Every award-winning design tells a story — not just about a home, but about the craft, precision, and creativity behind it.

If you’ve ever looked at a winning ARDA entry and wondered, “How did they do that?” — now’s your chance to find out.

The American Residential Design Awards (ARDA) is more than a competition; it’s a masterclass in design excellence. Past winners reveal what’s possible when professionalism meets innovation — and how thoughtful presentation makes all the difference.

At ResidentialDesignAwards.com, you’ll find public examples from every category — new homes, remodels, custom designs, outdoor spaces, interiors, and more — all freely available to browse. These entries give you insight into the level of detail, visual storytelling, and composition that caught the judges’ attention in past years.

The one category that’s usually private due to copyright limitations — Working Drawings — has one project temporarily available, thanks to a generous contribution from one of our longtime winners, Scott Cook of Cook Design Studio, Inc. in South Carolina.

His project, King Square, is a stunning example of how technical clarity and design intent come together seamlessly. You can explore the full set of Working Drawings here: View the King Square entry.

Here’s how to use past entries as your ARDA prep guide:

• Start with the concept. Notice how the design narrative connects the client’s needs to the final form.
• Study presentation style. Pay attention to layout, readability, and visual flow — judges respond to clarity and cohesion.
• Learn from variety. Each year brings different judges, so trends shift. What won last year may not win now — but studying multiple entries sharpens your instincts.
• Take notes on details. Notice how material choices, circulation, and scale are explained through the drawings or renderings.

The beauty of ARDA is that there’s no fixed formula. Judges change annually, bringing new eyes and fresh perspectives. What this means: your best chance of winning is not guessing what they'll prefer — but presenting your design story clearly and confidently.

Entries are open right now, and you can start your ARDA submission today at ResidentialDesignAwards.com. You’ll be able to save your work and finish later — giving you time to polish your presentation to perfection.

And when you register just one ARDA entry, you’ll automatically receive free access to the Win an ARDA Course Bundle at AIBD.org/courses — packed with insider insights from past winners and judges themselves. If you’re an AIBD Professional Member, you already have full access.

Don’t just admire great design — study it, learn from it, and join it. Your next big win could be one click away.

👉 Start your ARDA entry now »​

-The AIBD ARDA Committee

P.S. AIBD Members get discounts on ARDA entry fees. If you plan to submit several projects, becoming a member may quickly pay for itself. Join today at AIBD.org/join and enjoy the benefits that come with professional recognition and community.