Awards guide · Canada & North America
Building and Design Awards Photo Calendar 2027: Canada and North America
For builders, renovators, architects and designers planning which awards to enter and when to photograph. Each programme was checked against its own published rules on November 1, 2026.
This calendar lists 27 award programmes that judge housing, interior and architecture projects mainly from photographs, with each one’s next deadline, photo rules and entry steps. The next deadlines in BC and nationally are the Georgie Awards on November 3, 2026, the CHBA National Awards on December 3, Architizer A+ on December 4 and HAVAN on January 12, 2027. Almost all of them share a few rules: real, completed spaces only (no renderings or AI staging outside dedicated categories), no logos or company names in anonymous judging, and a photographer credit on every image. Finished photos are needed about a month before each deadline, so book the shoot six to eight weeks ahead.
At a glance, by next deadline
| Programme | Next deadline | Photo basics |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatoon & Region Housing Excellence Awards | November 2, 2026, 11:59 PM CST | High-resolution, unmarked images (no logos or borders) |
| Georgie Awards | November 3, 2026, 8:00 p.m. | JPEG, 300 DPI, max 10 MB |
| CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence | December 3, 2026, 6:00 PM ET | Colour, about 2,500 px wide at 300 ppi, max 5 MB |
| Architizer A+Awards (15th) | December 4, 2026 (then January 22 and February 19, 2027) | 1&ndash |
| CHBA New Brunswick Awards of Excellence | January 6, 2027, 11:59 pm | Photo counts and specs are in the member entry form |
| Regina & Region Master Awards | January 8, 2027, 10 am | Custom home: 1 exterior, 1 kitchen, 1 living room + 9 of your choice and a floor plan |
| HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence | January 12, 2027, 4:00 PM | Colour JPG, 300 dpi, max 10 MB |
| BILD Calgary Region Awards | January 15, 2027, 11:59 p.m. MST | High-definition JPEG, 16:9 horizontal only, at least 2,000 px |
| CHBA Nova Scotia Peak Awards | February 17, 2027, 11:59 pm | Photo counts and specs are in the member entry form |
| BILD Awards (Greater Toronto Area) | 2027 call not published (2026: February 26, noon) | Architectural categories: one required exterior image plus optional interiors and 4&ndash |
| Prix Nobilis (Quebec City) | 2027 call not published (2026: March 16, 23:59) | Anonymous photos |
| Western Living Designers of the Year | 2027 call not published (2026: April 1, late to April 17) | 3&ndash |
| NKBA Western Canada Design Excellence Awards | 2027 call not published (2026: April 6) | Photography and Visual Appeal is 20% of the score |
| VIBI Awards (formerly VIBE), Vancouver Island | 2027 call not published (2026: April 10, 11:59 pm) | High-quality JPEG only, 300 dpi, max 10 MB |
| Canadian Interiors Best of Canada Awards | 30th-edition call not published (2026: April 27) | 6&ndash |
| BILD Alberta Awards | 2027 call not published (2026: May 15, noon) | At least 2,000 px wide and 1,000 px high, max 5 MB |
| PCBC Gold Nugget Awards | 2027 call not published | Recent cycles: JPEG about 1800 × |
| CARE Awards (Vancouver Island) | 2027 call not published (2026: June 8, 4:00 pm) | JPG, 1024 px on the long side at 72 ppi (500 KB&ndash |
| OHBA Awards of Distinction | 2027 call not published (2026 window: June 3 – July 3, extended to July 15) | At least 1,500 px on the long side, 5 MB maximum |
| GOHBA Housing Design Awards (Ottawa) | 44th-edition call not published (2026: July 24, 11:59 PM) | 300 dpi, 10 MB maximum |
| Interior Design Best of Year Awards | 2027 call not published (2026 closed September 18) | 5&ndash |
| Western Living WL Design 25 | 2027 closed October 1, 2026; next call not published | Up to 5 photos per room/product, 300 dpi JPG or TIFF |
| NAHB Best in American Living Awards (BALA) | 2027 call not published (2026 closed October 5) | Up to 15 photos |
| NKBA Design Competition (KBIS) | 2027 competition closed; next call not published | Two rounds: 2 &ldquo |
| BILD Edmonton Metro Awards of Excellence | 2027 closed October 28, 2026; next call not published | High-definition JPEG, 16:9 horizontal only, at least 2,000 px |
| Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence | 2027 closed October 30, 2026; next call not published | Photo specs are in the Call for Entries on the awards site |
| Prix Domus (Montreal) | 42nd-edition call not published (41st closed late 2025) | 20&ndash |
“Not published” means the organiser had not released the next cycle’s dates on November 1, 2026; the date in brackets is last cycle’s, a fair guide to timing.
Rules most programmes share
- Completed, real spaces. Renderings, collages and virtual or AI staging are excluded outside categories made for them.
