In addition to submitting for awards independently, applicants can also name Team Members, fellow NARI members from a different company who also contributed to the project. This is the approach being taken by NARI of Greater Chicago member Stephanie Sarris, Principal at Bellehaven Designs, who wants to not only highlight the amazing work done for the client but also the teamwork approach between the two companies. “We had to create a design incorporating the clients’ wish list in a beautiful way. I provided detailed construction drawings but, as fabulous as my design was – and this project did win an ASID Design Excellence Award for Best Kitchen – without the high caliber of work from the remodeling team, this room would have remained “on the boards.” This close Designer-Remodeler teamwork provided the clients with the ability to best allocate their budget dollars regarding design decisions.
Stephanie also shared her thoughts about the importance of high-quality project photos and using those in award submissions. “Beautiful portfolio pictures go beyond showing off the work to awards judges,” she said. “These photos represent both a completed project for your firm and also a happy client willing to have their home photographed for the designer’s and remodeler’s benefit. That’s a true reflection of a job well done.”
