Don t miss your project s moment in the spotlight

Don’t miss your project’s moment in the spotlightNearing two decades as chief judge of Australia’s best building projects, the Property Council’s national awards chairman John McCarthy AO reflects on the industry’s evolution and shares his tips for a winning entry.McCarthy (pictured) first judged the Property Council of Australia /Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation & Excellence Awards in 1999, and has witnessed remarkable changes in the 19 awards cycles since.”Quite clearly, the categories and number of entrants have grown over the years, but more importantly, the quality and sophistication of the entries have evolved enormously,” he says.”The quality today – from technology and materials to presentation of workspaces and the efficiency of assets themselves – is quite bewildering.”The degree of innovation that is now applied almost across the board demonstrates an industry that is thinking much deeper about the needs of building occupants.”McCarthy names sustainability as one of the game changers over his time scrutinising submissions.”Tenant demand for sustainable space has undoubtedly driven this, and the industry’s response has been to create buildings that are more environmentally-friendly, responsive and attractive places,” he says.McCarthy also notes the acceleration of innovation, although he cautions overuse of the word.”The judging panel considers innovation to be something that hasn’t been done before. We’re not looking for evolutions on what already exists, but transformations.”The industry’s awareness of diversity is also mirrored in the awards, McCarthy says. “The category has only existed for two years, but reflects an awareness within the industry that equality is the first of natural rights within the workforce.”McCarthy, who holds various corporate board positions and is an Honorary Life Member and former national president of the Property Council, reviews every single entry, and visits as many sites as he can. “Some judges will spend weeks on the road looking at buildings in their category,” he explains.”The process is a tremendous team effort. Our judges represent every state and territory, and we all come together each March to reflect on the submissions, discuss our decisions and make sure each category winner is the right choice.”So, what are his tips for would-be award winners?”The judging system is weighted in such a way that, unless you provide full financial details, it’s difficult to win. Any company concerned about submitting financials can send them direct to me, and all those details will be destroyed by the Property Council immediately after judging.”McCarthy says the judging panel also encourages the use of videos and photographs to help tell their story. “We like as much detail as possible – but bear in mind we get up to 140 entries, so the detail needs to be accurate and honest.”The judging process takes around four months every year, but “it’s a labour of love,” McCarthy says. “It’s an absolute privilege to support the best developments in Australia.”Nominations for the 2017 close today, Wednesday 30 November, but some extensions are available for last minute entries. Contact Kaitlyn Davidson, the Property Council’s national awards coordinator on (02) 9033 1945 to make sure your project doesn’t miss its moment in the spotlight.