A Milestone for Folding Oaks

First Professional Design Competition

A few months ago, I entered my first professional design competition through the Texas Institute of Building Design, TIBD. I didn’t know what to expect and was simply curious. TIBD is a professional organization for building designers that promotes continuing education, professional development, and excellence in design. One of the ways they do that is through an annual design competition judged by industry peers. 

The Awards

While there are multiple categories, I am honored to be recognized in all 3 categories I submitted projects to this year:

1st Place - Built Residential (2,501-4,000SF)

1st Place - Working Drawings

Design Recognition - Unbuilt Residential (2,501-4000SF)

The Value to Clients

I want to elaborate for a minute on the categories and their value. A built home is quite an accomplishment and the result of collaboration, process, and, of course, the construction documents. Folding Oaks submitted two homes to the Built Residential 2501-4000SF category and received 1st Place! Because the individual winning submission has not yet been confirmed, I'm proud to recognize both projects together - each representing the thoughtful, collaborative process behind Folding Oaks residential design.

Two projects submitted; one first-place award.

Working Drawings

For “Working Drawings”, designers must submit a set of construction documents for essentially a professional peer review. Like any complex project, no construction document set is ever truly perfect. Questions arise, field conditions change, and revisions are a normal part of the construction process.  But it is rewarding to hear that the construction documents were at a quality that earned professional recognition. 

Working Drawings

Unbuilt Residential

This category is an interesting and well-documented topic in the industry. Many projects unfortunately don’t make it to the finish line. Other projects may simply be in development with the intent to be built. 

They still matter.

Each project I work on offers a different challenge, a different design solution, and an opportunity for growth. Clients gain excitement through the process and, upon completion, a beautiful home to last for generations. 

Closing Thoughts

Recognition in both design and documentation reinforces my goal of delivering homes that are thoughtfully designed and clearly communicated. However, this recognition would not be possible without our incredible clients. 

Every home I design has something unique to offer because every family is unique. The design process itself is equally rewarding. We get to know one another, listen, collaborate, challenge ideas, and ultimately work toward the same goal: creating a home that reflects the people who live there.

Thank you to every client who has trusted Folding Oaks with one of life’s biggest investments.