteemed jury comprises practitioners from the worlds of architecture, design, technology and film, each with a special connection to visualizing our built environment. At the same, the winning submissions will also be published in print. If your studio possess a passion for visualizing our built environment, you could win a 2023 Vision Award.

Receive Key Program Updates

Hero image: The Fifth Facade Project, Seattle, WA, USA by Alan Maskin and Jerome Tyron, Photography by Chris Burnside. See more here.

The post Establish Your Firm as a Visionary Home of Architectural Ideas appeared first on Journal.

Many of these creators — the vast array of professionals to help conceive a project, convince a client of its value and communicate its essence — routinely stand in the shadows of the architects with whom they collaborate. This relationship is reflected in architectural awards programs that celebrate building designers, meaning that the photographers, visualizers, students, videographers and model makers that help propel architecture forward are less versed in the nuances of crafting a competitive submission to receive accolades for their respective crafts.

If you’re a visual creator in the architecture industry and this is your reality, we’ve got some hot tips to help maximize your chances of success in this year’s Vision Awards program, which is officially open for submissions with a Main Entry Deadline set for June 9th, 2023. Click here to begin preparing your entries (after reading the tips below, of course!):

Submit to the Vision Awards

1. Know Your Categories — and Select the Right One

First, it is vital to understand that the program is divided into two overarching categories, the Vision Categories and the Creator Categories. We’ll outline each in greater detail below, but first, it bears stating simply that the Vision Categories celebrate a single image or video, whereas the Creator Categories honor entire bodies of work. Each has a handful of subcategories for you to choose from.

“22 Gordon Street” by Christian Coackley, The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, Student Winner, 2022 One Rendering Challenge

The Vision Categories:

The Vision Categories comprises 12 subcategories, each celebrating a specific type of visual representation — photographs, drawings, models and more. For each of these subcategories, there will be three winners: a Studio, an Individual and a Student. Remember, Individual creators include sole practitioners submitting work from their personal portfolio (even if they are employed by a larger company), while Studio creators are any entrants constituting a business with 2 or more employees.

• Best Architectural Photograph (5 categories: Exterior, Interior, Urban, Landscape, Detail)
• Best Architectural Visualization (3 categories: Photorealistic, Illustrative/Artistic, AI-Generated)
• Best Architectural Drawing (2 categories: Hand-drawn, Computer-aided)
• Best Architectural Video (2 categories: Long-form, Short-form)
• Best Architecture Model (Special award category for physical models)

Notably, the submissions in these categories are all limited to a single form of representation (ie. a single photograph, a single drawing, one model, etc…). When selecting which you’d like to submit to, it’s key to ensure your entry is in the category that best suits your work. Be sure to read the description for each category and ask yourself which one your image best fits.

Do you have an urban photograph that both captures the atmosphere of the city AND powerfully communicates a building’s form or space? Try reading the description for both the “Urban” and “Exterior” subcategories, for example, with your image of choice open on the same screen. This may help narrow down which better applies to your work. If all else fails, remember: you’re also allowed to enter the same image in two categories (and win in both as well!).

From left: “Arachnophobia” by Tiffany Liem, Brookfield Properties; “Kites” by Yu Heng Lim; “Thirst for Shade” by Valeria Flores, Handel Architects. All Commended Entries, 2022 One Photo Challenge

The Creator Categories:

The Creator Categories, meanwhile, are designed to honor the achievements of talented creators across every discipline listed above, forming a definitive “who’s who” of visionaries for the AEC industry. There will be five awards granted in total, one for each subcategory, and judges will assess the oeuvre of each entrant to decide on these winners.

• Architectural Photographer of the Year (Portfolio award for studios and professionals)
• Architectural Visualizer of the Year (Portfolio award for studios and professionals)
• Architectural Filmmaker of the Year (Portfolio award for studios and professionals)
• Student Creator of the Year (Mixed media portfolio award for students)

2. Understand the Judging Criteria

From Shajay Booshan, Associate Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, to Amanda Ferber, the founder of Architecture Hunter, and many more, Architizer’s Vision Awards provides a unique opportunity to get your work in front of a stellar jury of renowned architects and creative thought leaders. Before you hit “enter” on your submission, it’s helpful to review the criteria that will frame the jury’s view of your work. These differ slightly between the two sets of categories.

