Home remains the most meaningful architectural space we experience throughout our lives. It reflects individuality, togetherness, privacy, stability and inspiration. As we continue to explore the role homes play in our everyday lives, the annual SRQ Magazine Home of the Year Competition invites local architects, builders, interior designers and landscape artists to share fresh perspectives on residential living by submitting their recent projects. Year after year, the competition reimagines the spaces where we live and thrive—expanding the conversation around what a home represents and what it can become through today’s building innovations, renovation approaches and regional influences. From seaside to streetside, inside and out, these award-winning homes celebrate and shape a growing legacy of inspired residential design. 

BEST OVERALL HOME — OVER $4 MILLION

Platinum | Coastal Farmhouse By Vertical Custom Homes

The Coastal Farmhouse is a refined coastal-contemporary home designed to meet the environmental demands of its Gulf-front site on Siesta Key. Elevated above floodplain requirements, the house balances a traditional gabled form with modern strategies for resilience and passive performance. Two volumes are separated by a central breezeway, promoting cross ventilation and drawing natural light into the heart of the home. Deep recesses, shaded porches and carefully oriented glazing reduce solar heat gain, while durable materials such as fiber cement siding and standing seam metal roofing ensure longevity in the harsh coastal climate. The design emphasizes simplicity, comfort and connection to the environment, resulting in a home that performs reliably under extreme conditions while maintaining a quiet architectural presence along the shoreline.

 

Architect: Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors Contractor: Vertical Custom Homes Interior Designer: SweetSparkman Architects  Cabinetry: Renaissance Design Studio  Fixtures/Kitchen: Rohl Fixtures/Bathroom: Rohl/Toto  Flooring: Carlisle Wood Flooring  AV SmartHouse Integration Landscape Design: John Wheeler Landscape, Inc. Security/Surveillance: SmartHouse Integration   Pool: Freestyle Pools  Roofing Avery Roof Services  Photographer: Ryan Gamma

Platinum | Watersound BY Nautilus Homes

Completed in June 2024, Watersound seamlessly blends timeless architectural design with contemporary elegance on a premier corner lot. This residence embodies a relaxed Florida vernacular style, wrapping around an interior courtyard that draws in natural light and coastal breezes. With a layout that fosters a deep connection to nature, the home feels as though it has been cherished by a family for generations yet maintains a fresh, vibrant ambiance. The entrance is marked by a welcoming porch, while the guest house and pool loggia frame the auto court, creating a harmonious arrival experience. Inside, the living room opens to a spacious screened porch through expansive folding glass doors, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The grand porch—designed for living, dining and cooking—is central to the home’s outdoor lifestyle, featuring a summer kitchen and coral stone flooring. Interior details showcase vaulted ceilings, a precast firebrick-lined fireplace, custom cabinetry and a Lacanche range that anchor the living and kitchen spaces. The charm of Watersound unfolds through thoughtful accents including herringbone wood flooring, terra cotta tiles, rich hues, whimsical wallpaper and penny round tiles. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Watersound is built to endure as a timeless sanctuary for generations. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, the team sourced high-quality materials and relied on a dedicated core team and trusted subcontractors to bring this vision to life.

Architect: Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson  Contractor: Nautilus Homes Interior Designer: Ellen Hanson Designs  Cabinetry: Sarasota Architectural Woodworking  Fixtures/Kitchen: Lacanche, Subzero  Landscape Design: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Gettle Pools  Roofing New Wave Roofing  Photographer: Ryan Gamma

