Design Awards FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions.


Who can submit a project?

Businesses or individuals responsible for either the design concept and specification, or bringing a project to life using polytec products, are eligible to enter the polytec Design Awards.


Do I have to pay to enter the Design Awards?

Entry to the polytec Design Awards is completely free!


How many awards are to be won?

There are a total of four awards:

  1. Creator Award
    • Recognising Businesses/individuals responsible for the design concept and specification of polytec products (e.g. architects, interior designers, building designers, new home builder etc.).
    • Finalists and a Winner for each State/Territory for both the Residential and Commercial categories.
    • State/Territory is determined by the location of the business or individual entering.
  2. Maker Award
    • Recognising Businesses/individuals responsible for bringing the design to life (e.g. cabinetmakers, joiners, fabricators, shopfitters, commercial joiner etc.).
    • Finalists and a Winner for each State/Territory for both the Residential and Commercial categories.
    • State/Territory is determined by the location of the business or individual entering.
  3. National Maker Award and National Creator Award
    • Decided as overall Winner between Winners from awards 1 and 2.
  4. People’s Choice Award
    • Peers vote for their favourite entries from all projects entered.
    • Winner for each State/Territory for both the Residential and Commercial categories.
    • State/Territory is determined by the location of the business or individual entering.

What’s the difference between Residential and Commercial categories?
Residential (designed for people to live in):
  • Houses
  • Units
  • Display homes
  • Includes apartment high rises
Commercial (anything not residential):
  • Health
  • Hospitality
  • Retail
  • Workplace
  • Education
  • Sporting
  • Public spaces e.g. foyers

What does the Maker Award recognise?

The Maker Award recognises excellence in joinery execution, construction quality, technical detailing and material application. It celebrates outstanding craftsmanship, problem solving and the successful delivery of a high-quality finished project.


What does the Creator Award recognise?

The Creator Award recognises excellence in design, creativity and innovation. It celebrates thoughtful material specification, a clear design intent, an exceptional user experience, and the considered application of polytec products.


What year must my project have been completed to enter the awards?

Eligible projects must have been completed from 2024 onwards, including projects completed in the current year, and must not have been entered into previous polytec Design Awards.


Can I include products other than polytec in my submission?

Yes, however, polytec must be used in majority of joinery in the project.


How do I submit a project?

To submit a project, you must first sign up for a Business Account. Once verified and approved, you may begin submitting projects. Be sure to read the prompts.


Can I submit a project over multiple entries?

Each project needs to be submitted as one entry, not over several entries, regardless of application. For example, if one residential project is submitted in segments, e.g. bathroom and kitchen, this will be rejected. The project must be entered as a whole.


Do my photos need to be of a specific quality?

All submitted photography must be of professional quality, high resolution Jpeg (min 1100x1100px and no larger than 30MB) and must not be watermarked. Please see the winners from the polytec Design Awards 2024 here for examples of image quality.


Why was my project rejected?

Your project may have been rejected due to low image resolution, poor image quality, lacking in information or if no polytec products were evident in the submission. If you believe this was done in error, please contact us.


How long will it take for my account to be approved?

Your account should take no longer than 1 business day to be approved. If it takes longer than this, please contact us here for assistance.


How many projects can I submit?

Project submissions are uncapped, so feel free to upload as many as you like!


When does voting open for the People’s Choice Award?

Voting for People’s Choice Award opens 22nd February 2027 and closes 11th June 2027.


How many times can I vote for People’s Choice Award?

Voting is only open for the People’s Choice Award. You can vote a total of 12 times — 6 for Residential and 6 for Commercial projects.


Can I vote for my own project?

If you are logged in to a business account attached to your projects, you cannot vote on them.


Can I still vote if I am logged into my business account?

Yes, you will receive votes in your business account, rather than signing up for an individual voter account.


Can I remove my votes?

Yes, these can be removed/edited from projects in ‘My Account’.


What are the important dates that I need to know about?

polytec Design Awards 2027 Submissions Open: 1st September 2026

polytec Design Awards 2027 Submissions Close: 1st February 2027

People’s Choice Award Voting Open: 22nd February 2027

People’s Choice Voting Closes: 11th June 2027

People’s Choice Award announced: 16th June 2027

National Award announced: 18th June 2027


© 2026 polytecdesignawards.com.au | Porta Products Pty Limited ACN 003 246 357
Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Entry See the full terms of entry. Open to AU residents over the age of 18 and AU businesses. Each entry must be a unique project. Closes 1st February 2027 at 11:59 PM. No cash or other prizes. Winners to be published on polytec’s website and social media channels. Promoter: Porta Products Pty Ltd ABN 31 003 246 357.