NEWH continues to be at the forefront of recognizing excellence in the hospitality industry. NEWH honors construction companies for their exceptional methods, processes and team management that have contributed to the creation of significant and outstanding hospitality renovations and new build structures worldwide with the NEWH SOHE Award. In honor of these award-winning companies, sponsors will be donating funds for scholarships to students pursuing careers in construction.
In conjunction with the SOHE Award, NEWH will also present three scholarships totaling up to $20,000. These scholarships are open to students pursuing a certificate, technical diploma, or associate degree in fields such as construction, electrical, pipe trades, plumbing, HVAC, etc., and related disciplines at a construction trade school. The NEWH Structures of Hospitality Excellence (SOHE) Scholarships are generously sponsored by leading industry partners; Continental Contractors, Architectural Concepts, Delta Faucet Company, with scholar’s travel sponsored by ALIS DESIGN+ by Northstar. These scholarships reflect the industry’s shared commitment to fostering the next generation of talent.
The NEWH SOHE Award will be awarded during the ALIS DESIGN+ by Northstar on January 29, 2026 at the JW Marriott/Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles L.A. Live.
Award Program Eligibility
The NEWH SOHE Award recognizes excellence in Hospitality Construction and the firm’s commitment to Hospitality and NEWH.
Minimum Criteria – required
- New-build or renovation hospitality projects completed by firm within the 24-month period prior to nomination (January 2024 to December 2025) Hospitality projects can include any one of the following types of projects: Hotel, Casino, Bar, Restaurant, or Spa.
- PHOTO Requirement: To qualify, the firm must provide a minimum of 3 (maximum of 6) photographs of the project submitted. Photographs submitted must be a minimum 300 dpi resolution jpeg or tif file format.
- Three reference letters from submitted project.
- The company must have an accessible website for qualification purposes.
- Current Membership – one person within the firm must be a current voting member in good standing with NEWH.
NOTE: For purposes of this award, NEWH defines Hospitality as a property in which its facilities can be enjoyed by the general public. Properties such as multi-family, student housing, senior living, or a medical-related facility where the facility is utilized mainly by members/patients only (even if a specific project area within these types of facilities is open to the public), would not fit NEWH’s definition of Hospitality.
How Submission will be Judged
- Project Excellence (evaluated based on a flagship hospitality project completed in the past 24 months)
- Contribution to the Hospitality Design & Construction Community (evaluated the company’s role in advancing the sector and its long term commitment)
- Leadership & Integrity (evaluates the company’s culture, ethics, and collaborative approach)
- Future-Focused Initiatives (evaluates forward thinking strategies related to sustainability and technology)
- Your company’s NEWH participation
Nomination Process
NEWH SOHE Award Nominations can be made as follows:
- Any firm with a current NEWH Member can nominate themselves.
- Any NEWH member may nominate a construction firm.
- Chapter members should encourage eligible firms (who meet the minimum required criteria) to complete the nomination form or assist them in the process.
All nominations should be completed and emailed to [email protected] no later than October 31, 2025 – the NEWH office will receive and forward to SOHE judging committee.
Nominations forms/photography
The nomination form must be complete and all minimum eligibility requirements must be met to be considered.