Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the event start and end?

Schedule of the Building Excellence & Craftmanship Awards event:

  • 5:00-6:00pm - Registration / Cocktail-Networking Reception
  • 6:00-7:00pm - Awards Ceremony
  • 7:00-9:00pm - Cocktail / Networking Reception

What is the dress code?

Business professional / cocktail attire is preferred.

Who judges the nominations and determines the winners?

The Building Excellence and Craftmanship Awards Judging Committee consists of five industry professionals who individually evaluate each nomination. The committee then determines the winners based on the average score of each nomination.

Craftsmanship Award Nominations

What is the dress code?

Business professional (or cocktail attire) is preferred. Business casual is acceptable as well.

Who can submit a nomination?

Nominations can be made by the Craftsman’s employer or general contractor for the project or by the Craftsman’s Local Union as long as the Local Union is affiliated with the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council.

Either the craftsmen’s employer, general contractor or nominator must be a member of one of the Building Trades Employer Associations, which consist of:

  • Construction Employers Association of Cleveland
  • Mechanical and Plumbing Industry Council
  • National Electrical Contractors Association - Cleveland Chapter
  • Northern Ohio Painting & Taping Contractors Association
  • Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning National Association - Cleveland Chapter

Nominations cannot be submitted for the 2022 awards if a nomination was submitted in 2021.

When are nominations due?

March 15

Which trades can be nominated?

Nominations will be accepted and awards given in each of the trades affiliated with the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council.

Is assistance available for nomination photos?

Yes. If you need help taking professional photos of the nominated work, please contact Richard Stewart for assistance.

What if the work is concealed (behind a wall, etc)?

Concealed work cannot be judged and will not be considered unless detailed photos are available that clearly shows the work to be exceptional.

What time period does the nomination cover?

The 2024 Awards will cover work completed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023.

The entire project need not be complete, but the nominated trade person's work needs to be completed within this period.

Can I submit a nomination for work done outside of Cleveland?

Nominations will be considered for work completed on jobs sites and fabrication shops located in the Cleveland Metropolitan Area, which includes the Counties of Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Lorain.

Can the same person be nominated more than once?

Yes, as long as each nomination is for a different project. Each nomination must specify the project upon which the nomination is based.

Who decides the Award winners?

Each nomination will be evaluated by a team made up of 3 to 5 individuals with experience evaluating projects in particular categories. Team members represent architects and engineers. Each team member will evaluate the nomination independently. The committee will select the winners based on the judging team's average score.

What will the judges consider?

  • The uniqueness of the craftsman’s work
  • Precision and attention to detail
  • Difficulty of the work
  • Visual aesthetics
  • Challenges and adversity involved in the work (Scheduling, site conditions and working conditions, etc.)
  • High level of technical skill required
  • High level of training and experience required
  • Work above and beyond what is normally expected
  • Work extraordinary and deserving of the highest award the Industry offers

Building Excellence Award Nominations

What is the dress code?

Business professional (or cocktail attire) is preferred. Business casual is acceptable as well.

Who can submit a nomination?

Nominations can be made by general contractors, construction managers and specialty contractors who belong to one of the following Building Trades Employer Associations:

  • Construction Employers Association of Cleveland
  • Mechanical and Plumbing Industry Council
  • National Electrical Contractors Association - Cleveland Chapter
  • Northern Ohio Painting & Taping Contractors Association
  • Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning National Association - Cleveland Chapter

Nominations must be submitted by principals or officers of member firms, or with their written permission.

Nominations cannot be submitted for the 2022 awards if a nomination was submitted in 2021.

When are nominations due?

March 15, 2024

What are the Award Categories?

Award categories are separated by project amount and new construction versus renovation.

  • New Construction Over $25 Million
  • New Construction Between $10 and $25 Million
  • New Construction Under $10 Million
  • Renovation Construction Over $10 Million
  • Renovation Construction Under $10 Million

Is assistance available for nomination photos?

Yes. If you need help taking professional photos of the nominated work, please contact Richard Stewart for assistance.

What if I am uncertain whether a project is "new construction" or "renovation"?

Contact CEA for assistance. Sometimes existing buildings can classify as New Construction if the project involved significant shell modifications. The Judging Panel will decide if a nomination has been miscategorized and has the right to move a project to a different category.

Can multiple nominations be submitted for the same project?

Different phases or elements of the same project may be entered independently, but the same contractor cannot submit a phase or element and a total project entry.

What time period does the nomination cover?

The 2024 Awards will cover work completed between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023.

Can I submit a nomination for work done outside of Cleveland?

Nominations will be considered for work completed in the Cleveland Metropolitan Area, which includes the Counties of Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Lorain.

Who decides the Award winners?

Each nomination will be evaluated by a team made up of 3 to 5 individuals with experience evaluating projects in particular categories. Team members represent architects and engineers. Each team member will evaluate the nomination independently. The committee will select the winners based on the judging team's average score.