The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute is now accepting nominations for the Les Grube Memorial Design Award, an annual recognition program that honors outstanding design and installation projects using chain link fence materials in creative, practical, and innovative ways.
The deadline to submit nominations is November 1, 2026.
This award celebrates the architects, engineers, contractors, and project teams who see chain link fencing as more than a standard perimeter solution. It recognizes projects that demonstrate how chain link can support security, durability, function, visibility, airflow, access control, and architectural design.
Honoring Innovation in Chain Link Fence Design
The Les Grube Memorial Design Award was created to highlight the versatility and functionality of chain link fencing products. Named in honor of Les Grube, a past president of CLFMI and a respected leader in the fencing industry, the award continues to recognize projects that use chain link materials in unique and meaningful ways.
From public spaces and parks to industrial facilities, commercial buildings, transportation projects, recreational areas, and community environments, chain link fencing can be incorporated into projects in ways that are both practical and visually impactful.
The award recognizes projects that demonstrate excellence in the use of chain link fence materials, including:
- Chain link fabric
- Framework
- Gates
- Architectural fencing applications
- Commercial and industrial fence systems
- Creative perimeter design
- Functional security solutions
- Public space and community design
Who Should Submit a Nomination?
CLFMI encourages nominations from architects, engineers, fence contractors, project owners, developers, municipalities, design firms, and industry professionals who have been involved in a commercial or industrial project using chain link fence materials in an innovative way.
To qualify, the nominated project must meet the following requirements:
- The project must innovatively use chain link fence materials.
- The project must be commercial or industrial in nature.
- A professional architectural or engineering firm must design the project.
- A professional fence contractor must install the project.
Projects may include traditional fencing applications, architectural installations, creative enclosures, public-facing design elements, security systems, recreational fencing, or other uses that show the flexibility and long-term value of chain link fence materials.
Award Recognition and Cash Prizes
The Les Grube Memorial Design Award recognizes both the design and installation professionals who bring the project to life.
The award includes:
- A specially designed plaque for the winning project
- A $2,500 cash award for the designing architect
- A $1,000 cash award for the installing contractor
- and media exposure
This recognition allows both the architectural and contracting teams to showcase their work to the broader fence, construction, design, and specification communities.
Why This Award Matters
Chain link fencing has long been valued for its strength, affordability, visibility, and reliability. However, the Les Grube Memorial Design Award helps demonstrate that chain link can also be used as a thoughtful design material.
When properly specified and creatively installed, chain link fencing can contribute to:
- Safer public spaces
- Secure commercial properties
- Durable industrial environments
- Open and visible boundaries
- Cost-effective project solutions
- Creative architectural expression
- Long-lasting performance with low maintenance
The award helps bring attention to projects that use chain link in ways that inspire architects, engineers, contractors, municipalities, and property owners to think differently about fencing design.
Submit Your Nomination by November 1, 2026
Nominations are now open for the Les Grube Memorial Design Award. Project teams are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible to ensure consideration.
The deadline to apply is November 1, 2026.
To learn more or submit a nomination, visit:
