By now most of you have received the most recent issue of Interiorscape Magazine (aka The TPIE Issue). Along with the great articles, this issue focuses on the 2006 Interiorscape Best Project Awards. Ten (10) Projects were honored with Three (3) of them given Grand Award Distinction (Plantscaping, Cleveland, OH for 200 Public Square, Foliage Design Systems of Western Michigan for the Meijer Heart Center, and Planterra of W. Bloomfield, MI for the Joel Robchon Restaurant at the MGM Grand, Vegas.

May I suggest that you pay close attention to the entire Awards spread. The photography, the use of "before" and "after" photos was extremely well done this year and serves as a template for future submissions. YOUR submissions.

Everyone knows how fervently I believe in the power of receiving an Award. As a marketing tool, a way of bonding with the client, a method of motivating your employees, the benefits just go on and on and on. The trouble is that you mean to do this but you get super busy and before you know it, it’s too late to get photography and enter. A pity. Another lost opportunity. So, may I suggest that NOW, not next September, you plan on submitting a project or two for consideration in the 2007 Interiorscape Awards Program. And, just in case, take "before" and "after" shots of projects. Then when the time comes you’ll be ready. Meanwhile, it’s time to head to Ft. Lauderdale and see who still has what. See you at TPIE you-know-where.

Good points, Barb.

We are proud to be an award recipient for the second time in two years! The Whole Foods Corporate Office in Austin was a huge undertaking, and the client really appreciated the effort that we put forth to create a unique design. My hat goes off to Janelle Meyer who was our lead designer on this project. Alot of hard work, time and expense goes toward entering a legitimate "winner".

We all install beautiful interiorscapes for our clients throughout the year, but sometimes after completing a job, you just know it’s worthy of peer recognition. Installing cutting edge planters, using random/rare specimen plants, and thinking beyond the standard plant & cylinder container of the 80’s is what keeps our industry progressive and interesting.

I encourage all creative ’scapers to take the time and submit entries for next year.

I also encourage Mr. Morey and his team to step beyond the "one page" winners. I realize that space is critical in the magazine, but we had numerous great pictures that could be enjoyed and studied by our peers. I’m sure the other winners had many additional nice pics that didn’t make the spread as well.

Perhaps a link on this website could highlight more pictures of the winners’ work!

David Lemel