2026 EIFS Excellence AwardsThe EIFS Excellence Awards honor exceptional projects that demonstrate innovative use of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) in construction, setting the bar for quality, creativity, and sustainability.
These prestigious awards showcase the very best in the industry, celebrating projects that highlight the remarkable benefits of EIFS, including energy efficiency, design versatility, and positive environmental impact. Earning an EIFS Excellence Award not only brings well-deserved recognition to your project but also underscores your dedication to excellence in construction and design. |
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Now in its ninth year overall and third year as the EIFS Excellence Awards, the program continues to evolve and grow. Building on the momentum of its recent rebranding, EIMA has continued to refine the judging criteria to further spotlight innovation, sustainability, and design excellence. This year’s entries will be evaluated with an even greater emphasis on architectural creativity and the critical role EIFS plays in enhancing energy efficiency, durability, and aesthetic impact.
Another key highlight is that participation in the competition is exclusive to EIMA members, emphasizing the value and prestige of belonging to the association. Winners will gain significant industry recognition and be celebrated as leaders in EIFS innovation.
The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony on March 25 during the 2027 EIMA Annual Meeting, taking place in Scottsdale, AZ.
Another key highlight is that participation in the competition is exclusive to EIMA members, emphasizing the value and prestige of belonging to the association. Winners will gain significant industry recognition and be celebrated as leaders in EIFS innovation.
The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony on March 25 during the 2027 EIMA Annual Meeting, taking place in Scottsdale, AZ.
Eligibility
The EIFS Excellence Awards are open to all EIMA members in good standing, including contractors, architects, manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers. Eligibility requirements for entries are:
The EIFS Excellence Awards are open to all EIMA members in good standing, including contractors, architects, manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers. Eligibility requirements for entries are:
- Built EIFS projects must be completed in the last three years.
- Entry must be submitted by an EIMA member in good standing.
- Entry must be submitted by a company that is a member of the project team.
- The EIF system used on the project must be that of an EIMA manufacturer member.
- All components of the project’s EIF system will have been supplied or obtained from one EIMA manufacturer member, or its authorized distributors. Substitutions or additions of project materials other than those specified by the EIMA manufacturer will deem entry ineligible.
- The project’s opaque walls must be comprised of more than 50% EIFS.
- Projects may be submitted for the EIFS Excellence Awards no more than twice.
- Winners of a previous years' Excellence Award are not eligible for re-submission.
- All projects must be located in North America.
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Categories
Entries will be categorized by building type. Submitted projects may choose more than one applicable category. Projects may be moved from one category to another by judges based on the appearance and purpose of the project stated in the entry. Awards are based on total score determined by the panel - every category is not guaranteed an award.
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KEY DATES Call for Entries: September 1, 2026 Submission Deadline: November 2, 2026 Competition Judging: December 1, 2026 - January 15, 2027 Winners Notified: January 22, 2027 Awards Ceremony: March 25, 2027 |
Criteria
Each entry will be thoroughly evaluated based on a comprehensive set of criteria outlined below, ensuring that all relevant aspects of the EIFS project are considered.
1. Aesthetic Appeal and Design Integration - 25% of overall score
- Visual Excellence: Demonstrates superior aesthetic qualities, contributing to the overall visual appeal and architectural beauty of the structure.
- Design Harmony: Showcases how EIFS seamlessly integrates with various architectural styles. Details how the architectural intent was met by the submission.
- Cutting-Edge Solutions: Highlights the use of innovative techniques, materials, or applications within the EIFS framework. Includes details that describe how the project pushes the boundaries of traditional usage.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Demonstrates how EIFS was used to address unique obstacles or meet specific project requirements in an exceptional way. Details issues including but not limited to budgetary constraints, local regulations and water intrusion challenges.
- Energy Efficiency: Demonstrates the role of EIFS in improving the building’s thermal performance, contributing to energy savings and sustainability and includes information such as Effective Thermal Performance.
- Durability and Maintenance: Provides evidence of the long-term durability of EIFS in various environments, showcasing minimal maintenance requirements and resilience against wear and tear.
- Quality of the submission's narrative and photography.
- Project Description: Ensures that the entry is thorough and all of the criteria are met.
- Photography: Clear images of the final project with construction debris removed and landscaping completed along with detailed photos of the EIF System will positively impact this score.
For questions about the EIFS Excellence Awards, please contact:
Aggie Sterrett
Program Manager
EIFS Industry Members Association
[email protected]
(703) 538-1602