- Anonymous images. No logos, signage, branded items or company names, in the photos or in the file names.
- Photographer credit. Most programmes require it, and the winning images are published with it.
- Publication rights. Many entry forms grant the organiser the right to use the photos. Make sure the photographer’s licence allows it.
- Before photos for renovations have to be taken before demolition. They cannot be recreated.
- One shoot, several programmes. Ask for a full-resolution master set and export a copy to each programme’s spec and naming rules.
British Columbia and Western Canada
HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence
- Check eligibility: HAVAN member builders and renovators; projects anywhere in BC.
- Enter online: havan.awardsplatform.com. Fee: $350 + GST per entry ($499 Grand HAVAN).
- Prepare the photos: Colour JPG, 300 dpi, max 10 MB; no people, logos or AI staging; photographer credit required; files renamed category_ID_order.
- Submit before the deadline: January 12, 2027, 4:00 PM.
Georgie Awards
- Check eligibility: CHBA BC members; projects in BC.
- Enter online: georgie.awardsplatform.com. Fee: $399 + GST per entry (categories 1–45).
- Prepare the photos: JPEG, 300 DPI, max 10 MB; colour; no people, logos, renderings, virtual staging or digitally enhanced images; night exteriors not judged.
- Submit before the deadline: November 3, 2026, 8:00 p.m..
Source: 2027 Georgie Awards Call for Entries. Full photo guide →
NKBA Western Canada Design Excellence Awards
- Check eligibility: NKBA BC/Prairies members; projects in BC, AB, SK or MB.
- Enter online: nkbabc.awardify.io. Fee: Member portal.
- Prepare the photos: Photography and Visual Appeal is 20% of the score; no logos in photos or plans; specs in the member portal.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published (2026: April 6).
Source: WCDEA entry process. Full photo guide →
Western Living Designers of the Year
- Check eligibility: Residents of BC, AB, SK or MB; projects anywhere.
- Enter online: Online form. Fee: $150 + tax in 2026.
- Prepare the photos: 3–5 projects, 2–8 colour JPGs each (300 dpi if possible), photo credits.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published (2026: April 1, late to April 17).
Western Living WL Design 25
- Check eligibility: Western Canadian design firms; rooms and products.
- Enter online: Online form. Fee: $150–$225 + tax per form (2027).
- Prepare the photos: Up to 5 photos per room/product, 300 dpi JPG or TIFF; photo credits, photographer contact and homeowner permission required.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 closed October 1, 2026; next call not published.
CARE Awards (Vancouver Island)
- Check eligibility: VRBA members in good standing; projects on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and region.
- Enter online: Online form at vrba.ca. Fee: $395 + GST per project in 2026 (one project can enter several categories).
- Prepare the photos: JPG, 1024 px on the long side at 72 ppi (500 KB–1 MB each) plus one 300 dpi file under 10 MB for promotion; counts by category (e.g. 8 for a new home, 10 incl. 4 before for renovations); no people; edits limited to “standard optimization”.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published (2026: June 8, 4:00 pm).
Source: 2026 CARE Awards Call for Entry Guidelines. Full photo guide →
VIBI Awards (formerly VIBE), Vancouver Island
- Check eligibility: CHBA Vancouver Island members only.
- Enter online: chbavi.awardify.io. Fee: $225 + GST per entry (2026).
- Prepare the photos: High-quality JPEG only, 300 dpi, max 10 MB; 10 images for new homes (2 exterior, 4 interior, 4 of your choice), 10 for renovations incl. 4 before; no people, logos or addresses; no renderings, HDR or digitally enhanced images; dusk exteriors allowed.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published (2026: April 10, 11:59 pm).
Source: VIBI entry procedures. Full photo guide →
Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence
- Check eligibility: CHBA Central Okanagan member companies.
- Enter online: chbaco.awardify.io. Fee: $325 + GST (categories 1–37), $500 + GST (38–46) for 2027.
- Prepare the photos: Photo specs are in the Call for Entries on the awards site; homeowner, renovator and builder permission forms required.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 closed October 30, 2026; next call not published.
Source: Okanagan Housing Awards.
Canada-wide
CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence
- Check eligibility: CHBA members across Canada.
- Enter online: CHBA online entry platform. Fee: $260 + tax per entry; up to three entries per category.
- Prepare the photos: Colour, about 2,500 px wide at 300 ppi, max 5 MB; no logos, borders or watermarks; no renderings; staging must be declared.
- Submit before the deadline: December 3, 2026, 6:00 PM ET.
Source: CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. Full photo guide →
Canadian Interiors Best of Canada Awards
- Check eligibility: Canadian design firms.
- Enter online: Online entry system. Fee: $155 per project + tax (2026).
