Since 1990, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) has sponsored the Pillars of the Industry Awards to recognize excellence in apartment and condominium design and development, interior merchandising and superior property management and marketing. The Pillars Awards have now been incorporated into larger Best in American Living Awards (BALA) program.
The window for applying for the 2025 edition of the BALA program opened on July 7 and will close October 6. Interested parties need to act now in order to be considered for an award.
As with the Pillars Awards, BALA categories are available for properties, firms and marketing programs. Multifamily owners, developers, builders, property managers, architects, interior designers and multifamily industry professionals are invited to enter the competition.
The properties awards category is subdivided into many sub-categories so that properties being considered for awards are compared against similar properties. Sub-categories for market rate properties exist for low-rise, mid-rise, high-rise and garden style communities. There are also categories for affordable and student communities.
Firm awards are presented for the multifamily development firm of the year and property management firm of the year.
A marketing related award is presented for best merchandising of a common area. There is also an award for best multifamily community amenity/common space.
Last year’s winners received coverage in Yield Pro.
Applications may be made at the BALA website. Complete details, including eligibility requirements, categories and deadlines, can be found there. Both NAHB members and non-members are eligible to enter. Winners will be announced in February 2026.
If you believe that your firm or property is something special and is deserving of recognition, consider applying for an NAHB Best in American Living Award.
