2024 PRISM Award Categories

EXCELLENCE IN NEW CONSTRUCTION

BEST SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED HOME – Home types include single-family detached homes, condominium homes, and manufactured homes. Square footage is defined as all living spaces measured to the exterior face of the exterior walls and does not include garages, unfinished basements, attics, covered patios, or porches. Entries will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, function, quality of work, and creative use of interior space and creative integration of plan design with site considerations.
1. UNDER 2,000 SQUARE FEET
2. 2,000 TO 3,000 SQUARE FEET
3. 3,000 TO 4,500 SQUARE FEET
4. 4,500 TO 6,000 SQUARE FEET
5. 6,000 TO 8,000 SQUARE FEET
6. OVER 8,000 SQUARE FEET

7. BEST ATTACHED HOME: MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING – Homes contained within a multi-family building of two or more residential units. Buildings most often have two or more floors with common stairs and corridors serving the units. Many complexes offer basic "community" amenities such as a club room, exercise facilities or roof decks, outdoor kitchens and grills, and common areas for gatherings. The units may be rental or for sale condominiums.

Entries will be judged on overall exterior and interior architecture, design appeal, function, quality of work, and creative use of interior space and creative integration of plan design with site considerations.

8. BEST ATTACHED HOME: TOWNHOUSE – A townhouse, or townhome, is defined as a dwelling unit with independent means of entry directly to outside. There are two or more units sharing common walls. These often contain more than one level and many have attached private garages, private outdoor spaces and have basements as well which are possibly finished spaces. Although these units are attached, each unit may be individually owned and may be part of a homeowner's/condominium association.

BEST LIVING AREA: PRIVATE RESIDENCE – Home types include single-family detached/attached homes and manufactured homes. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, and flow of the overall design including use of space and the incorporation of various architectural elements. Specialty Rooms are rooms designed for a specific purpose rather than a general need for space. Some are used for leisure activities like a library, theatre/game room, or wine cellar. Or they are outfitted for an activity like a gym, pool, or a sport. Specialty rooms contain special equipment and/or furnishings, provide a theme, or a unique design feature for personal taste, comfort, and joie de vivre!

9. KITCHEN in HOME UNDER 4,500 SF
10. KITCHEN in HOME OVER 4,500 SF
11. BATH
12. LIVING (GREAT) ROOM / DINING ROOM
13. NEW! SPECIALTY ROOM (LEISURE)
14. NEW! SPECIALTY ROOM (ACTIVITY)

15. BEST HIGH PERFORMANCE / ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME – Entries must demonstrate integration and optimization of all major high-performance building attributes, including energy efficiency, durability, life-cycle performance and air management. Entries should reference all high performance goals that are currently recognized. Entries will be judged on criteria described above as well as the overall design, comfort, usability and livability of the space. Awards and certifications received should be listed in the submission statement.

EXCELLENCE IN REMODELING

BEST BATHROOM REMODEL – Includes bathroom projects within the specified price ranges. “Before and after” photographs are highly recommended to show the extent of the changes. Any floor plans, diagrams, and drawings that will assist the judges in understanding the project should be included, especially in cases where additional emphasis is needed, or when the photography alone is not adequate to reflect certain aspects of the project.
16. UNDER $75,000
17. BETWEEN $75,000 and $150,000
18. OVER $150,000

BEST KITCHEN REMODEL – Includes kitchen projects within the specified price ranges. “Before and after” photographs (preferably taken from similar angles) are highly recommended to show the extent of the remodel. Price is the market price charged to the consumer or owner. Any floor plans, diagrams, and drawings that will assist the judges in understanding the project should be included, especially in cases where additional emphasis is needed or when the photography alone is not adequate to reflect certain aspects of the project.
19. UNDER $150,000
20. BETWEEN $150,000 AND $300,000
21. OVER $300,000

BEST HOME RENOVATION – Renovations include single-family detached and attached homes, as well as multi-family and commercial buildings. Creative re-use of existing elements should be emphasized. This can include both exterior and interior remodeling, interior alone, or exterior alone. This category requires the involvement of multiple rooms within the house as a part of the overall remodeling/restoration. “Before and after” photographs (preferably taken from similar angles) are highly recommended to show the extent of the changes. Price should be defined as the market price charged to the consumer or owner.
22. UNDER $250,000
23. BETWEEN $250,000 AND $500,000
24. BETWEEN $500,000 AND $750,000
25. BETWEEN $750,000 and $1 MILLION
26. OVER $1 MILLION - UNDER 5,000 SQUARE FEET
27. OVER $1 MILLION - OVER 5,000 SQUARE FEET

BEST HISTORICAL RESTORATION – Historical Restoration entries must demonstrate significant efforts to incorporate historical design elements and re-use of historic materials, either on the interior, exterior, or community grounds of the project. Details about the historic significance and or recognition should be included within the submission statement.
28. UNDER $1 MILLION
29. OVER $1 MILLION

EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY DESIGN

30. BEST UNIVERSAL DESIGN – Entries will be judged based on the design being usable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life. Best practices in universal design and procedures that comply with universal design principles should be demonstrated within the submission statement. May include residences for age-qualified and age-designed for sale or rental housing communities with common amenities and facilities to create an active adult lifestyle. A site plan should be included in addition to exterior elevations and floor plans. Entries may or may not be ADA compliant. Examples of life style amenities and space versatility should also be noted.

31. BEST AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY – In order to be eligible, a community must have some units/homes built during the time frame referenced in the submittal instructions and the project must be actively for sale at the time of submittal. A copy of the site approval issued by the certifying agency in addition to a project ledger that breaks down the affordable units and the market-rate units with corresponding pricing is required with the submittal. A site plan should be included in addition to exterior elevations and floor plans.

32. BEST CLUBHOUSE: COMMUNITY – Includes community centers, recreation centers, clubhouses, activity centers, or any other freestanding structures that are used as a central gathering space or information center for a residential community, sub-division, or development. Site plan of overall community should be included with submittal.

33. BEST RENTAL COMMUNITY – Includes rental units in a community setting, and may include amenities such as a clubhouse and other common areas. Entries will be judged on overall conceptual plan, interior layouts, and exterior elevations. Submissions should include all available floor plans, a site plan, and collateral used for marketing.

34. BEST MULTI-UNIT FOR-SALE COMMUNITY: ATTACHED OR DETACHED HOMES – Includes multi-family, attached Oor detached units for sale such as town homes, condominiums and duplexes in a community setting, and may include amenities such as a clubhouse or common areas and outdoor living. Entries will be judges on overall conceptual plan, interior layouts, and exterior elevations. Submissions should include all available floor plans, a site plan, and collateral used for marketing.

35. BEST MIXED-USE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT – Entries may be any urban, suburban, or village development, or even a single building that blends a combination of uses including residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial. Judges will consider the overall integration of a variety of different uses for the benefit of the community. A site plan of the project will be required in addition to a detailed description of the different uses involved. The organizations and companies that operate within the project should also be mentioned in the submittal statement.

36. BEST COMMERCIAL PROJECT (MEDICAL, NON-MEDICAL, RETAIL OR INSTITUTIONAL) – Projects may include medical, commercial, industrial, recreational, and retail buildings (e.g., non-residential) as the primary focus. Submission statement should reference certifications, awards, and recognition received by the project team(s). Overall interior and exterior design will be taken into account by the judges. Project must be new construction or at least 60% of the project must be considered a major renovation of an existing structure.

EXCELLENCE IN INTERIOR/EXTERIOR DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING

BEST DESIGN FOR OUTDOOR LIVING: Spaces for Leisure & Entertainment may include patios, fire pits, courtyards, pool areas, and more. Outdoor Kitchens are fully functional with cooking sources, refrigeration, and running water. Entries will be judged on concept creativity, functionality, and the impact of furniture and accessories within the overall space.
37. NEW! LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
38. NEW! OUTDOOR KITCHENS

39. BEST LANDSCAPING DESIGN – Entries will be judged on the concept creativity, functionality, and effectiveness of the landscaping design, including live plantings, innovative use of indigenous plant species, water conservation methods, fire features, and lighting design. A site plan should be included with the submission.

