Design competition.

Welcome to our first-ever design competition.

All the competitors have now signed up and the window for entering is now closed. There are 30 companies competing for the prizes.

Get 50% off of courses to help you with the competitions. Only available for a limited time! Enter coupon at checkout. Once you Become a contestant you will get a coupon code.

The design challenge!

You will design a home based on an architectural drawing followed by grades and a client wish list.

What's in it for you?

Platinum

RLA or Uvision Software Donated by Idea Spectrum plus a one-year membership donated by Landscaping Advisors. Value over $2799.00

Gold

Prizes to be announced

Silver

Prizes to be announced

Prizes donated by the following companies,

1 Year membership Donated by Landscaping Advisors Approx. Value $2200.00

RLA or Uvision Software Donated by Idea Spectrum Value of $599.00

Terrain Course. Donated by Landscaping Advisors Value $399.98

Logo or logo animation donated by Watermark Design Studio Value $250.00

Plant Pack donated by Clearstory Design Imaging Value $79.00

A great landscape typically incorporates elements like a balanced composition with depth, interesting foreground elements, a variety of textures and colors, smooth transitions between plant species, appropriate use of hardscape features like paths and water features, consideration for the local environment, and a sense of unity and rhythm throughout the design, all while maintaining functionality and visual appeal.

Each designer, design collaboration, or design practice entry will present a project based on a model we will provide. A minimum of (12) screenshots will be required once completed. Because we have provided details of the model to be built, we will require multiple views of the house's details and the landscape. An optional video will also suffice, provided it shows the details as required.

Judging Criteria:

1.      Architectural and topographical accuracy: The house/buildings in the 3D model need to closely resemble the actual house/buildings or the architect's plan elevation views in the context of the topographical setting

2.      Context: The landscape design should be appropriate to its surroundings e.g.

3.      Variety in form and texture: Different plant shapes and textures create visual interest and depth

4.      Color palette: Thoughtful plant selection to achieve a pleasing color scheme throughout the seasons

5.      Focal point: for example, interesting elements in the foreground to add depth and dimension to the landscape

6.      Balance: even distribution of visual weight across the landscape

7.      Proportion: Appropriate scale of elements relative to each other

8.      Rhythm: Repetition of patterns and lines to create a sense of movement

9.      Unity: A cohesive look is achieved by using consistent design elements throughout

10.  Tricks of the trade e.g. modeling skills, realistic plant placement, rendering prowess, and ways the designer overcomes software deficiencies by using the software in ways it wasn’t initially intended

The following is part of the client's wish list, as per a hypothetical client.

This is the client information.

• Clients are in their mid-40s.
• They have 2 children ages 10 and 14 one girl and one boy.
• They have a small dog.
• They would like a pool (not too big, maybe 20 x 24 or 16 x 24)
• They like a hot tub area
• They have privacy issues that must be addressed (2-story homes on both sides).
• Soil is considered good.
• New fence all around - add 2 gates
• They love to BBQ so outdoor kitchen is a must.
• Recommend either vinyl or PVC type fence (no maintenance) or third choice cedar (will need to be stained to keep it looking new.
• The recommended style would be horizontal boarding.
• Recommend a dual patio with a transition product between the two...One will be for dining and one for lounging.
• They would like a 2-tier deck coming from the upper deck so it transitions better to ground level.
• They would like pergola to allow for added privacy when having a function in the backyard.
• The designer would propose an optional putting green for fun.
• The designer likes the idea of using planters for some height contrast.
• Night lighting for ambiance. 
• A fire feature, possibly a fireplace or a fire table?
• The desiger likes a variety of plants and colours.

This contest brings exceptional talent to the attention of peers, potential clients, and the world of design. All entries will be part of an intensive multi-level screening process. A distinguished jury of experts judges the entries to select the top 5 and award 5 prizes to award recipients. Projects are judged based on difficulty, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. The type, size, and cost of the project will not be criteria for judging. The judging criteria total 100 points. Projects scoring 90 points or above will receive Gold awards. Projects scoring between 80 to 89 points will receive Silver awards. Bronze awards are given at the juror's discretion for projects scoring between 75 and 79 points. From the Gold award-winning entries, the jurors will choose the 2025 International Designer of the Year receiving the top prize. The next 4 entries will receive the next 4 prizes.

The Overall Designer of the Year award recipient will receive a copy of Idea Spectrum’s Realtime Landscaping Architect or Uvision’s 3D Landscape Creator software as well as a year's membership to Landscaping Advisors.

The overall second-place award will receive a 1-year membership to Landscaping Advisors.

The overall third place award will receive a Terrain Course from Landscaping Advisors.

The overall Fourth-place award will receive a New logo Design or Logo Animation from Watermark Design Studio.

The overall Fifth-place award will receive a plant package from Clearstory Design Imaging

All other awards will be awards showing excellence in design. These awards will be in pdf format and sent via email.

·      The 2025 Landscape Designer of the Year is a jury award based on the following criteria: Interprets the space uniquely.

·      Shows a creative solution to a landscape challenge.

·      Is innovative with the use of materials and resources

·      Has a uniquely creative vision for the space

·      Their project elicits a “Wow, I wish I had thought of that!” response to the design.

We wish you success in this first-ever contest. Let's keep this experience fun; our hope and desire is that this experience will support new growth and strength of skill in the design world.

Send in the contest agreement below. By agreeing to the details provided. You agree to allow us to be able to use your submission for the use of promoting future contests and advertising the contest winners.

Meet your jury!

You probably have have met them in the facebook group at one point or another. Seasoned designers so no biased opinions from a single judge. Each entry will be judged across the board. Each will be judged according to accuracy, uniqness, presentation and attention to detail.