- Prepare the photos: 6–10 high-res JPGs, max 5 MB each; photographer credit form; anonymous judging.
- Submit before the deadline: 30th-edition call not published (2026: April 27).
Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
BILD Calgary Region Awards
- Check eligibility: BILD Calgary Region members in good standing; renovator awards also need RenoMark; projects in the Calgary region.
- Enter online: bildcr.awardsplatform.com. Fee: $315 + GST per entry.
- Prepare the photos: High-definition JPEG, 16:9 horizontal only, at least 2,000 px; single-family: 7 required shots + up to 5 optional; whole-home renovation up to 10 before and 20 after; no logos or branded decor; staging allowed only if declared; written consent and name of an independent photographer.
- Submit before the deadline: January 15, 2027, 11:59 p.m. MST.
Source: BILDCR Awards 2026 Submission Guide.
BILD Edmonton Metro Awards of Excellence
- Check eligibility: BILD Edmonton Metro members; work in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region.
- Enter online: bildedmonton.awardsplatform.com. Fee: $225 + GST per entry.
- Prepare the photos: High-definition JPEG, 16:9 horizontal only, at least 2,000 px; up to 10 items per entry including floor plans; logos removed; no artist or AI renderings; soft-goods digital staging only, with originals sent in.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 closed October 28, 2026; next call not published.
BILD Alberta Awards
- Check eligibility: Members of a local BILD association in Alberta; projects in that association’s market area.
- Enter online: bildalberta.awardsplatform.com. Fee: $250 + GST per entry (2026).
- Prepare the photos: At least 2,000 px wide and 1,000 px high, max 5 MB; single-family up to 16 colour photos with 7 required shots; renovation before/after counts by category; no borders, logos or watermarks; soft-goods virtual staging only; colour correction OK, no major alterations.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published (2026: May 15, noon).
Source: BILD Alberta submission guide.
Saskatoon & Region Housing Excellence Awards
- Check eligibility: SRHBA members in good standing; renovation entries need RenoMark.
- Enter online: srhba.awardify.io. Fee: $100 + GST per submission.
- Prepare the photos: High-resolution, unmarked images (no logos or borders); before photos from the same angle as the after; no renderings, AI images or virtual staging; basic editing only; written consent and name of an independent photographer.
- Submit before the deadline: November 2, 2026, 11:59 PM CST.
Regina & Region Master Awards
- Check eligibility: RRHBA members in good standing; renovation categories need RenoMark.
- Enter online: Member account on reginahomebuilders.com. Fee: $100 + GST per entry.
- Prepare the photos: Custom home: 1 exterior, 1 kitchen, 1 living room + 9 of your choice and a floor plan; renovations 4 before + 10 after (whole home 5 + 12); 50 MB upload limit in total; no company signage or logos.
- Submit before the deadline: January 8, 2027, 10 am.
Source: Master Awards entry details.
Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada
OHBA Awards of Distinction
- Check eligibility: OHBA builder and renovator members; projects in Ontario.
- Enter online: ohbaaod.ca submission portal. Fee: $260 per entry (2026).
- Prepare the photos: At least 1,500 px on the long side, 5 MB maximum; new homes typically 3–10 interior + 3–5 exterior; renovations 4–6 before/after sets.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published (2026 window: June 3 – July 3, extended to July 15).
GOHBA Housing Design Awards (Ottawa)
- Check eligibility: GOHBA members in good standing, including every co-submitter.
- Enter online: gohbahousing.awardify.io. Fee: $175 + HST per submission (2026).
- Prepare the photos: 300 dpi, 10 MB maximum; one main image plus 5–10 by category; renovations need before photos; no company names, logos, people, pets, text or virtual staging, including in file names (ProjectName_01, ProjectName_02).
- Submit before the deadline: 44th-edition call not published (2026: July 24, 11:59 PM).
BILD Awards (Greater Toronto Area)
- Check eligibility: BILD members; projects in the GTA.
- Enter online: bildawards.com. Fee: $85 or $300 + HST per submission by category (2026).
- Prepare the photos: Architectural categories: one required exterior image plus optional interiors and 4–6 extra images; no published pixel or file-size spec; the entrant warrants it holds the rights to every image.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published (2026: February 26, noon).
Source: BILD Awards: enter now.
Prix Domus (Montreal)
- Check eligibility: APCHQ Montreal members; projects habitable within the two-year window.
- Enter online: Online forms on prixdomus.ca. Fee: $375 first entry, $350 second, $300 each after (41st edition).
- Prepare the photos: 20–30 photos per project, minimum 300 dpi and 1920 × 1080 px; renovations add 10–15 before/during photos; professional photography recommended.
- Submit before the deadline: 42nd-edition call not published (41st closed late 2025).
Prix Nobilis (Quebec City)
- Check eligibility: APCHQ Québec members; projects delivered in the previous calendar year.
