What project award categories are available?
SEAoK offers multiple project award categories recognizing excellence across a range of project types and scales. Categories are defined in the submission guidelines and reflect the diversity of structural engineering work.

• New Buildings Under $120 Million
• New Buildings Over $120 Million
• Forensic/Reuse/Renovation
• Bourbon Industry Buildings
• Anything Goes

New Building Categories: The 2 categories of new building projects are divided based on total construction cost of the building, exclusive of site or non-building construction cost. Projects may include any type of building that can be occupied or used by people. This would include, but not be limited to, parking garages, airport control towers, storage facilities, industrial buildings, hospitals, schools, and similar buildings. The building project must be located in Kentucky.

Forensic/Reuse/Renovation Category: This category includes forensic analysis, structural renovations, seismic retrofits, adaptive re-use, rehabilitation of existing buildings, or similar projects. The project must be located in Kentucky.

Bourbon Industry Building Category: This category includes construction projects that could be considered part of the bourbon industry. This could include rick houses, distilleries, rack systems, visitor centers, office and lab buildings servicing bourbon distillers, or other similar buildings/structures. The building project must be located in Kentucky.

Anything Goes Category: This category includes any building or non-building structures, of any size, usage, or construction type, also including forensic analysis, structural renovations, seismic retrofits, adaptive re-use, rehabilitation of existing buildings, or similar projects. The building or non-building project has no limitations on location.

Note: The stated construction cost of the entry should approximate the construction cost of the facility being entered, exclusive of site construction costs or the cost of other portions of the project. For example, a $40M building that is part of a 3 building, $120M development should be submitted as a $40M project.

What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects must have been substantially completed between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2025, or be sufficiently complete such that they clearly show the basic design of the structural system.

Any type or size of project may be entered, including new projects, renovations, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse projects. The project must be located in within the state of Kentucky, except as permitted by category.  Firms and Individuals are encouraged to submit as many entries as they wish.

Who can submit a project?
Entries must be submitted by a Professional Engineer (PE), or Structural Engineer (SE) licensed in the state of Kentucky who served as the Engineer of Record. All submissions may be accompanied by the Architect of Record for the submitted project. Both of whom will be award recipients.

Can a project be submitted more than once?
You can apply as many times as you want. However, you may only submit a project for one category per application. Non-winning projects from the previous year’s program may be re-submitted as long as they are still eligible based upon completion date.

What are the judging criteria (project specific)?

• Creativity of Structural Design Relative to the Specific Category (25%)
• Complexity of Criteria or Unique Problems Relative to the Specific Category (25%)
• Innovative Application of New or Existing Material or Techniques (25%)
• Ingenuity of Design for Constructability Challenges and Efficient Use of Material and Labor (25%)

How are project awards evaluated?
The selection of award recipients shall be made by a distinguished Jury of Awards, an impartial group of PE’s provided by NCSEA. Employees representing firms which have projects named as Finalists will not be eligible to participate as jurors in the selection of award winners in the category or categories that their firm has submitted in. Selection of award winners will be based upon the material submitted with each entry.

individual awards 

What individual awards are offered?
SEAoK individual awards recognize outstanding contributions by professionals within the structural engineering community, including leadership, service, mentorship, and technical achievement.

• Emerging Leader
• Young Member of the Year
• Excellence in Mentorship
• Project Management Excellence
• Advocacy & Education Impact
• Sustainability Leadership
• Outstanding Educator

Emerging Leader Category: Honors a structural engineer with less than 10 years of experience who exhibits exceptional initiative, technical ability, and leadership potential. Judges will assess the nominee’s impact on project teams, firm culture, and internal initiatives, as well as their commitment to learning, collaboration, and professional development. Evidence of early-career mentoring or outreach is also valued.

Young Member of the Year Category: A young structural engineer (under 35 or within the first 10 years of practice) who has made meaningful and lasting contributions to the SEAoK young member group. Nominees should demonstrate leadership, initiative, and active engagement in the group’s programs, committees, or outreach efforts. Judges will evaluate the nominee’s impact on advancing the mission of the association whether through organizing events, enhancing member engagement, supporting student or young professional initiatives. The ideal candidate is a role model for early-career involvement and a catalyst for strengthening the association’s community and relevance.

Excellence in Mentorship Category: A structural engineer who demonstrates a sustained commitment to mentoring colleagues and supporting the professional growth of others. Judges will consider the consistency and depth of mentorship activities, the measurable impact on mentees, and the nominee’s role in creating a positive, inclusive learning environment. Supporting testimonials are highly encouraged.

Project Management Excellence Category:  Structural engineer of any experience level must demonstrate exemplary performance in managing multiple and/or complex projects, with an emphasis on leadership, coordination, and execution. Judges will evaluate the nominee’s success in delivering projects on time and on budget, their ability to navigate risks and challenges, and their role in achieving technical quality and client satisfaction through the minimization of RFI’s and change orders relate to design error. The complexity and uniqueness of the project will also be taken into account.

Advocacy & Education Impact Category; An individual who has made significant contributions to advancing public understanding of structural engineering or influencing public policy, codes, or education related to the built environment. Judges will assess the nominee’s efforts to educate students, decision-makers, or the broader public through outreach, communication, policy engagement, or curriculum development. Emphasis will be placed on the quality, creativity, and reach of the nominee’s advocacy and their long-term impact on the profession's visibility and relevance.

Sustainability Leadership Category: Celebrates a structural engineer who has shown leadership in integrating sustainable design principles into projects, firm practice, or industry standards. Nominees should demonstrate measurable impact through design innovation, material choices, lifecycle considerations, or resilience strategies that reduce environmental harm or enhance sustainability. Judges will evaluate the originality, scalability, and influence of the nominee’s work, as well as their commitment to environmental stewardship and education.