Gold | Lunara By DSDG Architects

Sarasota’s cultural legacy is distilled into a forward-looking architectural expression—Lunara. Situated in Sapphire Shores, one of the city’s most historically and culturally significant neighborhoods, the home commands expansive views of Sarasota Bay and the downtown skyline, using its setting as both inspiration and organizing principle. The design transforms the site constraints of an elevated flood zone into opportunity through a composition of intersecting volumes and floating planes, creating a new habitable horizon datum. State-of-the-art materials sourced globally are refined through the craftsmanship of local artisans. Light, water and horizon are treated as architectural elements, shaping every façade, interior space and moment of arrival. Entry is marked by an 11-foot pivot door opening into a double-height living space. Framing the view, an automated glass wall fully pockets to dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, extending to a trellised sun deck beyond. Every room opens into this great room, as a no-hallway planning strategy reinforces fluid movement throughout the home, ensuring that despite its scale, the experience remains intimate and energized. At the core of the plan, an elegant kitchen connects the opposing bar to the dining room, outdoor balconies and pool area through corner pocketing sliding glass walls. This spatial strategy is mirrored above in the primary suite, where a movable privacy glass wall allows the bath to shift between open vista and secluded spa as integrated views extend three rooms deep into the plan. Amenity spaces are conceived as architectural experiences rather than add-ons. A two-level pool cascades from an infinity edge into a dedicated lap lane, merging sculptural presence with purposeful use. A rooftop deck serves as a stage for Sarasota’s unforgettable sunsets and provides a flexible outdoor retreat designed for social gathering, featuring a putting green, firepit and adaptable open space. Lunara exemplifies architecture as both art and habitation, where innovation is grounded in craft, luxury is livable and scale is carefully moderated. The result is a residence that becomes both sanctuary and enduring icon.

Architect: DSDG Architects Contractor: Voigt Brothers Construction  Interior Designer: Dara Nassif, Michelle Bilodeau  Cabinetry: Studio Luxe  Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Fixtures/Bathroom: Gorman’s Gallery Flooring: Sticks and Stones  AV Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Mullett Brothers Landscaping Pool: Water Designs  Roofing Mullet’s Aluminum Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Other: Glass – Railings / Shower / Wine: Mullet’s Aluminum

Gold | Sunset Hill By Nautilus Homes

Sunset Hill is a thoughtfully crafted response to a challenging hillside site, shaped by its natural topography, neighborhood context and the realities of building in coastal Florida. Nestled within a mature residential setting, the home balances contemporary living with a deep respect for privacy, resilience and connection to its surroundings. From the outset, the design was guided by a desire to create a calm, welcoming retreat that feels intuitive, protected and effortlessly livable. The sloping terrain presented one of the project’s primary challenges. With a pronounced grade change from the rear property line to the street, careful site planning was essential to maintain appropriate scale and proportion. The home was strategically lowered within the site, achieving a more harmonious relationship between the structure and the natural slope while preserving sightlines and reducing perceived height from the street. This decision allowed the architecture to feel grounded and integrated rather than imposed. Privacy was another critical consideration. Due to the downward slope, rear neighbors sat significantly higher, creating visual exposure at the back of the property. Rather than compromising outdoor living, the pool was relocated to the front of the home and discreetly screened with a site wall. This solution transformed a potential limitation into a defining feature, creating a private, resort-like environment that remains invisible from both the street and neighboring homes. Sunset Hill ultimately reflects a synthesis of design intelligence and execution. It is a home defined not by adversity, but by how those challenges were anticipated, addressed and transformed into lasting strength, comfort and quiet innovation.

Architect: Stofft Cooney Architects Contractor: Nautilus Homes Interior Designer: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Landscape: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Water Designs Photographer: Ryan Gamma 

