HARDSCAPE AWARDS 2026 ENTRY FORM

The 2026 Southwest Hardscapes Association Awards recognize outstanding hardscape projects, with awards presented to the material manufacturer, material supplier, and hardscape installer.

ELIGIBILITY

• Hardscape products must be the predominant component of the project.
• Projects must be located in Arizona, New Mexico, or Clark County, Nevada.
• Project completion date must be within the past five years (January 1, 2021 – September 1, 2026).
• Projects that have not previously won may be resubmitted.
• At least one company involved must be a Southwest Hardscapes Association member.
• There is no limit to the number of entries per company.

CATEGORIES

1. Residential Patios / Courtyards / Entryways – Over 1,000 sq ft
This category is only open to concrete pavers.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

2. Residential Patios / Courtyards / Entryways – Under 1,000 sq ft
This category is only open to concrete pavers.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

3. Residential Driveways – Over 3,000 sq ft
This category is only open to concrete pavers.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

4. Residential Driveways – Under 3,000 sq ft
This category is only open to concrete pavers.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

5. Porcelain Pavers – Residential
This category is only open to porcelain pavers.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

6. Porcelain Pavers – Commercial
This category is only open to porcelain pavers.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

7. Commercial Projects – Over 10,000 sq ft
This category is only open to concrete pavers.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

8. Commercial Projects – Under 10,000 sq ft
This category is only open to concrete pavers.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

9. Specialty Paving – Residential
This category is open to natural stone, Artistic Pavers, and all paving materials other than concrete or porcelain pavers.
No swimming pools allowed in this category.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

10. Specialty Paving – Commercial
This category is open to natural stone, Artistic Pavers, and all paving materials other than concrete or porcelain pavers.
No swimming pools allowed in this category.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

11. Swimming Pool – Residential
This category is open to all materials.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

12. Swimming Pool – Commercial
This category is open to all materials.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

13. Segmental Retaining Walls – Residential / Commercial
Walls that are retaining or freestanding.
Does not include elements built using these walls (e.g., BBQs or fire pits).
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

14. Outdoor Kitchens Using SRWs
Materials must be segmental retaining walls.
Project can include full kitchens, BBQs, or other outdoor elements.
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

15. Total Project
This category is open to all materials.
Recognizes overall hardscape projects that include multiple elements (e.g., driveways, patios, etc.).
Awards: 1st and 2nd Place

 JUDGING CRITERIA

Projects will be judged solely on the hardscape—not the surrounding landscape, buildings, or other structures. Judges are encouraged to zoom in to review details and cuts closely.

Each entry should be professionally assembled with a clear, detailed project description and high-quality photographs (each project will include approximately 6–12 images, and there will be roughly 80–100 total entries).

If a submittal includes the name of the contractor, vendor, or any trade-specific company or brand, a five-point deduction will be aplied. 

Projects will be evaluated using the following weighted criteria:

IMPORTANT DATES

• October 4: Entry Submittals Due
• October 5-11: Judging Period (One Week)
• November 14: Awards Banquet

DISCLAIMER

A single outstanding project will be selected for the Chapter’s Choice Award, which may come from any category.
The Southwest Hardscapes Association reserves the right to use all entries for promotional purposes.