Frequently Asked Questions

Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards
Contact: Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards
[email protected]

What Are the Benefits of Entering and Winning the NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards Competition?

NAHB is eager to recognize and reward excellence in multifamily housing and to promote the benefits of apartment and condo living. NAHB’s Multifamily Council has been recognizing significant achievements in the design, development, marketing and management of multifamily housing for over two decades. The Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards give NAHB a unique opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our colleagues and to recognize those pioneers who have advanced the multifamily industry through their commitment to quality, creativity and innovation.

Receiving a Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Award also offers prestige to your organization — and to the people who have worked so hard to bring success to your organization’s development projects or marketing and management efforts. A Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Award can add to your company’s successful reputation by creating the perfect opportunity to tell the media and the industry that your work has been heralded among the best of the best.

What Are the Important 2023 Program Deadlines?

Applications for the 2023 Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards will be accepted July 10, 2023-Aug. 28, 2023.

July 10, 2023
2023 Pillars Awards submissions open

Aug. 28, 2023
2023 Pillars Awards submissions close

December 2023
2023 Finalists announced

March 2024
2023 Winners announced

How Much Does It Cost to Apply?

Multifamily Council members: $325 per entry;
NAHB members: $375 per entry;
Non-members: $425 per entry.

If you apply for two or more Pillars Awards, you automatically receive $25 off your second (and beyond) submissions.

Please note that you will have to log in to nahb.org to complete your application(s). This is to ensure Multifamily Council and NAHB members receive discounted fees. If you are not a member, you will need to create a login.

Are Entry Fees Refundable?

No. Entry fees must be paid online at the time of application, and they are non-refundable.

May I Enter a Project That is Still Under Construction?

To be eligible in the Project or Marketing category, the application must pertain to a project that first became available for sale or for rent after Jan. 1, 2020. Projects still under construction may be entered in some categories — primarily Marketing categories — but pre-leasing must have begun.

Are There Any Restrictions on Eligibility?

Yes. Past years’ winners are not eligible for an award in that same category, but may enter other categories. Finalists and non-finalists from previous years are eligible in any category as long as the project was completed after the deadline referenced in Question 5.

Can a Project Be Nominated in More Than One Category?

Yes. The same project may be entered in multiple categories, but separate applications and fees must be submitted, and separate entry materials must be compiled for each category. Discounts are available if multiple applications are completed. With our new awards software you can easily duplicate your application — this makes nominating the same project in different categories easier than ever.

Will My Submission Packet or Materials Be Returned?

No. NAHB will retain all submission materials and may use the pictures for promotion of the projects throughout the year.

In the Application, Information About Costs and Budgets Are Requested. If I Do Not Know This Information or the Project’s Owner Does Not Want to Disclose It, Should I Leave Those Questions Blank?

If you must, but this may negatively affect the judges scoring of the project. The judges use that information to help evaluate the project on its development and financial merits. All cost, budget, and financial information will be treated as confidential by our judges and will not be shared outside of judging nor published on the website. Do your best to reassure the project’s owner that the financial information will not be disclosed to anyone other than the judging panel for purposes of comparing similar projects to similar projects.

Will You Accept Entry Materials Past the Deadline?

No. The submission deadline must be met.

Is There a Fee to Attend the Virtual Awards Ceremony?

No, but registration is required.

Does NAHB Publicize the Finalists and Winners of the Pillars of the Industry Awards?

Yes. NAHB will issue news releases and blog posts about the finalists and winners, showcase selected winners at industry events and conferences throughout the year, and publish news articles about the recipients online and in association newsletters. NAHB also features Pillars winners and finalists’ imagery for articles and marketing promotions. NAHB will also showcase finalists and winners for each category on the NAHB Multifamily Pillars of the Industry website for one year. NAHB Multifamily can help you craft press releases and stories to use in your local media markets as well.

If I Need Help Understanding Category Criteria or Submission Requirements, Whom Should I Contact?