The Most Common Mistakes on HNA Award Entries (and How to Avoid Them)
Incredible hardscaping projects miss out on top scores every year at the HNA Awards because of missteps in the submission process.
Whether you’re entering for the first time or are a seasoned pro looking to improve your chances, understanding what NOT to do is just as important as knowing what makes a winning entry.
From photo selection to category choice, we’re breaking down the most common mistakes we see and how you can avoid them to give your project the spotlight it deserves.
Mistake #1: Repeating the Same Photo
Why it hurts you: Judges are looking for a full picture of your work—literally and figuratively. Repeating the same image just to meet the five-photo minimum misses the opportunity to show the project's scope and complexity.
How to avoid it: Use each photo to support your project’s story. If possible, include a mix of before, during, and after images. Detail shots, wide views, and process pictures can all help the judges better understand your craftsmanship and design choices.
Mistake #2: Not Giving Enough Detail in Your Description
Why it hurts you: A short, vague description or a list that reads like a spec sheet leaves judges guessing. Even the most beautiful project won’t win if the story behind it isn’t clear.
How to avoid it: Treat the description like a guided tour for the judges. Explain the project’s goals, the challenges you faced, the materials and techniques used, and how you delivered results. The more vividly you describe the process, the more compelling your entry becomes.
Mistake #3: Submitting to the Wrong Category
Why it hurts you: Submitting a great project in the wrong category can lead to disqualification or an unfair comparison to different types of work.
How to avoid it: Read each category description carefully. When in doubt, reach out and ask! Picking the right fit ensures your work is evaluated fairly and gives it the best chance to succeed.
Mistake #4: Not Realizing Each Project Is Its Own Entry
Why it hurts you: It’s easy to think one entry can cover multiple projects, but each submission must focus on a single job site. Skipping this step can lead to incomplete entries or confusion.
How to avoid it: Submit each project as a separate entry, with its own full description, set of images, and entry fee. We encourage multiple submissions, but each one should be complete and thoughtfully presented.
Mistake #5: Leaving Submissions Incomplete
Why it hurts you: Getting started is great, but if you don’t hit “Submit” before the deadline, your entry won’t be judged at all!
How to avoid it: Use our OpenWater platform to your advantage. It allows you to start now, save your progress, and come back to polish your entry. But be sure to finish and submit it before the deadline. Set a reminder if you need to!
The HNA Awards are your opportunity to showcase your hard work, gain national recognition, and inspire the industry. Avoiding these common mistakes helps ensure that your submission reflects the high quality of your work and gives it the best chance to win.
Ready to submit? Start (or finish!) your entry today.