Historic Renovation/Restoration (50 years or older)
1st Place
Witmer Design
Photo by: Martin Vecchio
The renovation of Wallace Frost’s 1929 home was a year-long effort intended to modernize the structure while preserving its architectural integrity. The original beams and plaster walls were carefully retained, ensuring a sense of authenticity. Redesigning and rebuilding the cabinets added modern sensibilities. Because natural materials were used throughout, the design feels warm, soft, and timeless; vintage elements maintain an aura of history while introducing a contemporary aesthetic.
2nd Place
Maison Birmingham
and Sterling Development Corp.
Photo by: Martin Vecchio
3rd Place
Maple & Mill
Photo by: John D’Angelo
Small-space Remodel (Up to 1,000 sq. ft.)
1st Place
Maison Birmingham with Meg Corley Interiors
Photo by: Martin Vecchio
When their residence needed updating, these empty-nesters decided it was time to plan for aging in place. The project included the primary bath, lower-level family room, kitchenette, wine cellar, upstairs en suites, and main floor areas. In the narrow kitchen, two stools were added to the island, and a built-in banquette and breakfast table by the window provide a cozy sitting and dining area.
2nd Place
Jessica Neeper Interiors
with Brian Neeper Architecture, P.C. and Maison Birmingham
Photo by: Joseph Tiano
3rd Place
Kendall Design Build
Photo by: Shelby Dubin
Large Remodel (More than 1,000 sq. ft.)
1st Place
Maple & Mill
Photo by: John D’Angelo
This renovation encompassed a total exterior face-lift, the addition of a lanai, and installing a pool and spa. Working within a tight backyard, it was essential to create a welcoming space that could be utilized throughout the seasons. The covered patio can be enclosed by motorized screens, giving it a comfortable, spa-like atmosphere. The home is now perfect for hosting casual BBQs, school events, and formal parties — highlighting its exceptional form and function.
2nd Place
Maison Birmingham
with Sterling Development Corp.
Photo by: Martin Vecchio
3rd Place
Marianne Jones Interior Design
Photo by: Paul Dyer
Addition Project (Architecture)
1st Place
Oak Street Design
Photo by: Jonathan Thrasher
Sited on a stunning stretch of shoreline along Lake Michigan, this home was once a small, early 20th-century summer cottage. Nearly untouched after 100 years, an extensive renovation and addition project was undertaken to restore the essence of its original character, and to merge its historic charm with modern functionality. Architectural cues from the original cottage inform detailing on the two-story addition, blurring the line between old and new and creating a cohesive whole.
2nd Place
Glenda Meads Architects
with Jane Spencer Designs
Photo by: Leslie Hardy
3rd Place
Kendall Design Build
Photo by: Shelby Dubin
Vacation Home in Michigan
1st Place
Disbrow Iannuzzi Architects with Giraffe Design Build
Photo by: Round Three Photography
A vacation retreat on Baw Beese Lake, this house was designed with three distinct living areas that can operate independently or together. The project had little impact on the land and resulted in a minimal carbon footprint, thanks to forward-thinking details like hydronic radiant heat, non-toxic wool insulation, shou sugi ban wood siding, and a low-maintenance, standing seam steel “hot” roof. The home is a healthy, highly functional building with improved indoor air quality.
2nd Place
Krieger Klatt Architects
Photo by: Krieger Klatt Architects
3rd Place
DesRosiers Architects
with Birchwood Construction Co.
Photo by: Steve Kroodsma
Vacation Home Outside of Michigan
1st Place
Sharon Kory Interiors
Photo by: Don Hebert
Located on the U.S. Virgin Islands’ idyllic St. Thomas, this 6,000-square-foot Bakkero Villa spans several acres and sits on a hilltop with breathtaking views. Purchased in shell form, the home now features an expansive foyer and great room, formal dining room, five en suite bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen, a full bar, two terraces, a fire feature, an outdoor kitchen, an infinity pool, and an outdoor bath.
2nd Place
VanBrouk and Associates Inc.
with Oliver Max Inc.
Photo by: Visionary Perspectives, LLC
3rd Place
DesRosiers Architects
Photo by: Steve Kroodsma
New Model Home (Architecture)
1st Place
Allegretti Architects Inc.
