Frequently Asked Questions
Entering/Getting Started
I am an AIA member, but my firm is not a Firm Member, can I submit my project?
I am submitting for a house project I did on my own. I do not have a firm but I am registered individually with AIA. Do I need some additional firm registration to enter this project?
You do not have to submit as a firm, you can submit as a member individual. If awarded, you will be recognized as an individual and not a firm.
If I entered the OAAs previously, but did not win, can I enter the same project again?
Yes, as long as your project(s) still meet all the eligibility requirements.
I’m having difficulty linking to the Submission Portal from the Guidelines document, how do I start my submission?
If you are unable to link to the submission portal from the guidelines document, you can go here: https://aiaoregon.awardsplatform.com/
Entry Questions/Issues
Does the 1000-word maximum on the Narrative include the 120-word maximum for the summarized narrative?
The word counts are separate.
if a diagram is being used that includes text, does that fall under the limitation of 30 words?
If a diagram is being used that includes text, that text can be as long as you'd like; the 30 word limit is applied for digital accessibiilty / online viewing
Do we have to limit ourselves to addressing just the 4 Framework Categories required?
No, those four are the minimum. You can address as many more categories that you feel apply to your project, as long as they include the those required in the submission instructions, and fit within the narrative word limits.
I want to include an image or info in my entry that is okay for the Jury to see, but I don’t want the general public to be able to see.
If there is info that you don’t want the general public to be able to see, please note that prominently in the image or put the word “confidential” at the beginning of the file name, so it is clear to AIA Oregon staff that the image is not for general viewing.
Are there specific dimension requirements for the individual images entered?
There are not specific dimensions, but it would be good to stick to the 16:9 aspect ratio for screens, as that is how the jurors will be viewing. We also ask that the "Promotional Image" be landscape oriented.
If we need an extension, do we request it, or are we automatically charged?
If you have already paid and started your submission, and end up needing more time to finish, you will need to request an extension, so we can invoice the $50 extension charge. If you hadn’t paid for your submission before the deadline, you will automatically be charged the higher price when you do, and will not have to request the extension.
2030 Award
I will be submitting 2030 calculation data for a house project. Almost a quarter of the house’s power bill is from EV charging the client’s car. Do I count that energy use in the data?
You do not have to count the energy use from EV charging when calculating.
There is a discrepancy between the submission guidelines and the 2030 Calculator rules, and I don’t know whether or not I have to include the Climate Calculator as part of my submission.
We ask, but do not require, all entrants in the BUILT category to submit energy use data in consideration of this award, regardless of intent to achieve Architecture 2030 targets, and we provide an easy-to-use tool, the Climate Impact Calculator, to capture standard information and compare results against the Architecture 2030 targets. However, if you do wish your BUILT project to be considered for the 2030 award, you must include a completed Climate impact Calculator as part of your submission.
If the project has no fully enclosed and conditioned interior space but is still a building, does it still qualify for the 2030 Award? This could apply to stadiums, pavilions, etc
If the building doesn’t have interior space with interior energy loads, then it wouldn’t apply to the 2030 calculator and associated award.
Professional Achievement Awards
Can a NOMA member submit/or be submitted for a professional achievement award?
AIA Oregon and NOMA PDX enjoy a reciprocity of membership, so NOMA PDX members can be considered “AIA Oregon Members” in this circumstance
I’m having issues with my entry, who do I contact?
If you run into a problem putting together your entry on our submission portal, you can contact Kathy Wendland.