Projects must have been completed within the past five years. Student submissions must have been completed since 2023.

Submit an ELECTRONIC PDF FILE (limit 20 MB) that includes the following General Entry Requirements as described below:

A. Illustrations (e.g., before/after views, site plans, elevations, sections and/or details):

i. Maximum of 15 pages

ii. Following ASLA National Awards standard imagery dimensions is encouraged: 1900 by 927 pixels minimum 300 ppi.)
ii. All pages shall be clearly labeled with the project name

iii. Each page should include captions to provide insight into the content of each page(maximum 50 words per page).

B. Project Narrative - (maximum 500 words) This is the only narrative the jury will use to understand your project. Include project name and describe the following:

i. Purpose and scope of the project - Describe the project requirements, planning or design philosophy, and design intent.
ii. Role of the Landscape Architect - Describe the leadership and involvement in the project.
iii. Local and/or special significance - Explain the project's value to the community and how it fulfills the responsibilities of stewardship, sustainability, and relationship to context.
iv. Special characteristics - Explain why the project is unique or special, and how it solves unusual problems, incorporates new techniques, addresses budget constraints, effect on public perception of the profession etc.

C. Description of Project Roles - (no word limit) Without referencing individuals, company names, or team names, briefly provide a description of the Role of the Landscape Architect, Architect, Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Environmental Consultant, Owner, Client, and /or others as applicable that worked on the project. This is a separate from the design narratives and should be focused on clearly crediting who did what work.

D. Submittals for the Communications or Analysis & Planning category must include a Project Summary (maximum 300 words) in addition to the Project Narrative. The Project Summary will serve to provide added context and understanding to these types of submissions that may not include built works. Select illustrations that clearly convey the scope, content and significance of the planning and analysis work.

E. Submittals for the Research Category can include both research papers and/ or research design projects. If submitting a paper, also include an abstract (max 400 words). Include illustrations/ diagrams/charts with captions associated with the research that help present the project’s significance and/or findings (follow General Design Guidelines set above for page and file size).  

F. By submitting an application, the applicant assures that all copyright holders have consented to the project submission and to the use of images for by the Virginia Chapter ASLA for multimedia, print or digital publications, presentations and an online archive.

This year, in addition to the above, please submit with your project PDF 3 images related to your project that you would like to be used for marketing purposes should your project win.  Images should be .jpg, .gif or .tif.

NOTE: Do not include any reference to the individual, design firm or team on any material submitted except for the Registration & Payment Form.