Polynesian Retreat, winner in the Best Full Home Remodel $1M+ category, turned a small vacation cottage into a nurturing, modern sanctuary for a family of five, honoring its Polynesian roots while creating a supportive environment for a child with special needs.

Casa del Sol, honored in the Waterfront Home $4M+ category, is a light-filled residence designed for radical self-expression and aging in place.

Summer House, winner in the Waterfront Home $1.5–$2M category, embodies the interconnectedness of multigenerational living.

Vue du Jardin, recognized in the Custom New Home $2M+ category, centers on a garden sanctuary that dissolves the boundary between indoors and out.



Damon Cortez, EVP of the National Builder Division of Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, brings two decades of transformative leadership to lending. From brick mason to mortgage visionary, he's guided $12 billion in volume while championing industry advocacy on Capitol Hill. A devoted HBA leader and mentor, Damon's passion elevates homebuilding, proving that exceptional service will build lasting legacies.

Gabriela Abad, Senior Loan Advisor, brings over a decade of mortgage expertise to clients across NC, SC, FL, and TX. Bilingual and builder-focused, she delivers seamless new-construction financing with a personalized, transparent approach, guiding buyers confidently from pre-approval to closing.

Edgar Diaz, owner of Diaz Brothers Construction, is known for exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and integrity. Skilled in framing, trim, installation, decking, and siding, Edgar leads a punctual, organized team that protects every site, communicates seamlessly, and delivers consistently high-quality work.

Mid-Century Modern Meets Contemporary Design

Photos by Micah Shoemaker

Expertly crafted by the builder, this custom lakefront Craftsman home pairs a serene neutral palette with panoramic water views and rich natural wood accents. Precision-built beams, solid wood doors, and tailored architectural details bring depth and authenticity. The result is a warm, sophisticated retreat that reflects exceptional craftsmanship and elevated everyday living.

Photos by Serena Apostal

T. Whelan Homes and KDH Design designed a lakefront Craftsman masterpiece blending timeless architecture with modern luxury. Soft neutrals spotlight panoramic water views, while locally-sourced wood beams and custom millwork add authentic warmth. The transformed boathouse became a code-compliant living space, complete with a charming dog shower. Indoor-outdoor harmony creates an upscale, comfortable sanctuary.

Residential Designer, KDH Designs

Engineering, IDE Structural Engineers

Photos by Patrick Hood Photography

T. Whelan Homes and KDH Designs crafted a lakefront sanctuary where old-world elegance meets modern luxury. Sanded white brick, soaring ceilings, and expansive windows create seamless indoor-outdoor living. This stunning custom home was delivered ahead of schedule by proving that exceptional craftsmanship transcends obstacles to achieve timeless sophistication.

Residential Designer, KDH Designs

Engineering, IDE Structural Engineers

Casa del Sol

Photos by Jim Schmid

Pippin Home Designs created Casa de Sol, a vibrant lakefront retreat for restaurateurs on a narrow land bridge with 360-degree views. Navigating strict setbacks and a nonconforming foundation, they delivered a reverse-living layout, a commercial kitchen, an integrated lower-level pool, a suspended Chris-Craft boat, and hospitality-inspired spaces, transforming constraints into an iconic lakeside landmark.

Vue Du Jardin

Photos by Jim Schmid

Pippin Home Designs created Vue du Jardin, a French country estate on a dramatically sloped 1.5-acre lot. Overcoming an 80-foot elevation change, they delivered a three-level star-shaped home with aging-in-place features, a cathedral-ceiling indoor pool, a 700-bottle wine cellar, and seamless indoor-outdoor living by balancing privacy, timeless elegance, and personalized functionality.

Photos by Michael Blevins, MB Productions, SkyVision USA

Simonini Homes transformed a lakefront property into the ultimate family retreat. The open main level showcases stunning lake views, while the lower level offers a dedicated children's space. Year-round screened porch, sport pool, spa-like primary suite, and thoughtful details create the perfect setting for entertaining, celebrated with a backyard wedding weeks after completion.

Photos by Kevin Young, the 5 and 2 Project

Simonini Homes created a Lake Norman sanctuary built from afar, guided by vision and trust. Inspired by a garage door opening to outdoor living, this custom home seamlessly blends indoor comfort with lakeside leisure. Managed remotely yet intimately crafted, every detail reflects personal style and entertaining ease, with a testament to collaboration that transforms distant dreams into enduring reality.

