Turn this year’s work into years of proof, prestige, and clients with one ARDA entry you can start today.

You’ve already done the hard part—designing homes your clients love and your peers respect. ARDA is simply how you turn your finished work into visible, undeniable proof of what you can do.

Imagine this time next year: your project has been on a national stage, your name appears as an American Residential Design Awards honoree, and “award‑winning” sits comfortably in your bio, proposals, and website.

Prospective clients recognize your work before you ever walk into the room, and your team gets to see their effort acknowledged in front of the profession.

That’s what the American Residential Design Awards (ARDA) were created to do—shine a spotlight on the very best in custom homes, renovations, production housing, outdoor living, and more, from building designers across the country.

Every year, designers like you use ARDA recognition to stand out in their markets, strengthen their reputations, and open doors to projects they once thought were out of reach.

If you’ve ever thought, “My work is just as strong as the people winning awards,” this is your invitation to prove it.

ARDA gives you a credible, independent stamp from the American Institute of Building Design—a stamp your clients, peers, and partners understand and respect.

And we’ve made the process as designer‑friendly as possible.

Once you start your entry, you can log in, upload materials, and refine your submittal at your own pace—everything saves as you go, so you don’t have to finish in one sitting.

Today’s goal isn’t to have a perfect submission; it’s simply to begin.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Choose one project you’re proud of from this year’s work (or an eligible project from your past).
2. Click the ARDA entry link and create your account or log in.
3. Spend 10–15 minutes getting your entry started—add basic project details and upload whatever drawings or photos you have handy.

You can come back later to polish the narrative, add more images, or refine your boards. The important thing is to plant the flag now, while this year’s work is still fresh.

The 2026 American Residential Design Awards call for entries is open now, and this cycle only comes once a year.

Every year you sit out is another year your best work stays a “local secret” instead of the proof your future clients are looking for.

Your projects already speak for themselves.

ARDA is how you make sure the right people are listening.

​Start your ARDA entry today—and turn this year’s work into years of proof, prestige, and clients.

Can't wait to see your entries,
AIBD ARDA Committee

P.S. If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll enter next year,” consider this your nudge. The work is already done; now it’s time to collect the credit. Start your ARDA entry.