Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

We hope the following information answers any questions you may have about entering schemes into the housing design awards

 

if you can’t find an answer in our FAQs and still need help, please email info@hdawards.org. If you have not received a response within 3 working days, you can ring us on 020 3301 3857

When can I enter?

You will be able to enter the awards from Thursday 1st December until 8th March 2023. Sign up for our email newsletter service or follow us on Instagram @housingdesignawards_uk to be kept informed.

What format should I submit entry?

Entries are digitally created using a proforma, and you will only need to upload high quality JPGs or PNGs and answer some questions. Entries will then be automatically put together in formats for viewing both online and offline. You can see the new layout here. For 2022 it would be very helpful if you could also submit any video material you have to support your entry. Increasingly project teams take drone footage before, during and after construction. Short clips of any quality, along with screen grabs from GoogleEarth, can helpfully solve matters of understanding in the judging process. But supplying such materials is not a precondition of shortlisting. Any such files should be sent to info@hdawards.org using suitable large file transfer software. An example entry can be found here

Are there any image requirements?
  • Yes, please follow the guidelines below.
    The number of images you can upload (10 or 20) will depend on the package you select.
  • Select a featured image which will be used as the key graphic in any materials produced relating to your scheme.
  • Judges like a mix of drawings and photos showing elevations with plans showing plans for location, site, block plans and individual dwelling. We recommend a broadly equal ratio of elevations to plans, site layouts, apartment layouts and individual unit plans.
  • The only file formats accepted are PNG and JPEG.
  • Images must be high-resolution: no smaller than 750x750px and no larger than 2500x2500px.
What content should be included?

Yes, please follow the guidelines below.
The number of images you can upload (either 10 or 20) will depend on the package you select. Our 10 image package is priced at £325 and our 20 image package at £415 (both exc VAT)

  • Select a featured image which will be used as the key graphic in any materials produced relating to your scheme.
  • Judges like a mix of drawings and photos showing elevations with plans showing plans for location, site, block plans and individual dwelling. We recommend a broadly equal ratio of elevations to plans, site layouts, apartment layouts and individual unit plans.
  • The only file formats accepted are PNG and JPEG.
  • Images must be high-resolution: no smaller than 750x750px and no larger than 2500x2500px
Scheme Description

To allow easy comparison between key elements of relevance to all judges, we recommend you structure it as bullet points against the 12 Building For a Healthy Life criteria, available here.
These cover most criteria with the exception of information about dwellings.

Do I need to send a hard copy of my entry?

No, you do not need to send a hard copy of your entry.

Do I need to send a separate electronic copy of my entry?

No, you do not need to send an electronic copy of your entry.

Do I need to submit my plans and drawings as separate elements?

You do not need to submit your plans and drawings as separate elements when entering the awards at the initial stage. However, should your scheme be shortlisted, you may be contacted and asked to provide these elements and any additional information required.

What do I do if I can’t pay online?

If you are unable to pay for your submission online you can email us at info@hdawards.org and we will provide further instructions on how to pay.

When can I submit my payment online?

Payment will now be integrated into the online entry system and you will need to pay for your entries before you can start to fill in any of your data. The new system will allow you to select multiple packages and pay for them in one go by credit card or bank transfer.

Can I change my package after I have bought it?

It is not possible to upgrade or downgrade your package after purchase. Please think carefully about the number of images you wish to include before selecting your package.

When is the submission deadline for the boards?

All information must be received by 5pm on 8 March.

Can I amend my entry after I have submitted it?

Yes, once your entry has been submitted the information can still be amended until the submission deadline.

When/where is the awards ceremony held?

We plan to follow the 2023 Awards with smaller, regional events incorporating a tour of a scheme the judges’ found exemplary.

Categories

Developments may consist of houses, bungalows, maisonettes, or flats, or any combination of these. Schemes including non-residential uses may be entered, provided housing constitutes the main element. Entries should be submitted for either a Project or Completed award. Schemes can include either new build or conversion/improvement, or a combination of both and must be a minimum of 3 units.

Project Schemes

To be eligible, Projects must have detailed planning approval (exc. S106) when the judges first meet. It is possible to enter a scheme in the hope of receiving planning approval after the deadline and before the judges sit. But this must be identified as a risk and withdrawn if approval is not granted.

Completed Schemes

Fully or partly occupied since December 2020 may be submitted for a Completed scheme award. Any submission for a Completed award which has previously won a Project award will be shortlisted for a visit.

Promoters

Each scheme entered must identify key contacts from all parties involved, including the details of representatives from the local planning authority. Each award is made jointly to developer, contractor, architect and planning authority and a representative from each will be invited to the ceremony, if shortlisted.

Awards Ceremony and Exhibition

The 2023 Awards planned announcement will be in July. Winners will be drawn from a shortlist published in late March/early April. An online gallery will promote shortlisted schemes both in London and the rest of England in an exhibition which stays online indefinitely in the Housing Design Awards archive and new digital housing expo.

Judging

The judges can be found here

The judges consider:

  • Relationship to surroundings and neighbourhood
  • Response to site constraints and opportunities
  • Sustainability in construction and maintenance
  • Layout, grouping and landscaping
  • Planning of roads and footpaths
  • Handling of garages and car parking
  • Attention to safety, security and accessibility
  • External appearance and internal planning
  • Finishes, detailing and workmanship
  • Dwelling size and storage
  • Sustainability has been formally added with an optional free text box and a mandatory field selection

Entrants are asked to provide information of Building for Life assessments or use the numbered questions to structure your entry. You will not be penalized for not having previously had a Building for Life assessment. Judges aim to interview residents during site visits to selected schemes to assess how schemes are received.