1. How do I log into the system?
The Design Excellence Awards online application system is separate from the IIDA OR website. If you are new to the system, simply create a new login/password. If you registered for an account to submit last year, you will be able to log back in with the same credentials.

2. Can I make a test submission?
No, we do not have a system set up to do test submissions. We have provided the minimum deliverables and requirements in the Awards Submittal Instruction section.

3. Do I have to be an IIDA Oregon member to submit a project or product?
Non-members can submit any project for your organization. To qualify for the member rate, a member of your firm or office must be a current IIDA member. Affiliate Member rates are extended to those who have a current membership of AIA. Their member number must be included in the application. The primary team and the firm must be located within Oregon. Projects may be located anywhere.

4. Is there a limit to how many projects I can submit?
There is no limit on how many projects an organization can submit, however each project must be submitted separately.

5. Can I submit a project that has been previously submitted?
Yes, you are welcome to resubmit projects, however winning projects in any category from previous IIDA Oregon Awards competitions are not eligible.

6. Do I need to submit professional photos for the submittal?
Photos of the winning projects appear on the IIDA Oregon website and social media, and at the event. Give us your best project photos from the start, and don't forget, a photographer's photo release is required. Photography and images submitted can be used by the IIDA Oregon Chapter for exhibition, publication, and promotional purposes.

7. What if I don't know which category to submit the project under?
Pick the category that you feel most closely aligns to your project. IIDA Oregon and the Judges reserve the right to reassign project categories and create new categories based on submissions. Please contact info@iida-or.org if you still have questions on how to categorize your project.

8. I'm not ready to submit my project, can I still get Early Bird pricing?
Yes! Members of IIDA and AIA who register and purchase their submission(s) before September 20 2025, will receive a discount of $75 off the regular submission price. Submission materials can still be uploaded until the application deadline.

9. Can I pay for multiple submissions at once?
Yes. After you have completed the submission registration and clicked "Add to Cart" you will be taken to the Review and Checkout page. At the bottom of this page you will see a button to "Make Another Submission". You can repeat this process for as many submissions as you would like register at that time and check out once you are ready.

10. What is the project completion eligibility window?
Projects must have been completed between September 1, 2021 and September 1, 2025.

11. Can one project be submitted in multiple categories?
No. Each project may only be submitted in one category. The jury reserves the right to reassign categories if needed.

12. Do I need to include a photo release?
Yes. A photographer’s release form is required with your submission. This ensures IIDA Oregon can use your images for exhibition, publication, and promotional purposes.

13. What happens if a category only receives one submission?
Categories must receive at least two submissions to be judged. If only one submission is received, that category will be eliminated.

14. Are submission fees refundable?
No. All entry fees are non-refundable.

15. What if I accidentally include my firm name/logo where it’s not allowed?
Entries will be disqualified if firm identification is included anywhere other than the designated location (3” x 3” firm logo in the lower right corner of the gallery board). Please review your materials carefully before submission.

16. How to decide who goes where (where to credit them)

• Design Team = the core designers of the work being judged for this award.
  Think direct design authorship and accountability for interiors scope and its expression (e.g., Interior Design/Interior Architecture, FFE/furniture concept + package, EGD/branding/wayfinding, Lighting Design if it materially shaped the experience).

• Project Team = the broader delivery partners who made it possible.
  General contractor, engineers, dealer partners, manufacturers/fabricators, specialty subs, and the client/owner’s team.

17. Can multiple firms be listed on the Design Team?
Yes. It’s common and appropriate when multiple firms materially authored the design (e.g., Prime Interiors, EGD consultant with significant impact, a separate FFE firm). If the now-closed architecture firm supported interiors documentation and coordination tied to the submitted scope, it’s appropriate to include them on the Design Team.

18. How are collages or grouped images counted toward the 10-image limit?

Each image counts individually toward the 10 total project images, whether it is submitted on its own or included as part of a collage or board. For example, if you submit one board with 4 images on it, that counts as 4 images. This clarification ensures consistency across submissions and aligns with how other IIDA Chapters structure their awards. This aligns with how other IIDA Chapters define primary images.

19. How are supplemental collages or process images counted toward the 3-image limit?
If you include a collage of materials, precedents, or process diagrams—whether physical or digital—that are composed together into a single image, it will count as one image. For example, a single board with several swatches or sketches thoughtfully arranged is considered one image. However, if you submit multiple distinct photos side by side without composition, each will count individually toward the 3 supplemental image limit. This aligns with how other IIDA Chapters define supplemental images.

20. Will firms still be recognized if they’re only on the Project Team?
Yes they’re credited in the submission and event materials. That said, if a firm substantively shaped the design that’s being judged, place them on the Design Team so jurors clearly understand authorship.

Tips for clean crediting

• Group by role for clarity (example):

  • Design Team: Interior Design – Firm A; Architecture – Firm B; FFE – Firm C; EGD – Firm D

  • Project Team: General Contractor – Company X; Furniture Dealer – Company Y; Manufacturer – Brand Z; Client – Organization Q

• Use the official firm names as they were during the project. If a firm has closed, simply list the name; no need to add “(closed)” unless you prefer.

• If you’re truly on the fence, err toward inclusion on the Design Team for those with meaningful design authorship; we’d rather recognize than omit.

21. Will my submission be disqualified if vertical images create white space on the sides?
No. White space on either side of a vertical image is acceptable and will not disqualify your entry. We want you to be able to show the full image without cropping out key details.

22. When will winners be announced?
Winners will be announced live at the Design Excellence Awards Ceremony. Entrants must attend to learn results; notifications are not provided prior to the event.