May 8 2008 8:59AM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (1) |
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I've gotten a lot of e-mails about the Custom Builder Design Challenge. Most people seem genuinely interested and ask for clarification of the program requirements.

But a few are apparently offended by the very existence of the Challenge, not to mention the $25 we're charging per entry. One gentleman in particular -- whose name I won't reveal -- called it "design exploitation." In his opinion, this would be a worthy competition only if Custom Builder was prepared to build the winning design "or offered a prize that would cover the the design costs for at least one of the submitting teams." He then asked to be removed from the magazine's subscription list.

I was really perplexed by this e-mail. In creating a competition based on purely speculative designs, we hoped to set the Challenge (and Custom Builder) apart from other contests that compare already constructed homes. It's meant to encourage designers of all experience levels, including students, to use their imaginations. Yes, it requires an investment of time, but we're  not twisting anyone's arm to enter. 

Submitted designs remain the property of the designer. Perhaps in the future CB will have the resources to build the winning design. Right now the best we can do is publish the top three designs (and this year, the best student design), and hopefully disseminate some good ideas that can be applied in the real world. 

Personally, I think $25 is a very nominal entry fee compared to other design competitions, not to mention the thousands of dollars builders and architects shell out for professional photography of finished houses. (We're waiving the fee for students.) As far as prizes, the "award" for winning the Design Challenge is the same offered by other magazines: free publicity in a national publication and web site. How do you put a value on that?

The Challenge is now in its second year and I'm aware there are still some kinks that need to be worked out. I consulted an architect about the fine points of the program and received some good advice, but I'd like to open up the discussion to a larger audience. Check out the 2008 program details at www.custombuilderonline.com/challenge and tell me what you would do to make it better. Constructive comments are always welcome.