10 tips for writing winning entries for construction and architecture industry awards

ConstructionEngineeringBuilt environmentArchitectureMarketingInfrastructure

Jan 28

The main built environment awards submissions are now due - is this your time to shine. Can 2205 be the time that your construction and architecture projects, company and team are showered in glory?

I’ve entered and won a fair few awards entries in my time, and it’s not just about having the biggest most expensive project, if you’re smart and know how to approach award entries your projects stand a good chance. Here are my tips for creating a shortlisted entry:

1. Read the info on the awards and the key marking/judging criteria carefully

This info here is key as it should provide you with a structure and key areas that you need to cover. I always end up mapping out the key messages for my entry from this. What do I want to say and what proof points do I have to support them.

2. Look at the previous winning entry and the judges’ comments for the category and really drill into why they won

It’ll give you a good idea about what the judges want, potentially some of the things to include and the level of depth that you need to go for.

3. Pick the awards and the categories you go for wisely.

Don’t enter everything. Be selective and do a few awesome entries instead of lots of mediocre ones. Go for the ones that you’ve got the best chance of winning of at least making the shortlist. And, never forget that awards ceremonies are a bit of a cash cow for publishers so shortlisting 10 entries per category can certainly be a good earner for them in terms of table bookings.

4. Make sure your story has a beginning, middle and end

When it comes to drafting an entry I always think it good to have your underlying key messages along with a story or narrative that underpins the whole thing. In effect you should view your entry as you telling the story to the judges with a beginning, middle and end and using different tools/content types to keep them engaged throughout. Check out my blog on the importance of storytelling - it’s something that is applicable to all aspects of business.

5. Evidence is key

Points make prizes and to get full marks from the judges you need evidence to back up your statements - if your project is the 2nd tallest building in Western Europe then provide evidence to prove this, ideally from a third party. An endorsement from a credible source is worth its weight in gold.

6. Demonstrate the value you’ve added

Saving time, reducing waste, taking a new innovative approach that really benefited the clients or the wellbeing of the team. The key for winning bids is to demonstrate what was done, how it was done and the value that your company/people added. And, ideally, you’ll have a ton of statistics and evidence to support the points that you are making. In terms of projects, especially major ones – it’s easier to capture learning and figures as you go as it’s all too easy to forget once you’ve moved onto the next stage of a project. Plus this approach will mean you have a rich pool of content to draw from for all marketing activities.

7. Make it easy for the judges

They’re human after all, so make it easy for them to give you marks. Use all the tools and devices that you can to make it easy for them to assess your entry. Images, infographics, drawings and client testimonials. Yep throw the kitchen sink at it!! Put yourself in their shoes they’ll have tons of entries to assess - so make yours the easiest to choose.

8. Re-read your response and tick off the judging criteria to make sure you hit every button

Yes, make sure you leave time to proof your work, reflect and tighten up the copy and to mark your own entry against the judging criteria. And do a checklist for any supporting evidence that you need to provide to make sure it’s on point too.

9. Get other people to read, review and score your entry

One of the best tips I have is to have someone else to review your submission. Obvs, you’ll need to have time on your side for this one, but fresh eyes is always good and don’t just review typos but also criteria that you may have missed or if there’s a better more impactful way to put elements of your entry across. You can even get them to be ‘mock’ judges and they can score your entry and give you feedback on areas of improvement.

10. Don’t leave uploading your entry until to the last minute

Make sure you leave enough time to submit your entry, re-read the format and make sure that you get it in a good few hours before the deadline if you can. Online portals and websites sometimes go down/go slow as everyone tries to submit their entry at the last possible time. You really don’t want to fall at the last hurdle.

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Thanks so much, much for reading this blog. I’m Ayo Abbas and having worked in built environment marketing for 24 years plus I’ve helped organisations large and small win a fair few awards. So, do drop me a line ayoabbas@hotmail.com for a friendly review or if you’d like me to create or polish up your submission.