Silver | Skyhook By SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture

The vision for this 5,180 sq. ft. home on Sarasota Bay was to create a residence that supports aging in place while embracing life on the water. The challenge was designing a home for a retired couple and their family that performs effectively today and for decades to come while meeting strict high velocity (VE) flood zone requirements.The main living level was elevated 17 feet above grade to create the impression of “floating” over the landscape. Cantilevered spaces and walls of glass capture sweeping views of the bay and canal, and the west-facing pool - Sarasota’s first elevated pool permitted in a VE Zone -anchors outdoor living and frames sunset vistas; obtaining approval for the elevated pool required a two year code review. Aging-in-place features appear throughout: wide entry doors, flush showers, easy-to-rotate handles, wheelchair-accommodating countertop heights, and an elevator for full vertical access. A custom three-level staircase celebrates the daily journey from ground level to the uppermost floor. The home also incorporates performance-forward and sustainability technologies that enhance comfort and resilience. Carefully placed operable windows and sliding doors provide daylighting, ventilation, and seasonal breezes, reducing reliance on mechanical systems, while targeted shading improves year-round usability of outdoor areas. Automated controls coordinate these passive strategies with high-performance insulation and an optimized building envelope, contributing to exceptionally low energy use and a HERS rating of -3 (beyond net zero). Active systems include solar energy capture, the use of renewable/recycled materials, rainwater collection, indoor air purification, and integrated data/automation. The home has earned LEED Platinum, Florida Green Building Coalition Platinum, and EPA Energy Star Highest Standards, among other sustainability certifications. The result is a resilient waterfront home that enables comfortable living today, connects daily life to the surrounding neighborhood / waterways and is grounded in the future through sustainable design.

Architect: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, Jonathan Parks FAIA  Contractor: Synergy Building, Corp Interior Designer: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture with Owner Fixtures/Kitchen: Hershman Plumbing, Inc Fixtures/Bathroom: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. AV Wicked Smart Homes  Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc.  Security/Surveillance: Wicked Smart Homes   Pool: Tom Sanger Pool and Spa  Roofing Avery Roof Services  Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox, Cartano Creative Other: Railings and Stairwell: Mullets Aluminum

Silver | House on Sand/Manasota By Dual Entrants | Trinity Custom Homes / DSDG Architechts

Building House on Sand on Manasota Key meant bringing together serious technical execution with a level of craftsmanship that matches the beauty of the site. The deep pilings and foundation work set the stage, but the real story is in what rises above it—a home that feels both substantial and effortless against the Gulf. The home itself is stunning. Longboard ceilings flow seamlessly from interior to exterior, creating warmth and continuity throughout. Custom glass railings preserve unobstructed water views. A sculptural waterfall anchors the outdoor space while a Splinter Works slide adds an element of pure joy. Floor-to-ceiling glass opens entire walls to the Gulf, and every material choice—from the stone selections to the custom millwork—was made to complement the coastal setting while standing up to it. Translating this level of design intent into reality required meticulous execution and constant coordination across dozens of specialized trades. Then there was the performance side. The owners wanted more than beautiful—they wanted sustainable, smart, efficient. We delivered NGBS Gold certification with a HERS rating of - 1718, meaning this home actually produces far more energy than it uses. JOSH AI runs the whole property by voice. Gaggenau appliances, automated systems, specialty trades working in tight coordination—it all had to come together without compromising quality. What we’re proudest of isn’t just that we built it—it’s that we built it to last. This home will be standing strong and performing flawlessly long after we’re gone. That was the real challenge.

Architect: DSDG Architects  Contractor: Trinity Custom Homes Interior Designer: Trinity Design LLC  Cabinetry: SRQ Cabinetry Fixtures/Kitchen: Gormans Bath Gallery Fixtures/Bathroom: Gormans Bath Gallery Flooring 6051 Design Source AV Advanced ESI   Landscape Design: Bordon Landscape Design  Security/Surveillance: Advanced ESI   Pool: Platinum Pools  Roofing New Wave Roofing  Furnishings/Furniture  Trinity Design LLC Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

 

