In 2010, the field of Pug Awards nominees is deeper and broader than ever before. This year’s nominations include 41 buildings: 34 in the residential category and 7 in the commercial and institutional categories. This year’s commercial category includes a number of nominees that play to the notion that quality design need not be hindered by a small budget. To qualify, buildings must have been completed in 2009, be located in the City of Toronto, and have an area greater than 50,000 square feet. Noteworthy buildings that do not fit these criteria may be considered by the Pug Awards Advisory Board.

To ensure each nominee was given an equal opportunity to present their building to the public, developers and/or architects were asked to supply their own building photography and description for inclusion on the online voting website. In the event that developers and/or architects were unable to provide the images, the photos were taken by a photographer appointed by the Pug Awards Executive Committee. Interactive images of the buildings with different angles/views are displayed on the new Pug Awards website with a LOVE IT, LIKE IT or HATE IT voting interface. A Earth map interface allows voters to zoom in to each location and view its position within the city. Online voting will take place from May 1st – May 31st, 2010, and results for the competition will be announced June 16th, 2010 at a reception at the Art Gallery of Ontario, the 2009 Pug Awards commercial category champion.