Digital Issue
September 2025
Read the September 2025 issue of Retail Observer featuring highlights from the Aurora Awards and industry trends.
The Aurora Awards Entry Period is Closed
Do not miss the Aurora Awards Gala! Click here to learn more.
This year, we’ve revamped the categories to better celebrate the diverse and innovative achievements in our industry. Whether it’s groundbreaking residential designs, commercial excellence, or unique specialty projects, there’s a perfect category for you.
The Aurora Awards program is affiliated with the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA) and the Southeast Building Conference (SEBC), one of two regional trade shows recognized
by and affiliated with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
2026 Entry Details
The 2026 Aurora Awards cover categories in Commercial/Retail, Custom & Renovated Homes, Targeted Use Residential, Single Family Production Housing, Interior Merchandising, Kitchen and Bath Design, Specialty Detailing, and Sales and Marketing.
- All digital images shall be submitted in JPEG format at a minimum of 300 dpi. Images should be 1800 pixels wide.
- Video files are only accepted for Sales and Marketing Categories that are judging video content.
- Any pdf submitted shall be high resolution.
- Plans should be submitted as a high-resolution pdf no larger than 8.5” x 11”.
- Please review the following submission requirements based on the category of your project:
All building categories
- Require submission of a site plan and/or building plan, and floor plan
Commercial Retail Categories
- Submit up to 8 images including 3 exterior and at least 1 interior shot
- Renovations should include an additional 1-4 “before photos” and all images file names should include “before” or “after”
Custom & Renovated Homes Categories
- Renovations should include up to 8 images in addition to 1-4 “before” photos. All images file names should include “before” or “after”
- New custom home entries shall include no more than 12 images, including at least 3 exterior and 1 interior shot.
Targeted Use Categories
- Submit up to 12 images including at least 3 exterior and 2 interior views. Additional images should show overall view of the community and/or special architectural and planning features
Single Family Production Housing Categories
- Site plan may be a single home footprint, part of the entire project site, or both. At least one drawing should show a typical home on a typical lot with dimensions show.
- Submit up to 8 images, including a front elevation and 4 interior views.
Interior Merchandising Categories
- Submit a floor plan and up to 8 images that represent the space.
Kitchen & Bath Categories
- Submit a floor plan and up to 4 images that represent the space
Specialty Detailing Categories
- Submit a floor plan and up to 8 images that represent the space.
- Interior detailing is the use of specialty items such as trim, molding, stone, brick, drywall, etc during the construction of the home. It is attached to the house and influenced by the interior design direction. This may also be described as architectural details.
Sales and Marketing
- Please provide a headshot of candidates for Sales Professional of the Year
- SMC of the Year entries should include up to 8 images that represent activities throughout the year
- Print materials should include all aspects of the interior and exterior of the pieces, as applicable
- Advertisement files should include what publication the advertisement appeared
- Video files are preferred to be submitted via YouTube or Vimeo link, other files accepted include .mov or .mp4 only
- JPEG and PDF formats are accepted
- Any radio ads should be provided as .mp3 audio files
- Digital campaigns and websites should provide links to the campaign or website
- Entry deadline: April 3, 2026. Late entries will be accepted for an additional fee until April 10, 2026
- Please note the entry deadline, this date is final and there will be no extensions provided. The system will automatically prevent entry submission after the deadline.
- Announcements of Finalists – May 2026
- Aurora Awards Gala, Black Tie Optional – Friday, July 31, 2026
- Become a beacon of support for innovation and achievement by sponsoring the prestigious Aurora Awards. Your partnership will not only shine a spotlight on your commitment to advancing the housing sector but also offer unparalleled exposure to industry leaders, professionals, and decision-makers. Don’t miss the chance to align your brand with the best in housing.
