Submission Period

Phase	Date
Nomination Opens	2 May 2025
Late Entry Deadline	31 July 2025

AWCI Awards – Eligibility Criteria

To enter the AWCI Awards, all nominees and their submitted projects must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. AWCI Australia Membership

• Entrants must hold a current financial membership with AWCI Australia at the time of submission and throughout the judging and awards process.

2. Project Completion Period

• All projects completed after the 1^st of January 2024 are eligible for our awards in 2025 (excluding the projects nominated for the 2023/24 Awards).

3. Project Submission Limits

• Each project can only be submitted once per category in any given awards cycle.
• Re-submission of previously entered projects into the same category is not permitted unless substantial new work or stage completion justifies reconsideration (subject to AWCI approval).

Judging Process

A judging panel of industry representatives will assess each entry with an on-site inspection based on the criteria below. Two independent judges will inspect each entry wherever possible and the winning project is selected after review of all inspections by the judging panel. Where physical inspections are not possible, entries will be judged on photos and descriptions received.

Evidence Requirements

Evidence Type	Requirement
Project Summary	Mandatory
Project Stages	Must include framing, setting, and pre-paint (after 2025)
Testimonials	At least one from a client or stakeholder
Visual Evidence	Photos/videos of project delivery
Contract Value (optional)	Indicative figures or cost breakdown

 

1. Residential Projects (Up to $100,000 / Over $100,000) Judging Criteria (100 points)		2. Commercial Projects (Up to $500,000 / Over $500,000) Judging Criteria (100 points)
Criterion Description Quality & Finish Workmanship standard, accuracy, and finish of plastering, joints, and corners. Attention to Detail Precision around fixtures, fittings, edges, and transitions. Project Complexity Difficulty level, innovative solutions, and complexity of installation methods. Materials & Sustainability Appropriate selection and efficient use of materials, sustainable practices. Client Satisfaction Evidence of positive client feedback and satisfaction.		Criterion Description Technical Execution Adherence to industry standards, accuracy, and quality in complex commercial environments. Innovation & Problem Solving Creative approaches, solutions to specific project challenges. Project Scale & Complexity Scale, complexity, and ability to manage logistical challenges. Material Efficiency & Sustainability Selection, efficiency, and sustainability of materials used. Stakeholder Satisfaction Positive stakeholder feedback, testimonials, and project outcomes

 

3. Specialist Linings (Interior linings without plaster, e.g., Metal/Timber) Judging Criteria (100 points)		4. Decorative / Heritage (Heritage restoration & ornamental plaster work) Judging Criteria (100 points)
Criterion Description Installation Quality Quality of installation, precision, consistency, and finish. Material Suitability & Application Appropriateness of materials selected and correct methods of application. Innovation & Design Innovative design elements, aesthetics, creativity in lining usage. Project Complexity Complexity of installation and overall integration with project design. Client & Designer Satisfaction Positive feedback from stakeholders (clients/designers).		Criterion Description Heritage Integrity Respect for heritage values, originality and authenticity in restoration. Craftsmanship & Quality Excellence in craftsmanship, accuracy, and finish of decorative elements. Complexity & Skill Level of skill and complexity involved in ornamental restoration. Materials & Sustainability Appropriate and authentic materials used sustainably. Client/Stakeholder Feedback Positive feedback confirming restoration met expectations.

 

5. Facade (External cladding & linings)

Judging Criteria (100 points)

Criterion	Description
Execution & Finish	Quality of workmanship, accuracy, and aesthetic finish.
Weatherproofing & Durability	Ability to provide effective, durable external protection.
Innovation & Design Integration	Innovative use of materials, integration with overall project design.
Sustainability & Materials	Sustainable materials, energy-efficient solutions, minimal waste.
Client Satisfaction	Client testimonial, feedback on effectiveness and appearance.

 

Scoring Process:

• Judges will assign scores individually for each criterion.
• The highest-scoring project in each category/state becomes the state finalist.
• National winners are determined based on highest scores among state finalists.

1. Who can enter the AWCI Awards?
All projects completed after the 1^st of January 2024 are eligible for our awards in 2025 (excluding the projects nominated for the 2023/24 Awards), provided they meet category criteria and are members of AWCI Australia.

2. Are entries from previous years allowed?
Only if the project has not previously been entered in the same category.

3. What evidence is required for submissions?
Submissions must include:

• A project summary

• Photos/videos

• Project stages (including framing, setting, and pre-paint if applicable)

• At least one testimonial

• (Optional) Indicative contract value

4. How is judging conducted?
Each entry is judged by a category-specific panel of 4–7 independent judges from different states and sectors (contractor, manufacturer, RTO/TAFE). Site inspections will be conducted where possible.

5. Can I nominate someone else?
Yes, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and consent to the nomination.

6. What do winners receive?

• State Winners: Trophy, certificate, digital badge, media kit

• National Winners: Trophy, certificate, short speech opportunity at the Awards Night

• People’s Choice Winner: Based on member voting, announced on the night.

• Ongoing exposure and celebration of winners and projects through On the Surface and other AWCI media

7. When are submissions due?
Final deadline: 31 July 2025 (for projects completed by 30 June 2025).

8. Where and when is the Awards Night?
The 2025 Awards Night will be held in Victoria in 2025. Final date TBC.

9. How do I submit my entry?
Entries must be submitted online via AWCI Australia website. Technical support is available via 1800 313 110 or by contacting Chris or Kim.