WoodWorks is now accepting nominations for its Regional Wood Design Awards, which will be presented at Wood Solutions Fairs across the country. The awards recognize excellence in wood design and construction, as well as innovative projects that showcase wood’s strength, beauty, versatility and cost-effectiveness.

“We want to honor those architects, engineers and designers that have found innovative ways to use wood in buildings,” said Dwight Yochim, national director of WoodWorks, an educational initiative that provides free technical support and resources related to non-residential and multi-family building projects. “These are real-world examples that demonstrate how wood can help maximize the beauty, functionality and sustainability of modern buildings while in many cases minimizing cost.”

Projects may be submitted in numerous categories, some of which include institutional, commercial, and multi-family/midrise wood design; interior beauty of wood; green building; exterior use of wood; innovative wood design; traditional use of wood; wood behind walls; and engineering. For categories specific to each region, visit woodworks.org.

“This is a great opportunity for design professionals across the U.S. to be recognized by their peers and celebrated for demonstrating wood’s exciting design possibilities,” said Yochim. “These awards showcase new applications for wood that contribute to the advancement of building design on many levels—from from engineering to sustainability.”

Entry eeadlines
There are no project nomination fees, and multiple submissions are encouraged. Projects must have been completed in the past three years. Entrants can find nomination materials and more information at www.woodworks.org/woodDesignAwards. Deadlines for entries are as follows:

• Central Region – Oct. 14, 2011
• East Region – Dec. 23, 2011
• West Region – Jan. 15, 2012

Award winners will be recognized for their innovative designs and projects at Wood Solutions Fairs, which are held twice a year in each region. Free to design and building professionals, Wood Solutions Fairs combine topical seminars with a trade exposition to deliver a comprehensive educational experience for individuals considering or using wood in non-residential or multi-family structures. Upcoming Fairs include:

• Dallas, TX – Dec. 7, 2011
• Atlanta, GA – Feb. 21, 2012
• Baltimore, MD – Feb 23, 2012
• Long Beach, CA – Feb. 29, 2012
• Portland, OR – Mar. 13, 2012
• Seattle, WA – Mar. 15, 2012

Images of past winning entries, more information and nomination forms are available on the WoodWorks website, www.woodworks.org.