What will be your primary source of information about finalists' qualifications?

The primary source of information about finalists' qualifications is indeed the information provided by owners of projects designed by those finalists. This source is particularly valuable because it offers firsthand insights into the finalists' experience and performance. The owners can speak to the quality of the work delivered, the effectiveness of communication, adherence to deadlines, and how well the finalists managed project schedules and budgets.

Owner testimonials usually contain detailed accounts of the project outcomes and satisfaction levels, which are critical indicators of a designer's ability to meet client expectations and deliver successful results. In contrast, design prototypes may showcase aesthetic elements but do not necessarily reflect the overall competency or reliability of the designer.

Industry publication reviews can provide some context about a finalist's reputation, but they might not give a complete picture of their qualifications or specific project experiences. Designer interviews can offer insight into their design philosophy and approach, but these are often subjective and may not convey actual performance outcomes as effectively as direct feedback from project owners. Thus, relying on the experiences of those who have directly worked with the finalists will yield a more accurate assessment of their qualifications and capabilities.