- Enter online: app.prixnobilis.com. Fee: See the official rules.
- Prepare the photos: Anonymous photos; per-category counts and sizes are on the entry platform (app.prixnobilis.com); shortlisted projects are visited by the jury.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published (2026: March 16, 23:59).
Source: Prix Nobilis inscription.
CHBA Nova Scotia Peak Awards
- Check eligibility: CHBA Nova Scotia members; projects active in 2026.
- Enter online: chbans.awardify.io. Fee: $125 per entry.
- Prepare the photos: Photo counts and specs are in the member entry form; no logos in photos or floor plans; virtual staging not permitted (real staging is).
- Submit before the deadline: February 17, 2027, 11:59 pm.
Source: Peak Awards entry procedures.
CHBA New Brunswick Awards of Excellence
- Check eligibility: CHBA New Brunswick members; projects completed in the 18 months before the deadline.
- Enter online: chbanb.awardify.io. Fee: $100 + HST per entry.
- Prepare the photos: Photo counts and specs are in the member entry form; anonymous entries, no logos in photos or floor plans; homeowner waiver required.
- Submit before the deadline: January 6, 2027, 11:59 pm.
Source: CHBA-NB entry procedures.
North America and international
Architizer A+Awards (15th)
- Check eligibility: Architects and designers worldwide; built projects from the past 3 years.
- Enter online: awards.architizer.com. Fee: US$325 / $375 / $425 by deadline, +3%.
- Prepare the photos: 1–12 single images, JPG/TIFF/PNG up to 30 MB; no collages; credit the photographer.
- Submit before the deadline: December 4, 2026 (then January 22 and February 19, 2027).
NKBA Design Competition (KBIS)
- Check eligibility: Kitchen and bath designers; NKBA members and non-members.
- Enter online: nkba.org/design-competition. Fee: Members US$175 first entry; non-members US$225 (2027 competition).
- Prepare the photos: Two rounds: 2 “wow factor” photos first, up to 8 more (10 in all) if you advance; 300 dpi colour; no images that identify the location or show people; blind judging; photography and client release forms.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 competition closed; next call not published.
Source: 2027 Design Competition entry packet.
NAHB Best in American Living Awards (BALA)
- Check eligibility: Builders, architects and designers; NAHB membership not required.
- Enter online: NAHB awards portal. Fee: US$300 council members / $325 NAHB members / $350 non-members.
- Prepare the photos: Up to 15 photos; high-resolution only; enhancements allowed if they do not alter the design.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published (2026 closed October 5).
Source: BALA FAQ.
Interior Design Best of Year Awards
- Check eligibility: Interior designers worldwide.
- Enter online: boyawards.secure-platform.com. Fee: US$295 / $350 / $385 by date (2026).
- Prepare the photos: 5–10 project images, JPEG, minimum 350 dpi at 8×10 in, with photographer credits.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published (2026 closed September 18).
Source: Best of Year FAQ.
PCBC Gold Nugget Awards
- Check eligibility: Builders, architects and planners in the US and internationally.
- Enter online: pcbc.com. Fee: US$325 per entry (2024).
- Prepare the photos: Recent cycles: JPEG about 1800 × 1200 px at 300 ppi, a photo release form and floor plans; confirm counts in the 2027 call.
- Submit before the deadline: 2027 call not published.
Source: 2024 Categories & Requirements.
Left out, and why
- Best of Houzz is not entered: Design badges come from Houzz community activity and Service badges from client reviews.
- Remodeling Big50 recognises companies rather than individual projects.
- Chrysalis Awards are for US remodelling projects.
- NAHB The Nationals and IIDA awards: entry rules sit behind member portals, so they could not be checked from public documents.
- MHBA RenoMark Renovation Awards (Manitoba): the rules page was offline on November 1, 2026; only past results are public.
Frequently asked questions
Which building awards can a BC builder enter?
Most BC builders and renovators enter HAVAN (Metro Vancouver's association, projects anywhere in BC), the CHBA BC Georgie Awards and the CHBA National Awards. Designers also have the NKBA BC/Prairies Western Canada Design Excellence Awards, Western Living's Designers of the Year and WL Design 25, Canadian Interiors' Best of Canada and international programmes such as Architizer A+.
When should awards photography be booked?
Six to eight weeks before the deadline. Final images take two to three weeks once the shoot is done, and entries are best uploaded a few days early. Renovation before photos must be taken before demolition.
Can one set of photos be used for several awards?
Usually, yes. Programmes ask for similar sets, but each has its own counts, file sizes and naming rules, so keep a full-resolution master set and export a version for each programme.
This calendar summarises each organiser’s published rules and is not affiliated with any of them. Official documents take precedence; deadlines marked “not published” will be updated when the next call opens.