How to enter

The 2026 Timber Design Awards use a two-stage entry process:

Stage 1  keeps your initial submission focused on a clear project overview and category fit based on set judging criteria.
Stage 2  is only required if your entry is shortlisted and allows you to provide more detailed information once you know your project is in contention.

Before you begin, please also review the Eligibility, Terms & Conditions and the Categories & judging criteria.

Please refer to the Award information pack for detailed entry requirements.

Before starting your entry, we recommend:

1. Confirming your entrant eligibility and project eligibility.
2. Deciding which category or categories you will enter (maximum of two per project).
3. Reviewing the judging criteria for your chosen category or categories (see below).
4. Checking the key dates and entry fees (see below).
5. Gathering basic project information, including:
   • Project title, location and completion date
   • Project team and key contacts
   • Client details (where applicable)
   • A selection of images and/or drawings
   • Any required permissions from clients and photographers

Please note: The building or structure must have been completed between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025. This includes all structural primary and secondary elements completed, roof and parts of the facade, but not the interior fit out or services.
 

Key dates at a glance

All finalists are encouraged to attend the Gala Event, where the winners will be announced.

• Travel and ticket costs at the entrant’s expense (except for two Student Design Award finalists).
• Further information about the event will be provided closer to the date.

If you have any questions about the entry process or your submission, please email us at enquiries@timberunlimited.co.nz

What Stage 1 is for

Stage 1 focuses on introducing your project and explaining how it meets the specific judging criteria for the category you are entering. The information you provide at this stage is used to assess eligibility, category fit and to select a shortlist of finalists.

Please download the information pack for full entry requirements.
 

Stage 1 entry requirements at a glance

Entry fees

How to submit

Stage 1 entries are submitted via the online entry portal, which can be accessed through the Timber Unlimited website.

• Stage 1 entries open: Monday 15 December 2025
• Stage 1 entries close: Friday 6 March 2026

Please ensure you allow enough time to complete your entry and upload all required information before the deadline.

What happens after Stage 1

Once Stage 1 entries close:

• Entries are assessed against the category criteria and eligibility requirements.
• A shortlist of finalists is selected for each category.
• Finalists are notified by email on Wednesday 15 April 2026.
• Shortlisted entrants are invited to submit a Stage 2 Detailed Submission.

Who is invited to Stage 2

Only shortlisted entries from Stage 1 are invited to complete a Stage 2 submission.

What Stage 2 is for

Stage 2 allows you to provide additional information and detail that builds on your Stage 1 entry. It is assessed against the key judging themes and the specific criteria for your category. 

How to submit and timing

Full Stage 2 submission instructions will be provided to finalists when they are notified.

• Stage 2 information is submitted via email to the address provided in your finalist notification.
• Entrants will have 20 working days from the date of notification to submit their Stage 2 material.
• Judges may request additional information if required to complete their assessment.

Stage 2 requirements at a glance

Please note: 

• Presentation boards are no longer required for Stage 2 entries.
• Student Design Award category finalists will be required to provide proof of enrolment.
• Please download the information pack for full submission requirements.

Judging criteria

Stage 2 finalist entries will be assessed holistically under four themes:

• Design & aesthetics – overall architectural quality, how timber is expressed, and the experience of the spaces created.
• Engineering & innovation – quality and ambition of the structural and technical solution, including the use of engineered timber and its response to complexity.
• Sustainability – considered use and sourcing of timber and other materials, and the project’s longer-term environmental performance.
• Community impact – benefits for users and the wider community, contribution to place, and overall value created.

Judges will also consider the overall impression of each project – its originality, clarity of intent, and how convincingly timber elevates the outcome.