29th annual Builder’s Choice Design and Planning Awards

BUILDER magazine hosted the 29th annual Builder’s Choice Design and Planning Awards in Washington, DC on Thursday, October 8. As the housing industry’s oldest, largest and most prestigious design awards program, Builder’s Choice award recognizes the top achievements of the U.S. housing builders and architects.

The Builder’s Choice Awards this year is as much about perseverance in the face of great pressure as something else. This year’s winner is a reflection of the times.
At the hospital industry, these projects demonstrate innovation and pragmatism.
Every year renowned panel of judges chosen to select the Builder’s Choice Design and Planning Awards winners and this year was no exception. Independent jury consisting of six distinguished individuals, including Stephen Muse, Muse Architects, Bethesda, MD; Ali Honarkar, Division1 Architects, Washington, DC; Catherine Benotto, Weber Thompson, Seattle, WA; Jim Tanner, TannerHecht Architecture, San Francisco, CA; tom Glass, Glass Construction, Washington, DC, and Dan Green, Green Company, Newton Center, MA. Overall, they were awarded the Special Focus 5, 22 Merit awards, 10 Grand awards, and one Project of the Year.

The project this year difference in 1615 was given to North Wolcott Street, a contemporary urban infill projects. The project, located in Chicago, IL, designed and built by a team from The Miller Hull Partnership, Seattle, Chicago builder / developer Ranquist Development, and the architect of record, Osterhaus McCarthy Architects, also of Chicago.

Judges evaluated entries based on overall excellence and innovation in architecture, technology and land planning. Other criteria used were: creative use of materials; interior design; plan efficiency; exploration of new designs; lasting refreshing for details today; site sensitivity, budget, and contributions to environmental sustainability.

“The Builder’s Choice Awards this year is as much about perseverance in the face of great pressure as something else. The winner of this year is a reflection of the times.” BUILDER Editorial Director says Boyce Thompson, noting that sustainability, affordability, and regional themes are prominent in this year’s competition, “At the hospital industry, these projects demonstrate innovation and pragmatism.”

Three industry leaders have also been appointed to the BUILDER – Wm. S. Marvin Hall of Fame for Design Excellence in recognition of their contribution to residential design.
2009 Hall of Fame inductees are:
- Robert Hidey, Irvine, CA
- BAR Architects, San Francisco, CA
- Horizon Builders, Crofton, MD

2009 Builder’s Choice Design and Planning Awards gala was co-sponsored by Marvin Windows and Doors and cupboards Hits