Photos by Michael Blevins, MB Productions, SkyVision USA

Simonini Homes crafted an expansive, light-filled lakefront kitchen with a grand island, a hidden pantry, and dedicated beverage zones that support effortless hosting and daily living. Vaulted ceilings, countertop-height windows, and concealed outlets create a seamless, modern aesthetic that gracefully unites the great room, outdoors, and panoramic water views.

Photos by Victoria Moon Photography

Freshwater Design & Build transformed a tight main level into an open, family-focused hub by expanding the kitchen, blending living and dining spaces, and adding smart storage, kid-friendly finishes, and seamless flooring. The result is a timeless, organic, highly functional space designed to grow with a young family.

Lookout Manor

Photos by Patrick Hood Photography

Kingswood Custom Homes created "Lookout Manor," a striking Lake Norman landmark blending timeless stone craftsmanship with modern living. Hand-laid stone walls, dramatic tower elements, and expansive glass capture sweeping water views. An infinity-edge pool cascading toward the lake, terraced outdoor living, and family-focused design deliver a legacy retreat that balances enduring elegance with a lakeside lifestyle.

Polynesian Moody Mid-Century Modern Home

Photos by Tiffany Ringwald Photography

Melissa Reiser Interiors created a "Polynesian Moody Mid-Century Modern" addition, blending nature-inspired textures, soft oak tones, and rich palettes. Each space features a distinct yet cohesive design through curated materials and patterns. The result is an intimate, sophisticated home that balances bold statements with a timeless mid-century spirit, elevated yet effortlessly livable, bringing the outdoors in with warmth and craftsmanship.

Photos by Cameron Glenn, SkyVision USA

The Closet Niche's custom boutique-style closet is a glamorous sanctuary of warm bronze hues, floor-to-ceiling acrylic cabinetry, hand-routed LED lighting, and a double island beneath a crystal chandelier. Thoughtfully engineered to the inch, it blends luxury and functionality into a refined, indulgent space.

A Lakeside Prairie Modern Masterpiece

Photos by Four Horsemen Media

The Holliday Homes team brought the homeowner's reimagined vision for their cherished Cornelius waterfront property to life as a stunning Prairie Modern retreat. Clean horizontal lines, custom brickwork, and expansive panoramic windows from Lake Norman are beautifully executed. From mitered shiplap to a kitchen pass-through window, every detail celebrates the architectural excellence of Ashley J. Design and honors the homeowner's lakeside legacy.

Modern Cozy Cottage in the Heart of Davidson

Photos by Kyle Scharf, PROLOCAL

The Holliday Homes team, in collaboration with local architect Nichole Perri, transformed an underutilized Davidson lot into six modern cottage homes, each exceeding 3,100 square feet. Thoughtful three-story floorplans maximize vertical space while maintaining a compact footprint, and detached two-car garages connected by breezeways add both practicality and charm. With custom millwork, elevator access, main-level primary suites, and distinctive finishes, these walkable infill homes pair timeless cottage character with modern, everyday functionality.

Photos by Patrick Hood Photography

Homestyles Interior Design created a turn-key modern garage retreat that seamlessly blends car collection storage with elevated entertaining. Rich, moody tonesand custom walnut cabinetry set the tone for a sophisticated atmosphere. The main level includes a fully equipped bar with direct outdoor access, while the upper floor offers complete living quarters-kitchen, bedrooms, and baths-ideal for gatherings or short-term stays.

Davidson Estate

Photos by Skycam Digital

Davidson Estate: BAAS Construction crafted this nearly 11,000-square-foot private estate across from 10 secluded acres in Davidson, bringing Ashley J Design's architectural vision to life. Every space was thoughtfully designed and executed-from the gourmet kitchen and glass-encased wine room to the resort-inspired pool, sauna, and expansive outdoor living. BAAS General Contractor and CEO, Amber Monteith, curated all selections, from materials and finishes to fixtures and details, ensuring cohesion and quiet luxury throughout. The home offers the best of luxury living: grand entertaining, everyday comfort, and the complete privacy only a property of this scale can provide.

Stuck to Stunning Project

Brenna Morgan Interiors reimagined a once-dark bathroom into a bright, welcoming sanctuary. Expanded sightlines, a larger shower, and airy finishes create a sense of openness while delivering everyday functionality for a busy, pet-loving home.

