Entering the APLD Design Competition: The Whys and Hows

by Robin Parsons 

A Garden to Complement Modern Architectural Style
Photo credit The Designer Magazine - APLD

Four years ago, the world was locked down. We were all parked at home experiencing a new unknown future. The APLD Headquarters was sending out a request for entries for their international Landscape Design Awards competition. What an opportune time to prepare one of my projects that I felt passionate about. The outcome was incredibly rewarding in many ways that I would like to share with you. 

We are all busy with our jobs and daily lives and most of us don’t have the time to commit to these extra endeavors. Why is this effort worthy of your time? 

Pursuing an APLD Design Award is well worth your efforts.  You will receive constructive feedback from a jury of your design peers who are seasoned professionals. Allowing yourself to be critiqued can be slightly uncomfortable; a small price as it can vastly improve your skills and perspective. Waiting for the results can be unnerving, though knowing you participated in a thoughtful and informative process makes it worth the wait. 

Extending yourself beyond your daily work and exposing projects of which you are proud, is a valuable step in expanding your design business. Your talents will be recognized both by your local chapter and your national colleagues. Receiving an award and attending the National Conference is an incredible experience that will instill confidence in you and your work, both personally and professionally.  

Standing among my peers while receiving accolades at the awards night was a memory I will treasure for a long time. It was a special moment where we could all support and appreciate each other among a community of encouraging and inspiring designers.  

Most importantly, if you haven’t already experienced a conference, I urge you to go, as you will meet incredible like-minded people, experience incredible gardens and take home many fresh ideas from the entire experience! 

What makes a project award worthy?  Choose a project you believe is memorable and tells a strong story. Run that idea by a trusted colleague to get their feedback. The awards committee is not only looking for good design, they want to hear your story and how you solved your clients’ problems with a strong solution.   

Steel Planters in a Bare Hillside | Bold Plants and Colorful Layers in Hillside (Before/After)
Photo credit Doreen Wynja

Photo credit Doreen Wynja (Bottom Left Before/Top, Bottom Right After)

Solutions  

• Identify a theme and concepts that draw in your audience. Good planning should demonstrate both practical and creative solutions that tie your project together. Show your thinking behind the design.  

• Describe the sequence of your project as well as the experience of the place. How does the client live in this space? Where are the focal areas and how do they function?

• What were your site challenges and how did you solve them? This could include access, transporting equipment or soils.

Open and Functional Space (Before/After)
Photo credit Robin Parsons

• Refine your drawings to a certification standard. Follow the guidelines and standards of the APLD certification protocol on the website to present your designs int the most clear and professional manner. This includes varying your line weights, choosing symbols with clear differentiation that best represent your design elements.  

• Describe and identify all hardscape and creative details that make your project unique on your plans. Show your thinking behind the design. 

Professional photos for the win!  
When in doubt, having your work photographed by a professional always makes a difference. I highly recommend selecting a photographer who has a strong understanding of plants. Make sure to choose the best time of day; early morning or early evening often provides the best lighting for shooting your garden. If possible, include multiple season images in your entry. 

Climate adapted projects

Gardens for a Climate Future
Photo credit Doreen Wynja

• Drought tolerant plants

• Good drainage - Natural bluestone paths that drain freely

• Repurpose existing wrought iron arbor and trellises to match the window treatments of the house.

Entering projects that are climate adapted are highly valued and considered. Also welcome are projects that support wildlife, environmentally critical areas(ECA), and complex environmental challenges, mitigation, and drainage challenges. Show gardens and planting designs are welcome too. 

Plant Selection

• Identify a thoughtful color palette that includes diversity of textures, color and movement.  

• Include multiple seasons of interest where possible.

Helianthemum ‘Cheviot’ - Lavandula ‘Hidcote’ - Hakonechloa ‘aureola’ - Halimiocistus x wintonensis ‘Merrist Wood Cream’ - Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘Victoria’ - Geum ‘Alabama Slammer’
Photo credit Robin Parsons

Physocarpus ‘Summer Wine’ - Cedrus deodara ‘Snow Sprite’
Photo credit Robin Parsons

Ajuga chocolate chip - Actaea ‘Brunette’
Photo credit Robin Parsons

Showing unique resources  
Adding unique native plants, and locally-sourced materials and furnishings are a strong addition to your project.  

Gold Award Winners
Photo credit The Designer Magazine - APLD

Winning an award is a great way to build your brand and get exposure. Not only will your clients be excited for you, but this can also help elevate your brand and ultimately, expose you to many new clients. Your work will be showcased in the Designer Online magazine, along with your fellow winners! Every winner’s story and winning project is also recognized individually one time during the following year.  

Focal Container on Tan Gravel
Photo credit Doreen Wynja

Everyone has a story to tell and yours is worth telling. This is one great opportunity for your work and ideas to be seen and heard. 
People want to hear about you!