WHO CAN ENTER THE NORTHERN DESIGN AWARDS?
The Northern Design Awards are open to designers, architects, practices, studios, developers, contractors, specialist makers, manufacturers and other businesses involved in outstanding completed design projects.

Entries are welcomed from across the North of England, the Midlands, North Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS CAN BE ENTERED?
The awards celebrate completed projects only.

Projects can be entered across our Commercial, Residential and Specialist categories, covering everything from workplace, hospitality and retail design to residential interiors, new build homes, kitchens, bathrooms and bespoke design.

CAN THE SAME PROJECT BE ENTERED INTO MORE THAN ONE CATEGORY?
Yes, where the project genuinely meets the criteria for more than one category.

Each category entry is judged separately and requires its own submission and entry fee.

CAN MORE THAN ONE COMPANY ENTER THE SAME PROJECT?
Yes.

A completed project may be entered by different businesses involved in its delivery, provided each entrant is entering an appropriate category and clearly explains their own contribution.

For example, an architect, interior designer, contractor, specialist manufacturer or supplier may each be eligible to enter the same completed project from their own perspective.

Relevant project partners must be credited within the entry.

CAN MANUFACTURERS, SUPPLIERS AND SPECIALIST MAKERS ENTER?
Yes, where their contribution forms a meaningful part of a completed project and fits the category criteria.

The Bespoke Design category may be particularly suitable for specialist manufacturers, craftspeople and makers responsible for a significant custom-designed element.

I'M NOT SURE WHICH CATEGORY TO ENTER. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Choose the category that best reflects the strongest aspect of the project and the work you want the judges to assess.

If your project genuinely fits more than one category, you may enter it into multiple categories.

If you are still unsure, contact us before submitting and we will be happy to advise.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER?
The Early Bird entry fee is £175 per entry.

The standard entry fee is £200 per entry.

Northern Design Awards Limited is not VAT registered, so no VAT will be added to entry fees.

WHEN DO ENTRIES CLOSE?
Entries for the Northern Design Awards 2026 close on Friday 2 October 2026.

We recommend starting your entry early so you have plenty of time to gather project information, photography and permissions.

CAN I SAVE MY ENTRY AND COME BACK TO IT?
Yes.

You can save your entry as a draft and return to complete it at any time before the closing deadline.

CAN I COPY AN ENTRY INTO ANOTHER CATEGORY?
Yes.

The entry platform allows you to duplicate an existing entry, making it easier to submit the same project into another appropriate category.

You should still tailor your written answers to the specific category you are entering.

HOW DO I PAY?
Entry fees can be paid securely by card through the online entry platform.

A pay-by-invoice option is also available for organisations that require an invoice or purchase order process.

WILL I RECEIVE AN INVOICE OR RECEIPT?
Yes.

Payment documentation is generated as part of the payment process, including the relevant invoice and payment confirmation for your records.

WHAT INFORMATION WILL I NEED TO PROVIDE?
Depending on the category, you will be asked for information including the project name and location, completion date, entrant details, project partners, a project overview, your individual contribution, evidence of design excellence, why the project should win, project photography and relevant permissions.

HOW MANY IMAGES CAN I UPLOAD?
You can upload multiple project images as part of your submission.

Choose images that tell the story of the project clearly and allow the judges to understand the design, detail, atmosphere and finished result.

Quality is more important than quantity.

WHAT SIZE SHOULD MY IMAGES BE?
High-quality images are encouraged.

As a guide, individual files of approximately 5MB or less are recommended for straightforward uploading.

DO MY PHOTOGRAPHS NEED TO BE PROFESSIONALLY TAKEN?
No, but image quality matters.

The judges can only assess what is presented to them, so we strongly recommend clear, high-resolution photography that represents the project at its best.

DO I NEED TO CREDIT THE PHOTOGRAPHER?
Yes, wherever professional photography has been used.

There is a dedicated photography credit field within the entry form. If a photography credit genuinely does not apply, you can state Not applicable.

DO I NEED TO NAME THE OTHER BUSINESSES INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT?
Yes.

We actively encourage entrants to properly credit the team behind each project.

This may include architects, interior designers, contractors, consultants, developers, manufacturers, suppliers and specialist makers.

WHO JUDGES THE NORTHERN DESIGN AWARDS?
Entries are assessed by an independent panel of respected professionals from across the design, architecture and associated industries.

Our judges are selected for their experience, expertise and understanding of exceptional design.

WHAT ARE THE JUDGES LOOKING FOR?
The judges are looking for much more than beautiful photography.

Depending on the category, they will consider the strength of the design concept, execution, originality, attention to detail, functionality, context, problem-solving and the entrant's individual contribution.

Your written submission should help the judges understand why the project is exceptional, not simply what it looks like.

WHAT IS THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO NORTHERN DESIGN AWARD?
The Outstanding Contribution to Northern Design Award is a Judges' Award and is not open for public entry.

Nominees are put forward by members of the Northern Design Awards judging panel in recognition of an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to design and the wider industry.

WHEN WILL FINALISTS BE ANNOUNCED?
Finalist announcements will follow the completion of judging.

Exact dates and further information will be shared through the Northern Design Awards website, email communications and social channels.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I BECOME A FINALIST?
Finalists will be contacted directly and will receive information about the next stage of the awards, including the awards ceremony.

Finalist projects and businesses may also be featured across Northern Design Awards communications, promotional activity and event materials.

DO FINALISTS NEED TO ATTEND THE AWARDS CEREMONY?
We strongly encourage finalists to attend.

The Northern Design Awards ceremony is an important part of the experience and brings together designers, architects, businesses, sponsors and industry professionals from across the region.

If your project is shortlisted, we recommend making attendance a priority.