“Class-Reunion 2021_Gold: Ink on Canvas_71 x 47 inch” by Jeronimo Andura, HTWG Konstanz, Commended Entry, 2021 One Drawing Challenge

The Vision Categories:

At their best, images and videos can reveal something about architecture that speaks to the wider cultural, societal, economic or political context of its location. So, the The Vision Awards Jury will evaluate the Vision Categories according to the following criteria:

I. Communication

A winning image or video will form a visual story about architecture and its context, often creating a compelling narrative that captivates the viewer. People, light, shadows, mood, atmosphere, weather, spatial layout, details, materials and more, are all compositional elements that can be pivotal in this regard.

II. Aesthetics

In the realm of architectural representation, aesthetics are about more than just beauty. They convey the essence of the architecture they depict, the atmosphere or emotional power of a space, and a strong sense of place — even when untidy, chaotic or even “ugly.”

III. Impact

While impact is not an exact science, experts in architectural representation understand the bold qualities that make an image memorable. The ingredients of an impactful architectural image or video include but are not limited to: striking geometry, unusual angles, rich color combinations, sharp contrasts, rhythmic patterns, movement and strong legibility.

From left: “Hanging by a Thread” by Jeremias Dabbah, Sofia Di Tomaso and Camila Crudo, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Student Winners; “TREES” by Norviska Studio, Commended Entry, 2021 One Drawing Challenge

The Creator Categories:

The Vision Awards Jury will evaluate the Creator Categories based on the following criteria:

I. Aesthetics

Aesthetics encompass the visual language of a creator’s work — whether that be to communicate an idea, elicit an emotion, attract attention or speak to the atmospheric qualities of a space. The jury will consider how a creator’s aesthetic approach ties to their overarching creative goals, ie. the unique nature of the environment they depict. Creators that are able to demonstrate a varied yet cohesive aesthetic approach across multiple works will excel.

II. Innovation

Architectural representation is a relentlessly forward-looking field that must embrace new technologies, visual styles and creative processes with curiosity and eagerness. The jury will reward pioneering creators that show courage in harnessing new approaches to better communicate architecture to clients and/or the wider world. Versatile creators that are continually experimenting with their medium, questioning their own approach and testing new ideas will score highly.

III. Impact

The best architectural creators are able to produce works that combine innovative techniques with striking visuals to create works that are inspiring to the wider design community and spark new creative ideas among adjacent members of the industry. Judges will be looking for creators that displays originality in their work, exhibiting their distinct personality through visual means.

3. Bring Your Image and its Category Together in Text

Even if the awards are all about your visual representations shining, a little text can go a long way to help the judges more easily comprehend your work. (By the way, as you create your submission, you’ll want make sure you have your social media handles ready to include them. If you win, this will help us to share your work with our millions of followers across all of our social media channels!)

If you hit writer’s block, or anything listed below sounds challenging, remember that you can always start your submission, and then go back to edit it with fresh eyes another day if need be!

“State of Union” by Nielen de Bruyn, Turner & Townsend, Commended Entry, 2021 One Drawing Challenge

The Vision Categories:

For these categories, you’ll be uploading only one image or video (no collages!). For your entry, you should choose an evocative title that helps communicate the meaning of your work. The judges will be assessing many different images, so you don’t want leave them guessing. A title can serve as a bridge them helps hone in on the most salient themes. When done well, it can evoke a mood and set the tone for the viewer’s experience.

The same goes for your project text. You’ll be give 150 words to communicate what your image depicts. Again, this is an opportunity to help guide the judge through your work, perhaps subtly nodding to the ways that your image or video stand out in the category you’ve selected. Here, you want to (briefly!) paint a compelling narrative that also subtly points back to the some of the judging criteria. Remember to keep the text easy to follow — dense, academic writing often isn’t the most accessible.

The Creator Categories:

If you’re enter this section, you’ll want to have a Creator Statement ready. Remember, you’re going to be uploading either 12 single images (if you have your sights set on the Photographer of the Year and Visualizer of the Year titles), 6 video clips (for those vying for Videographer of the Year), or up to 12 files of various media types (if you’re going for Architect or Student Creator prizes). The form gives you 300 words to describe your creative approach and how your work relates to your goals as a creator, so you’ll want to highlight elements that unite your diverse oeuvre.

