MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:

To be eligible for the 43rd Housing Design Awards, participants must be GOHBA members in good standing with all outstanding invoices paid by June 1, 2026. For the project to be eligible, you must be a member of GOHBA in good standing from the start of the project through to its completion date.

Not a member and ready to join GOHBA - email [email protected] to become a member!

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

(1) Entry Guidelines:

All entries will be reviewed by GOHBA to ensure they meet the specific criteria of their selected category. Entries that do not meet these requirements may be disqualified. A minimum of two entries per category will be required for each category to proceed to competition.

Entries may be withdrawn or re-classified into a different category, at the discretion of the judges' or the Housing Design Awards committee if deemed necessary. Projects that were previously submitted but NOT awarded as a "finalist" may be re-entered if they still meet all eligibility criteria. It is the responsibility of the primary submitter to resubmit any previously entered projects that meet the current eligibility requirements.

(2) Co-Submitter Guidelines:

Any project partner can be listed as a co-submitter alongside a GOHBA member, provided they join GOHBA before May 1, 2026, with a minimum of a one year membership. Each project may include up to three co-submitters.

(3) Project Name Guidelines:

Your Project Name should be clear and concise. Do not include company name, street address, file numbers, client details or any identifying information in the project name. This project name will be used in the printed program, and for general media coverage related to the 43rd Housing Design Awards.

(4) Area Boundary Guidelines:

All projects MUST fall within a 150 kilometre radius of Parliament Hill, Ottawa, as per Google Maps. Any projects submitted outside of this boundary (this includes Gatineau for instance) must be entered in the "Anywhere in the World" category. Submissions must be 90% complete (excluding landscaping) to qualify to enter the awards. In the case of a multiple phased project, the phase being entered must be 90% complete. The project in the applicant's submission must have been completed between April 1, 2023 and July 1, 2026.

(5) Image Guidelines:

By submitting an entry, participants acknowledge that the information and materials provided may be used by the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association (GOHBA) or its Awards partners for promotional purposes, or in any other way deemed appropriate by the Association. Project names, details, and photos submitted online may be shared publicly on GOHBA's website, social media, and other digital platforms. Additionally, these materials may be published or broadcasted by GOHBA or third parties at the Association's discretion.

All submitted photos must not include company names, logos, people, pets, text, virtual staging or any identifying information. This includes the photo file name.

Each photo should not exceed 10MB in size. Please allow extra time for larger files to upload.

(6) Drawings & Floor Plan Guidelines:

All submitted drawings and floor plans must include the following:

- Key components such as cabinetry, appliances, sinks and other features must be clearly identified.

- Drawings should use appropriate line weights and maintain a professional presentation style.

- 3D views and colour renderings are encourage and may be included to help convey the design intent.

- Overall room dimensions and square footage must be included.

- DO NOT INCLUDE COMPANY NAME, LOGOS, STREET ADDRESSES, OR ANY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION.

(7) Renovation Guidelines:

All Renovation categories require the submission of at least one "before" photo of the project.

(8) Kitchen Guidelines:

For kitchen submissions, square footage includes the floor area of the kitchen and any integrated spaces like eating areas, breakfast nooks, telephone desks, or lounges. Only include pantry square footage if it's part of or directly adjacent to the kitchen.

When measuring, extend the square footage three feet beyond the kitchen island. For projects under $100,000.00, detailed pricing information is required as per category guidelines.

To see a sample square footage calculation, click here.