Top Tips From the Judges for entering The BCO Awards 2018
November 08, 2017 
We have asked the Judging Chairs, what advice they would give someone planning to submit an entry for the 2018 Awards. Here are their answers:
Nigel Clark, Hilson Moran – National Judging Chair
Nigel’s top tip: “Set out your entry clearly and concisely and use the questions in the entry guide to explain to the judges what sets your project apart from other entries. Focus not just on the building, but also on the impact and change the project has delivered.”
Ian Aldous, Arcadis – Northern Judging Chair
Ian’s top tip: “The awards are about recognising excellence in the workplace, and one specific area of focus should be the impact it has – on the people that work there, the businesses that operate from there and the local community that surrounds it.”
Alistair Allison, Tuffin Ferraby Taylor – South of England & South Wales Judging Chair
Alistair’s top tip: “A successful office development needs a clear brief and it is important for this to be explained to the judges and to show how the design, construction and commercial solutions have been tailored to suit this. Also, highlight areas of the project that stand out.”
David Dool, Cooper Cromar – Scottish Judging Chair
David’s top tip: “As the BCO Awards are the benchmark for defining excellence in the workplace, submissions should, in addition to answering the ‘Judges Questions’, convey what sets the project apart in terms of its speciality and appeal to occupiers. A strong, factual and passionate submission generally reflects the excellence of the project and sets the scene for shortlisting and the judges’ visits.”
Nick Searl, Argent – London Judging Chair
Nick’s top tip: “Make sure that your submission allows the judges to see what makes your building or fit out unique and special. Be proud of what you’ve done, show us the passion that went into making it and let your answers demonstrate why you think it’s a winner.”
Rob Van Zyl, Cundall – Midlands & Central England Judging Chair
Rob’s top tip: “Always answer all the questions, even if you feel your submission is weak in one area. The judges award points for every question. For example, if your building only achieved a moderate EPC score, still state what it achieved rather than avoiding the question. Better to get a few points than none in weak areas.”
HOW TO ENTER YOUR PROJECT
To enter your project for the awards simply register on our entry website www.bcoawards.co.uk and create an entry. Entries are submitted online in three easy stages:
1. Enter project details
2. Answer the ‘Judges Questions’ as outlined in the entry guide
3. Upload 10 images and submit
By BCO Media 
