According to press notes, "These annual awards honor designers for work in venues on Broadway, Off Broadway and Off Off Broadway, recognizing not only the traditional categories of Scenic Design, Costume Design and Lighting Design, but also “Notable Effects,” which encompass sound, music, video, puppetry and other creative elements. All nominated designs must have originated in United States productions. The Hewes Awards Committee considered more than 200 productions when making its nominations."

For scenic design, Bob Crowley will be awarded for his work on the Broadway production of The Glass Menagerie starring Cherry Jones.

For costume design, Linda Cho will be awarded for her work on the Broadway production of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. She also received the 2014 Tony Award for her design work on the production.

For lighting design, Justin Townsend will be awarded for his work on the Playwright's Horizons production of Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play.

For notable effects in sound and video design, G. Lucas Crane and Keith Skretch will be awarded for their work on the Chocolate Factory Theater's production of This Was The End. The Henry Hewes Design Awards Committee includes theater critics Jeffrey Eric Jenkins, chair; Dan Bacalzo, David Barbour, David Cote, Glenda Frank, Mario Fratti, Helen Shaw, Michael Sommers and Joan Ungaro. The committee considered more than 200 productions when making its nominations.