Executive Director’s Message

Recently, AIBD President Bernie Kern shared with me, “My website traffic reports reveal the most visited pages are those with content that is a direct result of my AIBD membership.” Many of those pages are ones announcing his ARDAwinning projects.

Winning awards is probably the fastest way to gain recognition and build credibility.

There are several award programs out there, from your local home builder’s association to the Best of American Living Awards. There are the Chrysalis Awards for remodeling excellence. The National Deck Awards. Almost every magazine has an awards program.

I’m grateful for the 51 design firms from around our country who believe that and chose to enter the American Residential Design Awards. Their 2021 ARDA entries were the most significant number we’ve seen in 14 years. Since before the “great recession.” Unlike those others, the ARDA is not a competition, per se. The intent is to provide recognition for a job well done. Judging is by a panel of your peers based on the quality of the project. Then it’s compared to others for overall awards.

If you’re not entering your work into design award programs, you miss an excellent opportunity to display your credibility. You only have to win once to call yourself an award-winning designer. But winning can become a little addictive.

Even without winning, participating in awards programs are invaluable to the advancement of your career.

Many qualities contribute to a designer’s success, but one quality, in particular, can make or break them. That quality is being able to communicate their design ideas clearly and convincingly. And one of the best ways to do this is through visual communication. Entry design competitions hones those skills.

Using graphics, video, and any other medium available creates a message your potential clients will understand and remember. As an awardwinning designer, you should know all about creating compelling messages for your clients.

Bernie went on to tell me, “Public attention to my accomplishments has awarded me with many projects.”

I don’t know how many “many” is, but I speak from experience. The entry fee is hundreds of dollars. One new project commission can bring in thousands in revenue.

Congratulations! To our 2021 ARDA Winners! For a job well done.

Here’s to many years of heavy workloads and handsome revenues.

We welcome your comments, questions, participation, and support. If you or your A-Team needs any assistance, please contact me at 202.750.4900 or via e-mail at:

steve.mickley@AIBD.org

Steve Mickley, CPBD, FAIBD

is the Executive Director of AIBD and a Certified Professional Building Designer. He is a past winner of the AIBD’s President’s Award and AIBD Designer of the Year. Steve is also an AIBD Fellow.