When coming up with these, you don’t want to simply copy and paste your bio from other contexts. Consider the judging criteria for the Creator Categories — aesthetics, innovation and impact — and highlight key aspects of your portfolio. These could include but are not limited to: your design philosophy, how you work with clients and collaborators (if you have them), and how you are innovating in your creative field.

Top image: Art Jameel” by Shoayb Khattab, Shoayb Khattab Photography, Commended Entry, 2022 One Photo Challenge

The post Secrets to Success: Editor’s Guide to Winning Architizer’s Vision Awards appeared first on Journal.

As the Extended Entry Deadline for the 11th A+Awards approaches on February 24th, join architectural copywriter and A+Awards juror Nikita Morell for a fun and engaging live presentation on the art of crafting winning award submissions. Nikita will run through the do’s and don’ts of writing your submission, including tips that will help you capture the attention of the jurors and put your projects firmly in the ‘yes’ pile.

Hit the blue button to register for the talk, which will take place on February 15th at 2:00pm EST:

Register for Event →

It might sound obvious, but it’s easier said than done: Creating a well written project or firm description is crucial in helping jurors decide which entries they will shortlist for A+Awards accolades. With the help of expert insights from Nikita, webinar attendees will learn:

• How to tell a compelling story about architecture through words as well as images.
• Why you should enter architecture awards and how they can benefit your practice.
• What jurors are looking for — and how you can fully satisfy the judging criteria.
• Copywriting techniques you can apply to writing your award submission (and beyond).

Whether you are considering entering the program for the first time this year, or are a seasoned participant looking to refine your entries this season, this live session is one not to be missed!

Sign up now and remember to complete your A+Awards entries before February 24th, as there will be no further extensions after this date!

About Nikita Morell

Nikita is a copywriter for architects and the founder of Architects Wordshop. She helps architects communicate their value, so they can get a steady stream of ridiculously good projects. Her mission is to make architecture websites sound less robot, more human.

She has studied 663 architecture websites (you can see the results on her website) and sends emails packed with free copywriting tips, templates, and slightly amusing stories.

Follow her on controversial rants on LinkedIn, and be sure to join her email list.

About Paul Keskeys

Paul Keskeys is Editor in Chief at Architizer. An architect-trained editor, writer and content creator, Paul graduated from UCL and the University of Edinburgh, gaining an MArch in Architectural Design with distinction. Paul has spoken about the art of architecture and storytelling at many national industry events, including AIANY, NeoCon, KBIS, the Future NOW Symposium, the Young Architect Conference and NYCxDesign. As well as hundreds of editorial publications on Architizer, Paul has also had features published in Architectural Digest, PIN—UP Magazine, Archinect, Aesthetica Magazine and PUBLIC Journal.

Register for Event →

The post Secrets to Success LIVE: How to Craft a Winning Architectural Awards Submission appeared first on Journal.

Create Your Architecture Job Posting 

Historically, candidates were expected to pitch themselves to companies; however, hiring dynamics have shifted in the past decade. Today, the opposite is true: as the employer, you will need to sell the position and your company to find the best candidate for the job. To this end, Architizer recommends the following five tips for crafting the perfect job listing for the AEC industry. Then, once you’re ready to attract the world’s top architectural talent, list your Job Post on Architizer’s Jobs Board and tap into our audience of over half a million talented architects, designers and students that come to Architizer every week.

1. Consider the Anatomy of a Perfect Post

Formatting is an often overlooked aspect of the perfect job posting that can make all the difference. On average, job seekers spend less than 30 seconds reviewing any given job posting. So, you have a small window to ensure that potential candidates understand the position and related expectations.

• Architects deal with aesthetics: it is important to make sure that each job post look great. Take time to fully fill out your firm profile, including uploaded images. Details like a firm logo and a hero image are just as important as a thoughtful firm description and will help to visually distinguish your post.
• Ensure that the advertisement is easy to read by utilizing subheadings and bulleted lists.
• The location of the text is everything. Place the most engaging and exciting content front and center to grab job seekers’ attention and ensure that they read further. You can follow this with pertinent details about the role itself.
• Brevity is key: strike a balance between including all relevant information while keeping the text to the point (more about that later).

