Applicant FAQs

Eligibility and Project Requirements

1. Who can submit?

Any lighting professional — whether or not an IES member — may submit a project. Manufacturers, IES staff, and members of the IES Board of Directors are not eligible to
enter.

2. What types of projects qualify?

Any permanent lighting installation may be submitted. The Experiential Lighting Design category also accepts temporary or seasonal projects. All projects must have been completed within 24 months prior to January 1, 2026.

3. Can residential projects be entered?

Yes. Residential work may be entered under the Interior Lighting Design category.

4. Can I enter multiple areas of one project?

Yes. Different areas of a single project may be submitted as separate entries (for example, interior lighting, outdoor lighting, lighting controls, etc.), provided each has a unique title and separate entry fee. Each entry is judged independently.

5. Which IES Section should I submit my project to?

Submit to the Section of the lead lighting designer. If there is no active Section, submit to
the nearest one.

6. What if there is no IES Section near me?

Projects will still be accepted and entered into judging.

Starting and Editing a Submission
7. Can I revisit my submission?

Yes — before submitting payment. You can revisit and edit your entry by selecting “In Progress” or “In Cart” in your Dashboard. From there, you may download a PDF version for your records. Once payment is made, you will no longer have access to edit your submission.

8. Can I edit my submission after payment?

No. Once payment is processed, your submission is locked and cannot be modified. Please review all materials carefully before finalizing your entry.

9. Can I begin multiple submissions?

Yes. During checkout, you may choose to complete your current entry or start a new one. Each distinct project or area requires its own title, entry form, and fee. Duplicate entries in the same category will be disqualified.

Content Rules and Formatting
12. Can I include designer, design firm, or manufacturer names?

No. Any mention of designer names, firms, manufacturers, or branded products will result in disqualification.

13. Is it acceptable to reference the project owner or client name?

Yes, as long as the name is not a design firm or manufacturer. You may want to be careful if the owner is a designer or design firm that people may confuse with listing the design team. You may include the city, state, and owner’s name if appropriate. Example: “This new restaurant, Burger Shack, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania…” is acceptable.

14. What qualifies as an Impact Statement?

The Impact Statement explains how your project positively serves its community.
Examples include:

• Reducing light spill into adjacent communities.
• Designing with sensitivity to local culture or abilities.
• Using community engagement or equitable design processes.
• Supporting historically under-resourced or neglected communities through quality lighting.

15. What qualifies for the Experiential Lighting Design award?

The Experiential Lighting Design award encompasses interior and exterior projects and permanent, temporary, or seasonal installations. This can be a park with interactive elements for visitors, a spectacular holiday display, or an amusement park ride, to name afew examples.

16. What counts as multiple images?

Each photo on a slide counts as one image, even if several are grouped together. For example, a slide with three images = three total images.

Judging and Evaluation

17. How are judges selected?

Judges are chosen from a broad professional spectrum representing deep knowledge of lighting and design excellence. The judging process is entirely criteria-based — projects are evaluated on how well they meet the defined program standards, not in comparison
with one another.

18. How will my project be judged?

Each project is reviewed independently using a detailed score sheet. Judges evaluate based on merit, not competition.

19. Why did my project not receive an award?

While IES cannot provide individual feedback, you can reference the submission tutorial and category score sheets to understand scoring criteria. You may also contact your local IA Chair for general improvement guidance.

20. What happens if a submission violates a rule?

Any submission that violates the stated program rules will be disqualified.

21. What happens after I submit my project?

Submissions move through several judging phases:

• Section Processing
• Merit Judging
• Final Judging

Highest-level award recipients are honored at the IES Illumination Awards Gala.

22. How long does judging take?

Judging typically occurs between February and April, following the posted timeline.

Fees and Payment

23. How much does it cost to enter?

• Members: $265 Early / $320 Regular
• Non-Members: $365 Early / $420 Regular

All fees are non-refundable.

24. Can I receive a refund if I withdraw my submission?

No. Entry fees are non-refundable once payment is made.

Ownership, Permissions, and Publication

25. What forms of consent are required to submit to the Illumination Awards?

The Lead Lighting Designer must inform the owner and all others involved in the project that the design is being entered and may be published in LD+A. The owner’s name or location may be withheld for privacy.

26. What rights does IES have to submitted materials?

All entry materials — including photos, renderings, and narratives — may be used without restriction by LD+A and the IES for editorial, educational, and promotional purposes. LD+A holds reproduction privileges without charge to the Society.

27. Can award recipients order duplicate certificates?

Yes. Anyone may request a duplicate certificate. Please contact WHO??? for details and processing.

International Entrants

28. What is the process for international award recipients attending the Illumination
Awards Gala?

IES will provide conference registration and an official award recipient letter to assist
with visa arrangements. Unfortunately, IES cannot complete or provide U.S. Department
of State or Customs documentation beyond this letter.

Need Help?

29. Who do I contact with questions about rules, procedures, or categories?

Please contact awards@ies.org for general inquiries.

30. Who do I contact for technical assistance with the submission portal?

Please reach out to awards@ies.org for technical support.