2011 Custom Home Design Awards

Times remain challenged for construction, and home prices continue their decline as foreclosures muddy the definition of value in the marketplace. And yet, some hardy souls pursued their dream of building a custom home. We would not call them foolhardy because we believe these houses will outperform the market for years to come. Cookie-cutter houses may sell for a dime a dozen in the near term, but houses of character and quality will hold steady. Our 19th annual CUSTOM HOME Design Awards received 395 entries in 10 categories. Just 24 projects were singled out for honors in nine categories—no award was given in Custom Detail this year. The jury included four distinguished custom builders and architects: John Murphey, Meditch Murphey Architects, Chevy Chase, Md.; Whitney Powers, Studio-A Architecture, Charleston, S.C.; Matt Risinger, Risinger Homes, Austin, Texas; and Ken Vona, Kenneth Vona Construction, Waltham, Mass. In addition to naming a Custom Home of the Year, they bestowed nine Grand and 14 Merit awards.