Are awards worth it?

*and - interestingly - are they similar to 21st century dating?

The simple answer is yes.

For starters, dating and submitting awards can have creepy profiles that promise you the world or that you’ve won the jackpot (and must send over money immediately) to confirm your win… who knew you could also be catfished by an architecture award?If someone from an award contacts you to say you’ve been shortlisted or won an award you had no idea about - then avoid them… just like the profile on Hinge you knew was too good to be true.

So, if you’re serious about winning the best awards the industry has to offer - then best you follow my top five tips on how to win (no promises guaranteed - the designs are down to you!)

1. Do your research Know your competition and when their projects will be ready for awards (put pride aside and be realistic) is your project really going to win?
   

2. Don’t treat awards as a side project As time-costly as they can be, it's worth the investment in the long run. Depending on your studio's size, ensure everyone is on board and offer the information you’ll need to submit promptly (trust me - each year awards are demanding more and more information - especially about sustainability!)
   

3. A photo says a thousand words Ensure your photography clearly demonstrates the project in question and follow the very strict guidelines set by the award. As amazing as an iPhone camera is, it won't cut the mustard this time (splash out on a decent photographer!)
   

4. Don’t feel obliged to attend the award ceremony Some are amazing, but most are three course meals with stale bread and cheap bubbly, but they do provide great networking opportunities! Just practice your poker face in case you don’t win - no one likes a sore loser. For the smaller studios out there - weigh up the cost of attending because they’re not cheap! Will renting a tux really grow your brand or just burn a hefty hole in your budget?
   

5. Don’t waste the opportunity once you’ve won an award I’m bowing to you worthy reader/winner so ramp up your socials and rinse your win (or shortlist - no one's judging)