Outstanding Educator Category: Honors an individual who has made a significant and lasting impact on the professional development of structural engineers in Kentucky through exceptional educational contributions to the association. Nominees should be frequent and highly regarded presenters at continuing education seminars, known for their deep subject-matter expertise, clarity of instruction, and ability to engage practicing engineers at all levels. Judges will evaluate the nominee’s technical knowledge, consistency of involvement, quality of presentation materials, and their role in advancing the continuing education mission of the association. The ideal recipient is a respected thought leader whose commitment to knowledge-sharing has elevated the profession.

Who may nominate an individual?
Nominations may be submitted by peers, colleagues, employers, or other professionals familiar with the nominee’s contributions.

Can individuals nominate themselves?
Self-nominations may be permitted for certain award categories. Refer to the submission guidelines for category-specific requirements.

What are the judging criteria (individual specific)?

• Quality of Nomination Statement (20%)
• Demonstrated Impact and Achievement (30%)
• Supporting Documentation (20%)
• Letters of Support or Testimonials (20%)
• Contribution to Association or Profession (10%)

How are individual awards evaluated?
The selection of award recipients shall be made by a distinguished Jury of Awards, an impartial group of PE’s provided by NCSEA. Employees representing firms which have individuals named as Finalists will not be eligible to participate as jurors in the selection of award winners in the category or categories that their firm has submitted in. Selection of award winners will be based upon the material submitted with each entry.

Champion of Collaboration Award 

What is the Champion of Collaboration Award?
The Champion of Collaboration Award is a special recognition presented to an Architect who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and collaboration in interdisciplinary project delivery, as experienced and nominated by members of the structural engineering community. Nominees should exemplify excellence in design team coordination, communication, and decision-making processes that result in effective and respectful collaboration across disciplines. Judges will consider the nominee’s ability to foster trust, navigate complex project dynamics, advocate for integrated solutions, and create an environment where structural engineers can contribute at the highest level. This award is presented on behalf of SEAoK to acknowledge architects who elevate the profession through partnership, stewardship, and shared design success.

Who can be nominated for this award?
This award is specific to Architects and is intended to honor individuals who have consistently fostered strong interdisciplinary collaboration with structural engineers on behalf of SEAoK’s mission and values.

Submissions & deadlines  

When is the submission period?
Submissions for both project and individual awards will be accepted January 12, 2026 through March 20, 2026.

How do I submit a nomination?
All nominations must be submitted online using the official SEAoK submission portal.

 Submit a Project Award Nomination
 Submit an Individual Award Nomination

What materials are required for submission?
Project Submissions: 
Project entries must include the following material.

• A description of the entry outlining the significant aspects of the entry and their relationship to the relevant judging criteria. (800 word maximum)
• A summary of the entry highlighting the structural aspects of the project that will be used in SEAoK publications. (100 word maximum)
• Photographs during construction and of the completed structure.
  - Minimum of 4 and not more than 12.
  - Plans or sketches may be included (not more than two pages total).
  
  
• Category Winners will be required to provide SEAoK with the following for use in future publications and announcements, and for the awards ceremony.
  - One poster (30”x42”) for display at the 2026 SEAoK Annual Meeting and associated seminars.
  - A 5- to 15-minute PowerPoint slide presentation at the SEAoK Annual Conference discussing the award-winning project.

Individual Submissions: 
Individuals applying for these awards should prepare the nomination form including the following requirements to submit for the jury review.

• Nomination Statement, indicating the specific award desired and an up to 300-word narrative indicating why the nominee deserves the specific award. The narrative should directly address the award’s judging criteria and provide specific examples of the nominee’s contributions, achievements, and impact whether within the structural engineering association, the profession, or the broader community, depending on the award.
• Supporting Documentation, to provide additional context to the nomination, supporting documentation is encouraged and may include a resume or CV, summaries of relevant projects or initiatives, measurable outcomes, testimonials from clients or superiors, and (where applicable) visual or technical materials. Together, these materials should present a compelling and well-rounded case for the nominee's excellence and suitability for the award.
  
  

Awards Gala & Recognition 

Do I need to attend the Awards Gala to receive an award?
Attendance is encouraged but not required. Award recipients will be recognized at the Gala, and arrangements can be made if a recipient is unable to attend.

How do I RSVP to attend the Awards Gala? 
To attend the Awards Gala, please complete the online RSVP through the event registration page. All attendees must register in advance. RSVPs are due by May 6.

May I bring a guest to the Awards Gala?
Yes. Each registered attendee may bring one guest, which can be added during the RSVP process.

Will award winners be notified and announced in advance?
Category Winners will be notified approximately 4 weeks prior to the SEAoK Annual Conference to be held on May 21, 2026 & May 22, 2026 in Lexington, KY. All Category Winners will be announced and awards presented at the SEAoK Annual Awards Gala on May 20, 2026. Winning entries will also be on display.

Who owns the submitted materials, and how may they be used?
All materials submitted as part of an awards entry become the sole property of SEAoK and will not be returned. SEAoK reserves the right to use, reproduce, display, and publish all entries and accompanying materials for editorial, promotional, and educational purposes. By submitting an entry, entrants grant SEAoK a royalty-free license to use any copyrighted materials, including the publication of photographs and the names of award winners, without compensation. Posters for project finalists may be displayed at SEAoK events throughout the year, and all project finalists will be featured on the SEAoK website.

additional quESTIONS

Who can I contact with questions about the Awards Gala or submissions?
For further questions regarding awards, eligibility, or submissions, please contact SEAoKmail@gmail.com.

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