Judging Criteria

COMMON CRITERIA

The Jury will evaluate all projects based on the following common criteria, in an effort to evaluate dissimilar entries within each category, to “level the playing field” among a broad spectrum of project types:

• Form & Clarity
  Design is filled with big ideas, but ultimately designers design. Form is the visible shape and configuration of the project. The jury will consider how the project manifests intent through its materiality, shape, detailing, reports, etc. The project should have a clear stance on its relationship to its surroundings, its users, and the public at large. The form need not be cutting edge or trendy, but rather high quality, appropriate, and relevant for its audience and the message it is supporting.

• Function
  Function refers to the purpose for which the project is intended. The jury will refer to the project's description to understand which functional criteria was the primary concern. Good functionality means the project works well for the intended use, regardless if it is targeted at the client, the users that occupy the project, the public that encounters it, or even the virtual visitor.

• Innovation & Uniqueness
  Design is a relentlessly forward looking field that embraces new technologies and shifting social and demographic trends with curiosity and eagerness. Projects that take a fresh approach or work to improve existing practices or context are innovative projects.

• Intent
  Not every experiment is a success and even successes can have aspects of failure. The jury will refer to the submission's statement to discern the project's intent and will gauge its success based on the stated intent. Please note entries within the “Integrated Design” category must demonstrate significant collaborative involvement of two (2) major disciplines throughout the project.  

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC CRITERIA

Once projects in each category have been reviewed against the common criteria, we ask that the jury representative(s) from each discipline (or disciplines for “Integrated Design”) provide guidance in determining discipline-specific input for further discussion. Please remember that jury representative(s) from each discipline are experts in their respective field and the jury as a whole is asked to rely on them for direction.

DESCRIPTION OF AWARD LEVELS

The common theme will be value and excellence of design in Saskatchewan.  One award per category is encouraged but not required for each of the design disciplines: Architecture, Engineering & Geoscience, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Planning, and Integrated Design.

• Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Design
  This award represents an executed project completed by Professional Designers in Saskatchewan that demonstrates outstanding design that exceeds expectations in their discipline(s).

• Certificate of Merit
  This award represents an executed project completed by Professional Designers in Saskatchewan that demonstrates a high level of achievement in their discipline(s).

• Honorable Mention
  This award represents an executed project completed by Professional Designers in Saskatchewan that demonstrates sound principles in their discipline(s).