Application Dos and Don’ts
What makes a successful ULI Awards for Excellence application? We polled members of past ULI Awards juries for their ideas. Here are their top ten guidelines for completing a successful awards application.
- Read the entry form carefully, paying close attention to the criteria. The project must be substantially completed and financially viable or, in the case of the public and special projects/programs, must make a significant contribution toward the betterment of its community. The project also must demonstrate excellence in land planning, design, and/or amenities that set a high standard within the community and the industry.
- Decide who will spend focused attention on completing the submittal. You may wish to reassemble the team that developed the project so that team members can help draft responses to the application. However, the application will be most effective if one person coordinates and processes all information.
- Make certain that your photographs truly represent the quality of your development. Submit images that convey special characteristics and make sure they are very clear in showing exteriors, interiors, and landscaping. Images of interiors should highlight the unique features of the project.
- Review the success factors of your development and explain and document them carefully. Describe target markets, using examples and hard numbers. Focus on communicating how the project demonstrates excellence and why it is worthy of special consideration. Clear, factual information is important.
- After you have completed the application, let your public relations advisers review it for language, illustrations, and effective communication of your project. Remember that ULI Awards jurors are human beings. They will favor an entry that is persuasive and to the point.
- Do not put applications in binders; clip them together so that applications can be easily photocopied.
- Do not use more space than is specified in the application form.
- Finalists will be notified in the month of March and a ULI Awards jury member will contact them to schedule on-site visits. ULI may request additional information about the project at that time.
- Don’t forget to label, number, and assign photo credits to all images.
- Don’t forget to include the appropriate entry fee.