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN OF A PRIVATE RESIDENCE – Home types include single-family detached/attached homes and manufactured homes. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, and flow of the overall design including use of space and the incorporation of various architectural elements.
40. KITCHEN
41. LIVING (GREAT) ROOM / DINING ROOM
42. SPECIALTY ROOM
43. PRIMARY SUITE

44. BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING OF A MODEL – Model types include single-family detached and attached homes, condominium homes, and manufactured homes on fee simple or leased lots. Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, wall and window treatments, and the impact that the furniture and accessories have on overall marketability of the home.

MOST CREATIVE/UNIQUE USE OF SPACE – Share your creativity and cleverness in design and implementation. Unintended uses of common materials, maximizing a small space, turning a “useless” space into a very useful one… anything goes. Stretch the limits of your imagination!
45. NEW! OUTBUILDING: ADU, Barn, Pool House, etc.
46. NEW! MAIN HOUSE: Wine Room, Gym, etc.

BEST MILLWORK OR CUSTOM CABINETRY – Entries will be judged on the most creative use of millwork, woodwork or custom cabinetry, along the complexity and practicality of the design and integration with the overall design of the space. Exterior/Interior Custom Design Feature entries will focus on practical aspects of the room's use: pergolas, copper work, wainscoting, shutters. Storage or Design Element entries will focus on specific custom built features.
47. NEW! ARCHITECTURAL EXTERIOR or INTERIOR DESIGN FEATURE
48. NEW! CUSTOM BUILT-IN STORAGE or DESIGN ELEMENT

49. BEST USE OF SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY – Entries will be judged on the most creative use of smart home technology, along the complexity and practicality of the design and integration with the overall design of the space. Smart Home Technology includes but is not limited to Audio-Video / Appliance / Lighting / Window technology.

EXCELLENCE IN SALES AND MARKETING

50. BEST PRINT AD, OR BROCHURE: COMMUNITY, BUILDER* OR ASSOCIATE – Entries will be judged on concept, creativity, copy, layout, overall design, and execution and continuity. Entry should include photos of the completed ad or brochure (including inserts).

51. NEW! BEST PODCAST: BUILDER, REMODELER OR ASSOCIATE – Podcasts are an excellent way to share industry knowledge. Successful podcasts consist of quality content, ease of access, and often possess entertainment value. Entries will be judged on these features as well as creativity, concept, continuity and execution, and the message communicated to the target market. There must be at least two episodes posted. Including podcast analytics are a plus.

52. BEST SOCIAL/DIGITAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN – This award honors social media campaigns for projects or services pertaining to the home building industry. Objectives include exclusive deals to incentive social sharing, engaging existing customers and driving new traffic. Entries should include:

Social platforms used.
# of followers in each platform.
# engagements from the campaign.
What is key ingredient to campaigns success?
What was expected goal/outcome and was it met?
Example screen shots.

53. BEST LOGO OF THE YEAR: COMMUNITY, BUILDER, REMODELER OR ASSOCIATE – Color or black and white logo designs are acceptable. This category is for the logo/graphic element alone, not in its application form. Entries will be judged on graphics, concept, overall design, and execution, message, and emotion communicated to the target market.

54. BEST MARKETING EVENT OR SERIES OF THE YEAR – Industry events such as open houses, seminar(s), networking, awards, etc. that reach either trade or homeowner focused audiences will be judged based on their ability to gain the highest overall visibility for service(s) and/or product(s), as well as individual professionals or companies that provide them. Judging will be based on originality and creativity, communication, appropriateness of venue, event agenda, and event theme (whether its graphic design in the marketing materials or décor at the event).

55. BEST WEBSITE: COMMUNITY, BUILDER* OR ASSOCIATE – Website for an individual company. Entries will be judged on originality, concept, execution, ease of navigation as it relates to the specified target market, and overall user experience. Website address should be clearly noted within submission statement.

BEST VIDEO – Entries will be judged on originality, concept, and execution of the spot as it relates to specified target market and qualified traffic the ad generated. The Company/Product Branding entries are to promote a company or product brand. The Sales Commercial entries are to promote a product or service to generate sales. Including viewing analytics are a plus.
54. NEW! Best Video: Company/Product Branding
55. NEW! Best Video: Sales Commercial

58. BEST SHOWROOM/SALES CENTER/DESIGN CENTER: BUILDER* OR ASSOCIATE – Any building or space specifically designed as the main showroom or sales center including, where applicable, architecture, interior design, landscape design, and sales displays. Entrants will be judged on the function of the floor plan layout, use of creative imagery, strength of product presentation, and ability to create an atmosphere that increases the perceived value of the option products and promotes a superior customer experience.

INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP RECOGNITION

59. PROJECT MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Entrant must be an on-site project manager employed by a builder/developer. Entrants will be judged on interpersonal, organizational, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as any industry contributions and recognition. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience as a project manager, responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration.

60. SALES PERSON OR TEAM OF THE YEAR: BUILDER OR REMODELER – Entrant must be a salesperson or team employed by a builder, and whose primary function and responsibility is selling new homes and / or remodeling projects full-time. (Full-time is defined as deriving at least two thirds of annual income from new-home sales.) Entries will be judged on sales achievements compared to others in the local market, community, and industry. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience in new home sales, including price range of homes sold (gross and net sales), responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration.

61. SALES PERSON OR TEAM OF THE YEAR: ASSOCIATE – Entrant must be a salesperson or team employed by an associate (such as a supplier, vendor, or other company), and whose primary function and responsibility is selling goods and services to builders or consumers as related to the building industry in some way. (Full-time is defined as deriving at least two thirds of annual income from new-home sales.) Entries will be judged on sales achievements compared to the competition. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience in sales, including price range of goods and services sold (gross and net sales), responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration.

62. SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR – Entrant must be an on-site superintendent employed by a builder/developer. Entrants will be judged on interpersonal, organizational, project-management, communication and problem-solving skills, as well as any industry contributions and recognition. Submission should include a description of the entrant’s experience as a superintendent, responsibilities and achievements, continuing education, and any other special qualities that should be taken into consideration.

63. RISING STAR OF THE YEAR: BUILDER OR REMODELER – Entrant or nominee should be a young professional or someone otherwise new to their role who works as an on-site employee for a builder/developer or remodeler. Entries should include information about the nominee’s accomplishments, innovations or items of merit in their role and how their performance is helping to establish an advancing career in their field. Include details about how the individual is crafting their own career advancement through continuing education, skills enhancement, self-evaluation, etc.

64. RISING STAR OF THE YEAR: ASSOCIATE – Entrant or nominee should be a young professional or someone otherwise new to their role who works as an on-site employee for an associate (subcontractor, professional services provider). Entries should include information about the nominee’s accomplishments, innovations or items of merit in their role and how their performance is helping to establish an advancing career in their field. Include details about how the individual is crafting their own career advancement through continuing education, skills enhancement, self-evaluation, etc.

65. COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD – Entry will be judged on originality, concept, and execution of the community outreach and/or charitable programs. Examples: non-profit programs, Habitat for Humanity, children’s charities, healthcare advocacy, local community benefits, and private individual charity programs. Judges will look at how effectively a community that either works together or lives together can unite forces for the benefit of a cause or a program. This category is about celebrating the collective efforts of a group of individuals who successfully impact their community. Both residential and commercial projects built within the period of time as specified in the submittal instructions will be considered.

66. MOST VALUABLE TEAM MEMBER: BUILDER OR REMODELER – This is the key person behind the scenes that is vital to the success of your company. Entry should include significant accomplishments the individual’s experience, expertise, and how they impact your organization, operations, sales efforts, etc. Consider Project Managers, Site Supervisors, Specialty Trades Person, Building Team Members.

67. MOST VALUABLE TEAM MEMBER: ASSOCIATE – This is the key person behind the scenes that is vital to the success of your company. Entry should include significant accomplishments the individual’s experience, expertise, and how they impact your organization, operations, sales efforts, etc.

69. TRADE PARTNER/SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR – Nominee should consist of a trade partner/subcontractor who you feel is a trusted and dedicated member of your extended team and who represents the core values of your company. This go-to person whom you entrust to help make your business successful is someone who helps you achieve the goals set forth on your project and who ensures that your client achieves the best possible result. Entries should include an 8x10” photograph of the nominee, their company name and their role on your projects or within your organization. Also include and any detailed information you think is important to convey to the judges about the impact this person has had on your business.