BEST OVERALL HOME — BETWEEN  $2 – $4 MILLION

Platinum | Jardin du Ciel By Seibert Architects, PA

The owners requested a house that would accommodate parties of eight to twelve friends and events of fifty or more, while maximizing natural light and openness to surrounding on-site and off-site vegetation. Situated within an old private enclave known for its lush tropical vegetation, the site formerly hosted an at grade residence well below the current flood elevation. The new design elevates the home to exceed flood regulations and maintains neighborhood requirements for separation and vegetative screening. The bold form and hard edges of the house stand in stark contrast with its informal tropical landscape as a foil to each other. The house captures views into the surrounding landscape and boat basin, allowing interior spaces to be defined by their relationship to exterior views. Lifting the house provides views for inhabitants that are otherwise not available from ground level and allows the landscape to pass beneath the house for a more expansive landscape experience where the front, side, and rear yard are visible to each other, and the house overhead defines each from the other. The raised lawn terrace sweeps beneath the elevated house, visually joining the different yard areas into one larger ground plane expression. For large events, the extension of the terrace into the front yard serves as a forecourt for outdoor functions, with passage beneath the house as the threshold/entry into the open rear yard area where events occur. The ground-level entry features a steel stair as a closed form suspended in the entry space from above. The closed form of the stair conceals the openness to the light-filled spaces above that one experiences in the stair itself as one rises into the light-filled spaces on the main level.

 

Architect: Seibert Architects, PA (Michael Epstein)  Contractor: Dti Contracting Interior Designer: Seibert Architects, PA (Pamela Holladay)   Cabinetry: Campbell Cabinetry Designs Fixtures/Kitchen: Gormans Gallery Kitchen & Bath Studio Fixtures/Bathroom: Gormans Gallery Kitchen & Bath Studio  Flooring Porcelanosa Landscape Design: John Wheeler Landscape  Pool: Water Designs of Sarasota  Roofing Avery Roof Services  Furnishings/Furniture  Home Resource  Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Other: Structural Engineer: Hees & Associates

 

Platinum | Water’s Edge Residence By Lear Studio Architects

This contemporary Sarasota residence is designed as a calm, airy refuge that celebrates the relationship between architecture, water and landscape. The home’s long, linear form rests lightly above a 48-foot lap pool and a continuous water feature that mirrors the full length of the structure. This elevated composition creates the impression that the house is floating, allowing the pool and surrounding landscape to play an essential role in the overall design. Along the main living areas, large glass walls pocket completely out of view, opening the home to the tropical oasis that surrounds it. When these walls disappear, the interior becomes an open-air pavilion where breezes move freely through the great room, kitchen and dining spaces. Reflections from the pool cast soft, shifting patterns across the architecture throughout the day, reinforcing a subtle connection to the natural environment. Strategic consideration shaped the home’s form to filter out unwanted views while preserving only lush tropical vistas from every room. The result is a setting that feels curated yet effortless, allowing the built environment and natural elements to reinforce one another. Inside, materials were selected for warmth, clarity and quiet sophistication. Natural stone, white oak and coastal-inspired finishes create continuity from room to room. Every detail was considered to enhance flow and comfort while maintaining the home’s refined aesthetic. This residence reflects a thoughtful dedication to livable modern design. It functions as both a private sanctuary and a place for gathering, shaped by Sarasota’s light, climate and lifestyle. The architecture invites an easy rhythm of indoor and outdoor living, creating a home that feels balanced, timeless and distinctly of its place.

Architect: Lear Studio Architects   Contractor: Bluewater Construction Interior Designer: Lear Studio Architects  Landscape Design:  Lear Studio Architects  Pool: Gettle Pools   Roofing Wolff Roofing Furnishings/Furniture  Dwell  Photographer: Nicholas Ferris Photography

 