2. Carefully Craft Engaging Prose

One of the first steps for creating interest in a position is to advertise the central tasks a successful candidate will perform while highlighting aspects of the role that make it unique. The goal of the post should be to allow applicants to imagine themselves in the advertised position and assist them in determining if they are a qualified candidate.

• Begin the job description with a succinct definition of the position’s primary functions and goals: include the required tasks, how employees will complete those tasks, and the types of daily interactions they can expect (ex: how will they fit within your team and how will they relate to clients).
• Word your prose as if you are speaking directly to a job seeker — use the present tense and avoid broad, third-person generalizations such as “the right candidate.” Likewise, be sure to use gender-neutral phrases or inclusive pronouns by listing “he/she/they.” By wording the job posting more personally, you will encourage potential applicants to envision themselves in the role.
• Avoid long lists of general skills; if you are posting for a standard job, such as Architectural Designer, ask yourself what makes your posting unique. Does your firm specialize in Sustainable Design or even Residential Construction?

3. Be Concise and Use Adjectives Wisely

To strike the elusive balance between a short post that is still informative, use adjectives strategically. This approach will help you capture the job seekers’ attention; at the same time, the adjectives used in the job description will also set the expectation for the quality of work that you expect.

• Opt for specificity instead of using broad, vague terms (ex: “May be responsible for coordinating with clients” versus “Will prepare design presentations including sketches and material boards, working drawings and construction details, millwork details and specifications”).
• Include the frequency, avoiding vague terms such as “When needed,” “Occasionally,” or “Often.”
• Consider adjectives that describe the personality of your ideal hire, such as “Deadline driven” or “Fast learner.” Then, take this one step further by qualifying the clarifying the adjective you have chosen with a concrete task: “Ability to learn policies and procedures quickly.”
• Allow applicants to assess their capabilities and decide whether they are suitable for the role by carefully weighing adjectives that describe the work environment, such as “Fast-paced.”

4.  Remember to Sell your Firm

While it is vital to list the skills that you require for the role, it is equally important to sell the right candidate on the job: most people prioritize finding the right cultural fit in their job search processes. Therefore, in addition to asking yourself, “What will set this job apart from candidates?” you should also consider “What makes my firm attractive to employees?” When answering these questions, be honest. Accurately representing who you are as an employer and your studio culture will also help weed out the wrong candidates, making suitable candidates that much easier to spot.

• Highlight unique and specific details that make your firm stand out: do you specialize in a particular type of project? Are you a young, up-and-coming studio? Are you a multi-state or multi-national firm with opportunities to move around? While being specific allows candidates to picture themselves at your company, providing them with an honest picture of your workplace is vital: someone looking for a boutique studio experience will not be happy in a more commercial operation. Some candidates may be looking for a fast-paced environment, while others may prioritize finding a team that feels like a family.
• Remember to show, not just tell: a formally worded or stuffy job posting may send candidates a wrong message, indicating an unfriendly atmosphere or a restrictive work environment.

5. Don’t ignore Compensation: Include salary and benefit information

Employers often wait to discuss salary during the interview process; however, compensation will play a significant role in a candidate’s decision to apply even before the job offer stage. By being upfront, you will make your job posting more attractive to some candidates. In contrast, others who would ultimately turn down an offer that is not commensurate with their going rate will refrain from applying, therefore saving you time and energy. Thus, rather than waiting until the offer stage to discuss financial compensation, communicate salary and benefit information in the job description.

• If you offer competitive compensation, say so. Even still, allow for some flexibility: always list a salary range instead of a specific dollar.
• If your salaries are less competitive, emphasize what you can offer instead. For many candidates, benefits are a crucial consideration. Medical, dental and vision coverage can go a long way. Likewise, intangible benefits like employee perks, advancement opportunities, the chance to learn new skills, take on exciting projects, travel, and flexible schedules are universally appealing and will help to set you apart.

Create Your Architecture Job Posting 

The post Employers’ Guide: 5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Job Post appeared first on Journal.

What is a Project Connection?

A Project Connection is a link between your project and the manufacturers whose products and materials are featured within that project. It could be the manufacturer of the façade system, windows, doors, flooring, roofing, AC system, solar panels, or just about anything that went into the building. As long as it can be associated with a specific building-product manufacturer, the Project Connection can be made.

Why are Project Connections so great for architects?