Photo by: James Haefner
With three levels totaling 2,960 square feet, this stunning home epitomizes environmentally sustainable design and site-conscious biophilic integration. It was imperative to minimize its environmental footprint, exceeding the stringent requirements of the Michigan Critical Dune Act. Uncovering the most logical layout was a difficult task, with over 90 percent of the site sloping at 33.33 percent, but opportunities were found in the specific shape and placement of the home to draw out the natural benefits of its surroundings.
2nd Place
Toll Brothers
Photo by: Curt Clayton
3rd Place
Moceri Custom Homes
Photo by: Sasha Marceta/Skyview Experts
Contemporary Architecture (Up to 4,000 sq. ft.)
1st Place
Allegretti Architects Inc.
Photo by: James Haefner
The unique trapezoidal layout of this dune-side home was diligently crafted to maximize comfort, functionality, and appearance. Entering at the first level, you encounter the foyer, garage, and a recreational space; the second and third floors house the main living areas. The surrounding decks offer panoramic views, as well as storm and solar glare blockers. The butterfly roof lends a distinctive aesthetic and helps mitigate the home’s impact on the fragile dune ecosystem.
2nd Place
TR Design Group
Photo by: Sasha Marceta/Skyview Experts
3rd Place
Moceri Custom Homes
Photo by: Sasha Marceta/Skyview Experts
Contemporary Architecture (More than 4,000 sq. ft.)
1st Place
HEID Architects, PLLC
Photo by: Sally Matak
Incredible lake views and lush woodland areas were reason enough to reimagine the architecture of this Mid-century Modern home through the lens of modern renovations. An elongated existing bridge, re-clad with wood decking and cedar shingles, provides an enchanting illusion of suspension in the tree canopy, while paired vertical fins of white oak accentuate the structure. To increase views, oblique window punches add definition and shadow play to the triangular ends of the home..
2nd Place
dSPACE Studio Architecture
Photo by: Tony Soluri
3rd Place
McIntosh Poris Architects
Photo by: Jason Keen
Traditional Architecture (Up to 4,000 sq. ft.)
1st Place
Oak Street Design
Photo by: Jonathan Thrasher
This early 20th century cottage underwent an extensive renovation and addition to merge its historic charm with current needs. Divided lite windows, exposed rafter tails, custom-routered siding, architectural brackets, and traditional trimwork lend outward appeal. Traditional design cues continue inside, with details like the double-height great room, symmetrical chef’s kitchen, Craftsman-inspired window casings, and more. Vintage accents, coupled with stunning lake views from nearly every room, add to the home’s romantic narrative.
2nd Place
La Marco Homes
with Krieger Klatt Architects
Photo by: Sally Matak
3rd Place
Joseph Mosey Architecture Inc.
with Cloth & Kind and Schuster Homes
Photo by: Marta Xochilt Perez
Traditional Architecture (More than 4,000 sq. ft.)
1st Place
Damian Farrell Design Group, PLLC
Photo by: Ryan Halsey
Once a heavy-timber barn with a hayloft, this home is now a light-filled residence that showcases the timber structure. A single-story
shed-roofed addition houses the primary suite, and the existing large openings were fitted with glass doors and window walls. A major challenge was working with the barn’s scale as residential elements were introduced. While much of the salvaged barn wood was used as siding, a good portion became cabinets, countertops, and shelves. Today, the project blends the rustic and the new in a way that’s timeless.
2nd Place
Brian Neeper Architecture, P.C.
with Jessica Neeper Interiors and Hunter Roberts Homes
Photo by: James Haefner
3rd Place
La Marco Homes
with Joseph Mosey Architecture Inc.
Photo by: Karl Moses
Overall Home
1st Place
dSPACE Studio Architecture
Photo by: Ty Cole
Nestled into dunes overlooking Lake Michigan, this home appears to emerge from the landscape. Rugged beauty and adventure drew the owners to the property but presented challenges, including rising lake levels and wildfire risk. The site necessitated a durable shelter that integrates with the environment. Programmed outdoor spaces are layered to match the topography, while a steel superstructure allows for an ultra-thin roof with overhangs to handle a passive solar design that can withstand gale-force winds and heavy snow loads.
2nd Place
Joseph Mosey Architecture Inc.
with Cloth & Kind and Schuster Homes
Photo by: Marta Xochilt Perez
3rd Place
Craighall Interiors
with The Parson’s Nose Antiques
Photo by: Justin Maconochie
Detroit Design Awards 2025
Judges
Details
Exteriors
Interiors
Homes
Commercial Design
Rising Star
Readers’ Choice
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