Submit a Nomination
Introduction
Please review the information below before completing the judges application form at the end of this page.
The Steel Awards represent one of the most significant recognitions of excellence within the steel construction sector. Each year, the programme honours projects that transform skylines, strengthen infrastructure, advance industry and serve communities through innovation in steel. At the centre of this celebration are the projects themselves, characterised by technical ingenuity, collaborative achievement and sophisticated problem-solving.
Equally central, though less visible, is the role of the judging panel.
Judging for the Steel Awards is not ceremonial. It is a rigorous professional responsibility that shapes industry standards, recognises genuine achievement and reinforces a culture of technical and ethical excellence. Judges are respected practitioners who understand how steel performs in practice, within design environments, fabrication facilities, construction sites and complex project delivery contexts.
South African Institute of Steel Construction now invites experienced industry professionals to serve on the Steel Awards 2026 Judging Panel.
The distinct nature of Steel Awards judging
Steel Awards judging is a structured professional evaluation process rather than a popularity exercise.
It demands:
- Technical depth
- Practical industry insight
- Respect across disciplines
- Objective, evidence-based judgement
- A commitment to advancing standards within the steel sector
Entries range from industrial and infrastructural works to architectural and commercial structures of varying scale. Judges are therefore required to assess projects holistically, recognising that excellence may manifest differently across typologies.
Eligibility criteria
1. Professional competence
Judges must demonstrate recognised expertise in steel construction within one or more of the following professional domains:
- Structural engineering
- Steel contracting or fabrication
- Architecture with substantial steel project experience
- Quantity surveying or project management involving steel
- Specialist technical fields such as cladding, light steel framing, tubular structures or bridge engineering
Minimum expectations include:
- Established professional standing
- A minimum of eight to ten years of steel-related project experience
- Direct involvement in design, detailing, fabrication, erection or overall project delivery
Judges are not required to be academics; however, they must be able to articulate how a steel structure functions and justify key design and construction decisions.
2. Sector representation and panel balance
The judging panel is deliberately composed to reflect the diversity of the steel value chain, typically including:
- Structural engineering
- Steel contracting or fabrication
- Architecture
- Construction and project management
- Commercial and cost expertise
This balance ensures that no single discipline dominates and that technical, architectural, commercial and practical considerations are weighed equitably.
3. Independence and conflict of Interest
Integrity underpins the credibility of the awards. The judging process operates under strict confidentiality and impartiality. Judges must declare any involvement in submitted projects and will be recused where necessary. All panel members are required to sign a formal conflict-of-interest declaration.
4. Objectivity and professional conduct
Judges are expected to demonstrate:
- Evaluation based on established criteria rather than personal preference
- Respect for varied project types and applications of steel
- Openness to the perspectives of fellow panel members
- Willingness to reconsider positions in light of evidence
Judging must never serve as a platform for personal promotion or advocacy.
5. Communication capability
Judges should be able to engage in informed professional dialogue, including:
- Posing clear and relevant technical questions
- Interpreting written submissions and project interviews
- Explaining scoring decisions where required
The process involves critical discussion as well as assessment.
6. Commitment and availability
Judges are required to commit to the full evaluation process, including:
- Pre-briefing and preparatory sessions
- Shortlisting and documentation review
- Final deliberations and scoring
This is a professional service to the industry and requires active participation rather than symbolic involvement.
7. Ethical standing
Judges should maintain a respected professional reputation, have no record of misconduct and represent the steel industry with integrity.
Senior judges and panel chairs
The programme also seeks senior professionals with prior judging experience, experience chairing technical panels, or expertise in complex and high-risk structures such as bridges or heavy industrial facilities.
Why serve as a judge
Serving on the panel offers the opportunity to:
- Contribute directly to raising industry standards
- Recognise innovation and technical achievement
- Gain insight from leading contemporary projects
- Support the ongoing development of excellence in steel design and construction
Judges play a defining role in establishing benchmarks for the sector.
Applications close
The call for judges will close on:
30 April 2026