Stuck to Stunning Project

renna Morgan Interiors reimagined a once-dark bathroom into a bright, welcoming sanctuary. Expanded sightlines, a larger shower, and airy finishes create a sense of openness while delivering everyday functionality for a busy, pet-loving home.

Lakeside Country Remodel

Brenna Morgan Interiors transformed two living rooms and a laundry space into inviting, functional retreats. Thoughtful layouts, refined finishes, and subtle color accents balance everyday durability with elevated design, resulting in cohesive spaces that blend comfort, sophistication, and an efficient, cheerful laundry room.

The Lakehouse Revival

Photos by Tiffany Ringwald

Craft & Trade Renovations transformed a 1978 lakefront ranch into a modern-traditional sanctuary. Overcoming asbestos, mold, and outdated systems, they created a stunning kitchen with 11-foot lake-view windows, a walnut island, and blue quartzite counters. Exterior upgrades: stained tongue-and-groove, bluestone porch, and chevron garage door delivered remarkable curb appeal within budget. 

Photos by Tiffany Ringwald

Craft and Trade Renovations conquered an "unbuildable" Mooresville challenge, transforming complex rooflines into an elegant screened porch retreat. Engineering custom roof crickets for drainage, repurposing existing masonry, and crafting a rustic brick fireplace with a herringbone liner, they delivered a cottage-inspired sanctuary. Crown molding with hidden rope lighting, Southern baby-blue ceilings, and a symmetrical design created the perfect cozy outdoor entertaining space.

Best Plan Design Bathroom Remodel $50k+



Craft & Trade

The Luxe Retreat

Photos by Tiffany Ringwald

Craft and Trade Renovations transformed an outdated Huntersville master bath into a luxurious sanctuary for busy physicians. They maximized every inch, adding a 9-foot shower with dual systems, a freestanding tub on a raised platform, his-and-her vanities, a double-sided fireplace with a privacy screen, heated floors, and a custom dog feeding station, creating a spa-like retreat with meticulous craftsmanship.

Cypress Builders and Michelle McKoy Designs reimagined a Lake Norman home as a laid-back, California-inspired retreat by adding expansive outdoor living, a six-car garage, and a light-filled interior with bespoke built-ins, a refined kitchen, and a luxurious primary suite. Natural materials and airy textures create a serene, modern, coastal aesthetic.

Photos by Patrick Hood Photography

Homestyles Interior Design and Cypress Builders reimagined a dated primary bath into a timeless blue sanctuary. They replaced rotted shower windows, reframed the shower wall, installed a freestanding tub, and simplified the tray ceiling. Custom reeded cabinetry and thoughtful finishes created a spacious, elegant retreat balancing modern sophistication with classic charm.

Photos by Madison Weaver Photography

MK Interior Design Co and LKN Renovations transformed a quirky 1970s indoor/outdoor patio into a functional year-round retreat. They leveled the dramatically sloped floor, installed large-format porcelain tile, and created a living space with a built-in bar, a kegerator, a modern fireplace, and a dining nook. Cable railings connect indoor and outdoor spaces, while the patio features fire-pit seating and a lake-view bar, honoring the original charm.

Polynesian Retreat

Photos by Patrick Hood Photography

Pippin Home Designs and Cypress Builders reimagined a modest cottage into a spacious, unified family home. A new second story, elevated glass breezeway, open living areas, and a tranquil primary suite pair with a pool, hot tub, and outdoor kitchen to create effortless indoor-outdoor living.

Summer House



Photos by Jim Schmid

Pippin Home Designs and Strom Construction crafted The Summer House, which is a warm, contemporary lakefront retreat designed for multigenerational living. Despite tight setbacks and septic constraints, they created a five-bedroom home with sweeping views, layered outdoor spaces, a private guest cottage, and future-ready accessibility woven seamlessly into its light-filled, low-maintenance design.

Modern Luxury on Lake Norman – Binns Road

Photos by Patrick Hood Photography

Where waterfront grandeur meets intimate luxury, Shaw Custom Builders and KDH Design transformed this home, awarded Best Custom Waterfront 3M+, into Lake Norman’s crown jewel. A serene primary suite, enhanced by five additional bedrooms, and a fully equipped lower level with bar, billiards, gym, and pool room, create a custom retreat. Award-winning craftsmanship, soaring vaulted beams, and walls of glass create an extraordinary sanctuary where every sunrise feels like vacation.