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Apr 26, 2006:
Sapoa's Awards for Innovative Excellence have received a 75% increase in submissions in the office development, refurbishment and social and environmental categories, but there are no entries for innovative solutions or industrial property. The awards ceremony takes place at a dinner at the Sapoa International Convention and Property Exhibition on May 18 at the International Conference Centre in Durban.
The exhibition runs from May 17-19.
John Truter, chairman of the Sapoa awards committee, attributes the popularity of this year's awards to the restructuring of submission requirements.
"We have been bowled over by the number of entries received this year; we have experienced a 75% increase in the submissions since last year."
He said Sapoa was disappointed not to have any industrial property entries.
"Perhaps this category is not viewed as being as flamboyant or exciting as, say the retail category, but each category is in fact judged in its own right."
There is an apparent lack of international flavour in this year's entries but Truter attributes this to the fact that there is so much activity in local property.
Truter says the judges are various property specialists. The panel is highly qualified and judge each category on their particular industry guidelines.
A judge's expertise comes into play and interlinks with the other judgment calls made. Truter stresses that the judges visit the sites and buildings throughout the country, ensuring that it is not just an "on paper" decision.
