Game On

More clients also are interested in sustainable materials and energy-saving features. "I don't think every project needs to be LEED certified, but it was refreshing to see that there were those that achieved that status," Bubnowski says. "People are starting to realize small gestures toward sustainability, such as using recycled materials, make a difference. I think that will become the norm." Bubnowski also notes the increasing design trend toward letting in as much natural light as possible.

Although each winning project was memorable in its own right, several judges recall a few stand outs. Benkowski noted a bathroom with a beach and ocean theme. [Gold winner, Bathrooms $30,000 to $50,000.] "Execution included careful material selections that related to the design, which carefully realized the owner's intentions," he recalls.

Benvenuti remembers a concrete house renovation with a contemporary style. [Gold winner, Room addition more than $100,000.] "The vision of the designer and the artistry demonstrated by all of the craftsmen made this stand high above the rest," he says. "I would have been proud to be a part of that group." He also recollects a front portico and dormer addition in classic Georgian architecture that demonstrated design and execution excellence. [Gold winner, Residential Specialty.]

Qualified Remodeler is pleased to present the winning projects on the following pages. In addition, the monthly Master Design Solutions feature draws its projects from winning entries, so look forward to learning more about some of these projects during the next year.

• Whole House More Than $500,000
• Whole House $200,000 to $500,000
• Whole House Less Than $200,000
• Room Addition More Than $100,000
• Room Addition Less Than $100,000
• Kitchen More Than $100,000
• Kitchen $50,000 - $100,000
• Kitchen Less Than $50,000
• Residential Specialty
• Conservatory/Sunroom
• Universal Design
• Bathrooms More Than $50,000
• Bathrooms $30,000 - $50,000
• Bathrooms Less Than $30,000
• Room Remodel
• Finished Basement
• Outdoor Living
• Exterior Facelift
• Detached Structure
• Historic Restoration
• Light Commercial
• Green Remodel