The Texas Chapter is pleased to announce the John Staub Awards program. These awards recognize and promote excellence in the classical and vernacular traditions. Awards will go to design and craftsmanship that contributes to these traditions in Texas and, in turn, builds on the legacy of John Staub.

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Schedule

• March 2, 2026 Call for Entries
• August 31, 2026 Entry Deadline: Entry Forms, Fees, and Submittals Due by 5:00pm
• September 2026 Jury Deliberation
• October 2026 Announcement of recipients posted on www.classicist-texas.org
• November 14, 2026 John Staub Awards Gala

Eligibility

Eligible projects must be located within Texas or by a Texas based practitioner and must be a member of the ICAA. All projects must have been completed between January 1, 2016 and the time of submittal. Each entrant may submit a maximum of five projects for consideration.  Those making the submission must have permission to use all photography and/or printed material contained within the submission. The ICAA and the ICAA Texas Chapter reserves the right to use all materials contained within the submission for promotional purposes in future printed and digital media including by featuring winning projects on the ICAA websites (classicist.org and classicist-texas.org), ICAA awards book(s), and ICAA media announcements.

Design Categories

The jury will have latitude in defining categories of projects to receive awards and also in granting special citations. Designers are encouraged to submit projects, regardless of whether they fit neatly into the categories described below. All projects are required to be constructed.

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Architecture

• Residential Architecture – less than 5,000sf   Includes single-family houses smaller than 5,000 square feet.
• Residential Architecture – 5,000sf-10,000sf   Includes single-family houses between 5,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet.
• Residential Architecture – more than 10,000sf   Includes single-family houses larger than 10,000 square feet.
• Addition/Renovation/Folly   Includes all renovation, addition, and restoration work to residential architecture without historical consideration.
• Historic Preservation   Includes all renovation, addition, and restoration work to residential architecture with historical consideration.
• Institutional/Civic/Ecclesiastic/Multi-Family/Commercial Architecture   Includes all Institutional, Civic, Ecclesiastic, Commercial Architecture and larger scale multi-family projects.

Interior Design

• Residential Interiors   Includes complete interior design work within a residential context, including those interiors completed within large multi-family projects.
• Commercial Interiors   Includes holistic interior design work within a commercial/institutional/ecclesiastic context.
• One-Room Interior   Includes interior design concentrated in a single room, or tight sequence of conjoined spaces.

Landscape Architecture

• Residential Landscape   Includes orchestration of plant material and design of constructed elements in an exterior setting. The work should support and be proximity to a residential dwelling.
• Institutional/Civic/Ecclesiastic/Multi-Family/Commercial Landscape   Includes orchestration of plant material and design of constructed elements in an exterior setting. The work is not required to be designed in conjunction with an architectural building.

Artisan Categories

The jury will have latitude in defining categories of projects to receive awards and also in granting special citations. Designers are encouraged to submit projects, regardless of whether they fit neatly into the categories described below. All projects are required to be constructed.

• Craftsmanship   Built work crafted by the entrant and completed as a permanent element or component of a building or landscape, either on-site or in a shop.
• Fine Art   Built work and Academic Book Publications crafted by the entrant and completed as a stand-alone object.

Emerging Professional

Projects completed during school or within 5 years of graduation, design category projects are not required to be constructed. Project may be any of the aforementioned categories.

Entry Procedure

• Each entry must be submitted online through Submittable.com.
• All entries must be anonymous. Entrants’ names and/or firm names should not appear anywhere on the images that will be reviewed by the jury.
• A project description, 300 words maximum, summarizing significant features of the project, site, landscape and any details necessary to convey the significance of the project to the jury. Do not identify the designer or craftsperson on this sheet, but do include the project title. 
•  Photographs of significant views along with plans, sections, and details to explain the project to the jury. All photographs and drawings should include a brief caption at the bottom of the photo. A maximum of 20 pages/images can be submitted in .jpg or .pdf format. It is suggested that architectural projects be documented clearly within a context, including: site plan with north arrow, building plans, and, where applicable, pre-existing conditions. Projects located within or adjacent to a building, such as decoration or landscape, should include one exterior photo of the building for reference. Craftsmanship entries should include process images.
• Entry fee is $100 for Professionals and $50 for Emerging Professionals paid for online through Submittable.com.
• Failure to meet any of the specified entry requirements could result in disqualification; you will be notified if any of these entry requirements are not met prior to judging.

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Notification of Winners

Winners of the John Staub Awards will be notified by email prior to the event and recognized at the gala. The winners are expected to attend or send a representative in their place. The winning entries will be displayed on the ICAA Texas website.

Design Considerations

Designs may explore creative shaping and carving, provided they remain within the maximum dimensions.

• Maximum Dimensions & Weight
• Maximum size: 4" × 6" × 12"
• A solid stone block at this size weighs approximately 18 lbs
• As pieces will be carved, final weight will vary based on design

Designers are encouraged to include the year and chapter for carving directly into the stone, rather than using applied plaques. This approach enhances permanence and craftsmanship. Delicate or protruding elements should be thoughtfully designed to minimize breakage during shipping (e.g., flattened or reinforced surfaces where appropriate).

Submission Requirements

Designers and artisans are invited to submit original trophy design proposals that respond to the legacy of the John Staub Awards and adhere to the approved materials and dimensional guidelines outlined above.

All submissions must include the following:

1. Design Drawings

Submissions must include a minimum of two (2) drawings and a maximum of five (5) drawings, consisting of:

Required scaled drawings:

• Front Elevation
• Plan View

Optional drawings:

• Side Elevation
• Section View
• Detail or Carving Diagram

All drawings must be scaled, clearly labeled, and show overall dimensions. Drawings may be hand-drawn or digital.

2. Renderings/Visualizations

Submissions may include up to two (2) renderings or visual images to help communicate form, massing, and material character.

• Renderings may be digital, hand-rendered, or photographic (for physical maquettes or study models).

3. Material Selection

Identify the selected stone type from the approved list:

• Lueders Buff
• Lueders Gray
• Menorca
• Nero

Note any anticipated finish (e.g., honed, polished, carved relief).

4.Engraving Approach

• A brief description or diagram indicating how the year and chapter designation will be incorporated into the stone through carving.
• Applied plaques or secondary materials should not be proposed.

5. Written Design Statement

A concise written statement (250–500 words) describing:

• The conceptual inspiration for the design
• How the proposal reflects classical or vernacular traditions
• Considerations of durability, permanence, and long-term use as an awards object

Statements should reflect an understanding of the John Staub legacy and the mission of ICAA Texas.

6. Designer Information

• Designer or studio name
• Primary contact information
• Brief biography or statement of practice (100–200 words)
• Website or portfolio link (if available)

Notification of Winners

Winners of the John Staub Awards will be notified by email prior to the event and recognized at the gala. The winner will receive two complimentary tickets to the 2026 John Staub Awards along with verbal and printed recognition