2009 Design Awards

Anyone involved in building projects - such as architects, developers, or contractors - from all over Southern Staffordshire is invited to enter their projects into this year's Southern Staffordshire Design Awards.

To make sure Lichfield District's innovative projects are well represented, Lichfield District Council - a member of the Southern Staffordshire Partnership - is calling all developers and architects of local schemes to action.

The awards are in three categories - new build, conservation and refurbishment, or soft landscaping and public art. These will be judged on a range of criteria, including: interpretation of client's brief, quality of design, local distinctiveness, community involvement and sustainability of design.

Councillor Neil Roberts, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Development Services, said: "It is important to celebrate the creative force behind the region's developments because it encourages the industry to think imaginatively, making sure we have a wealth of interesting buildings and spaces. We hope lots of local projects are put forward into the awards as we have so many fantastic new developments across the district."

Jeff Marlow, Southern Staffordshire Partnership Director, commented: "Quality design is now widely recognised as a key part of economic regeneration. It has a crucial role to play in the image and profile of Southern Staffordshire , in maintaining and developing local distinctiveness and attracting investment and people."

For an application form please call 01543 308250 or to apply online visit www.southernstaffs.org.uk. For help and advice about entering the awards, if it is a Lichfield District based development, call Lichfield District Council's Conservation & Urban Design team on 01543 308153 or 01543 308203.

The deadline for award entries is 1 June 2009 when an independent judging panel, led by Midland Architecture and Design Environment (MADE), will draw up a shortlist - which will be announced in the summer.