DRIEHAUS AWARDS

Created in 2005 by the Chicago Bungalow Association with the generous support of The Driehaus Foundation , the Driehaus Bungalow Awards are our annual juried competition honoring the creativity and efforts of homeowners like you.​ Be inspired by past winners, and submit your own home improvement project for a chance to win $1,000 in up to seven award categories, including interior and exterior renovations, restoration, and landscape design!

Nominations for the 2020 awards are now being accepted:

Congratulations 2019 Winners!

Jennifer Bakija and Alex Dunham's kitchen had not been touched since the 1980s. Now, they’ve opened it up and modernized while retaining a vintage style in keeping with the home’s historic charm. Luckily, they were able to do the work themselves, with Alex’s skills as a furniture maker and former general contractor. Created in 2005 by the Chicago Bungalow Association with the generous support of The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Driehaus Bungalow Awards are our annual juried competition celebrating the creativity and efforts of homeowners—the heart of the home. For more about the awards, and to see photos of past and present winning projects, visit www.chicagobungalow.org/driehaus-awards

Alice Long and Brian Brichacek tackled the common bungalow issue of a crumbling front porch. After an extensive search for the best company to do the job, EDMAR Corporation took apart and perfectly put back together the steps and wingwalls using the original brick and limestone. Created in 2005 by the Chicago Bungalow Association with the generous support of The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Driehaus Bungalow Awards are our annual juried competition celebrating the creativity and efforts of homeowners—the heart of the home. For more about the awards, and to see photos of past and present winning projects, visit www.chicagobungalow.org/driehaus-awards

AB Gonzalez significantly improved the curb appeal of his Austin bungalow by addressing every part of the home’s exterior—roof, windows, tuckpointing, concrete steps, and lighting. Plus, the torched cedar siding on the dormer adds unique flare. Created in 2005 by the Chicago Bungalow Association with the generous support of The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Driehaus Bungalow Awards are our annual juried competition celebrating the creativity and efforts of homeowners—the heart of the home. For more about the awards, and to see photos of past and present winning projects, visit www.chicagobungalow.org/driehaus-awards

The Driehaus Bungalow Awards were created in 2005 by the Chicago Bungalow Association, with the generous support of The Driehaus Foundation . An annual juried competition, the Awards honor the creativity and efforts of homeowners for the work they’ve done in interior and exterior renovations, restoration, and landscape design. Having grown up in a Chicago bungalow on the South Side of the City, Richard H. Driehaus personally knows the value that the architecture of these homes bring to both families and neighborhoods, and the importance of celebrating bungalow owners' dedication through these awards in order to inspire others. Mr. Driehaus is CBA's strongest supporter, and his generous grants fund the work of CBA, including these awards.

Nomination Requirements:



Brick Chicago-style bungalow located in the City of Chicago

Project completed within the last 5 years

Nomination Categories:

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Exterior Rehabilitation: Demonstrates appropriate rehabilitation projects and/or compatible new additions. Interior Rehabilitation: Demonstrates a contemporary use while maintaining significant features. Interior Restoration: Accurately recovers the details and forms of the Chicago Bungalow. Small Project: Preserves historic detail and form while improving one aspect of a room or the exterior at a cost of $5,000 or less. Green Project: Demonstrates the use of energy-efficient design and renovation while maintaining classic features—can be a rain garden or landscape project if it incorporates green elements such as native plants, permeable pavers, etc. Landscape Design: Demonstrates creative design solution and enhance the overall visual impression. Window Restoration: Preserves historic detail and materials of original wood windows using appropriate methods for repair/restoration.

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There is no limit to nominations per home. In 2019 we had a record breaking 86 nominations submitted, capturing a diverse group of bungalow owners from neighborhoods throughout Chicago.

Judging Criteria

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The panel of judges is selected by the Chicago Bungalow Association and is composed of architects, preservationists, community leaders, neighborhood development and energy efficiency professionals. Nominations are judged on the overall visual impression, creative design solution, and how well the project maintains the integrity of the Historic Chicago Bungalow. Additional criteria considered includes a diverse geographic and ethnic distribution of selections. One winner and one honorable mention is selected in each category.

Judges for the 2019 Driehaus Awards included Kristine Menas Daley, Master of Science in Historic Preservation, Real Estate Consultant at Dream Town Realty and CBA Board Member; Suzanne Germann, Master of Science in Historic Preservation and Director of Grants & Easements at Landmarks Illinois; Manuel Hernandez, AIA Chicago Architect and Board Director, Chicago Registered Energy Professional (REP), and Owner of Design Seed, Inc.; Linda Johnson, Director of Housing & Senior Services at Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation and accomplished real estate investor with a history of community involvement; Faith Rackow, Master of Science in Historic Preservation and former Deputy Director of Chicago Bungalow Association; Nicole Wheatly, Community Development Consultant for the City of Chicago and owner of Steps Inc. Consulting, specializing in revitalizing neighborhoods; Jackie Wiese, Master of Science in Historic Preservation and Senior Manager at Elevate Energy.

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Awards

Winners receive:



A cash award of $1,000

A handcrafted bronze plaque, created by local artisan, Frank Glapa

Display at award ceremony

Recognition on CBA website, social media, and in newsletter

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Honorable Mentions receive:

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