Project Connections benefit architects by significantly increasing the visibility of their work. Here’s how:

• Projects with Connections are eligible for Architizer’s renowned Project of the Day feature, which gets you automatic promotion on Facebook and Twitter — home to 3 million Architizer followers.
• Projects with at least 10 Project Connections receive a 600% increase in organic traffic on Architizer.
• Projects with complete information — including schedules, project descriptions and drawings such as plans, sections, elevations and details — have an increased likelihood of being selected as a featured project by Architizer’s editorial team.
• Project Connections provide you with valuable design insights, giving you a way to identify key trends across the profession.

Diller Scofidio + Renfro are just one of the major architecture firms utilizing the Project Connection feature on Architizer:

Project Connections are made by uploading Product Spec Sheets to Project Pages, as highlighted in this Diller Scofidio + Renfro project.

How do I make a Project Connection?

The easiest way to create Project Connections on Architizer is by using our handy Project Connections Form. Follow the step-by-step instructions to add materials and manufacturers to your project in no time. You can do it right here:

Alternatively, you can use our simple spec sheet template — also available for download by clicking the green “upload now” button on any project page. Provide the names of the products you used, and the manufacturers that made them.

We encourage you to start creating Project Connections for past projects, and integrate the process into your standard workflow for future projects. Recording your building-products in one, easy-to-access place will prove beneficial to your firm in a myriad of ways — not to mention saving your team multiple headaches later on!

Try it today, and if you any have feedback on the process, we’d be glad to hear from you — email support@architizer.com with your thoughts and suggestions.

The post An Architect’s Guide To: Project Connections appeared first on Journal.

The true potential of Architizer, though, is only unlocked by searching for building-products continuously over time. With a specialized search engine that learns and improves its accuracy over time, the real power of the platform to alleviate an architect’s workflow comes through repeat usage. So, how exactly can continual searching benefit you and your teammates?

Architizer as Organizational Tool

Architizer helps keep all your firm’s product information organized in one convenient place. The more searches you create, the more useful the platform becomes for your entire team. Using Architizer, you can:

• Review product options side-by-side, comparing aesthetics and performance to make specifying decisions more quickly.
• Keep an evergreen record of past product options, building a comprehensive material library that is always available online.
• Easily share product information with other members of your design team.

With images given center stage, Architizer is also perfect for presenting multiple product options to both teammates and clients in the studio.

We Can Find Anything

Challenge us! Architizer has been used to identify all manner of architectural products, some of which might take days or even weeks to find using conventional methods. Of the thousands of products and materials architects have searched for during the past year, some of the more unusual highlights include:

• A car elevator for a city building
• A doggy door for a private residence
• Bullet proof glass for a police station’s windows
• Tiger urine resistant flooring for a zoo enclosure (yes, really!)

Thanks to Architizer’s in-house material specialists, a search can also help you answer specific questions relating to building-products, such as “What brands make this?”, “Is there a similar product with a better price”, or “Does this product even exist?”

We Take Up Zero Shelf Space

Say goodbye to that closet full of samples, and hello to the cloud!

Most architects will be familiar with the ever-expanding materials library, where stacks of discarded sample boxes collect dust on shelves at the back of the office. Fortunately, Architizer allows you to search for and review all your products online, including close up imagery and in-depth information to help you in your initial research. This enables you to narrow things down, so you need only request the samples for those that you are seriously considering.

As well as reducing clutter around your office, it is also beneficial to request samples all from one website. Using Architizer means you can finally close those 37 tabs in Chrome and focus on what matters — selecting the best product for your project.

The Power of Knowledge Sharing

Architizer appreciates architects that search more and more, because this information helps us continually improve the platform. The more queries you put into the system, the smarter it becomes. The collective input of architects helps Architizer build a search engine that understands the unique vocabulary of the profession, harnessing this to serve up progressively more accurate product options.

With your help, Architizer is building an invaluable tool for the future, one that transforms the specification process into a fun, informative and even inspirational experience.

If you have any feedback on the search process, we’d love to hear from you! Contact your Architizer account manager, or email the team at firms@architizer.com. For more information about creating searches and responding to manufacturers, check out the Architizer Help Center.

In the meantime, search for every material and product needed for your next project — and Architizer will do the rest!

The post Why Architects Should Keep On Searching appeared first on Journal.