Gold | Sea-la Vie By DSDG Architects

A deliberate fusion of architecture, climate and livability, this 4,300-square-foot bayfront residence transforms site constraints into opportunity. Positioned along a protected canal, the design curates a continuous spatial and visual dialogue between water, landscape and interior life. Conventional boundaries dissolve so daylight, breezes and long axial water views become defining architectural elements rather than peripheral amenities. Massing strategies prioritize visual orientation and outdoor engagement. The building is expressed through intersecting angled volumes and deep horizontal overhangs that temper Florida sun exposure while reinforcing a crisp sculptural presence from both the street and the water. Early studies examined view corridors and passive shading, ultimately leading to an angled living room volume that frames long-distance canal perspectives without compromising privacy. Exterior finishes reinforce a coastal material identity. A checkerboard interplay of buff-toned tabby stucco, conventional stucco and floor-to-ceiling glazing creates subtle texture and modulation as shifting daylight moves across the façade. The home reads as layered rather than monolithic, an elevated composition grounded in proportion, shadow and restraint. Inside, the architecture maintains a minimal tactile palette that heightens daylight and accentuates crafted focal moments. A sculptural open stair of steel, wood and glass floats above a bed of white river rock, anchoring the entry sequence with gallery-like transparency. Throughout the home, textured feature walls, woven natural materials and concealed lighting introduce warmth to the modern language and invite moments of pause. Programmatically, private zones are elevated to maximize views and breeze exposure, while the ground floor is reserved for transparent living spaces that connect directly to the pool terrace, dock and waterfront landscape. Within the primary suite, a woven feature wall and full-height glazing create a balanced dialogue between intimacy and panorama. Across every level, the architecture maintains a refined focus on human scale, climate response and the experiential qualities of coastal living. The residence stands as an example of contemporary Florida architecture that is elegant, high-performing and deeply connected to place.

Architect: DSDG Architects  Contractor: Voigt Brothers Construction Interior Designer: DSDG Architects   Cabinetry: Campbell Cabinetry Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Fixtures/Bathroom: Ferguson Flooring Sticks & Stones Flooring AV: Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Siesta Key Landscape  Pool: Water Designs of Sarasota  Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

Silver | Campania Grande II at Star Farms Lakewood Ranch By Homes by WestBay

The Campania Grande II was conceived as a modern expression of Florida luxury—one that balances architectural presence with warmth, livability, and thoughtful functionality. The design challenge was to create a grand, statement-making residence that still feels approachable and intuitive for today’s homeowners, while showcasing the flexibility of the floorplan. The solution lies in a carefully curated blend of scale, flow, and refinement. Upon entry, expansive ceiling heights and clear axial views immediately establish a sense of openness and sophistication. The home’s layout is intentionally zoned to support both everyday living and elevated entertaining, with seamless transitions between formal and casual spaces. The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, functioning as both a visual anchor and a highly functional gathering space that connects effortlessly to the great room and outdoor living areas. Material selections emphasize timeless appeal through layered textures, soft neutral tones, and architectural detailing that adds depth without excess. With intuitive circulation, integrated storage, and strong indoor-outdoor connections, the Campania Grande II exemplifies homes that feel effortless, enduring, and thoughtfully crafted.

Architect: Homes by WestBay  Contractor: Homes by WestBay Cabinetry: Elite Building Solutions  Fixtures/Kitchen: The Lighting Gallery  Fixtures/Bathroom:  The Lighting Gallery Flooring Barry Neal Carpets, Inc AV: Vitex Systems Landscape Design:  Sunrise Landscape Pool: Coast to Coast Pools Roofing Hugh MacDonald Construction  Furnishings/Furniture Builders Design  Photographer: Diana Todorova Photography

BEST OVERALL HOME — BELOW  $2  MILLION

Platinum | 3Walls By Solstice Planning and Architecture

3Walls is located on a quarter-acre lot in Sarasota’s historic Avondale neighborhood. Conceived as deeply site-responsive and accessible, the 3,350 SF home introduces the idea of a modern bungalow. Thoughtfully addressing the scale of neighboring historic residences, the principal house is one story and opens onto an integrated pool terrace and a two-story studio and garage at the rear capped by rooftop decks. The home takes its name from three walls of custom breezeblock manufactured by local craftsmen. Selected after studying dozens of options, this distinctive pattern is incorporated on three walls, the entryway, an outdoor hallway leading to a rooftop garden terrace and the upper rooftop deck overlooking the pool. Together, these elements tie the site together through light, air and material continuity. Accessibility was the primary design challenge. The entire residence, including front and back entrances, circulation, bathrooms and pool deck, is fully wheelchair accessible. Rather than treating accessibility as an overlay, the design seamlessly integrates generous turning radii, roll-in showers, hidden ramps, flush thresholds and wide doorways quietly embedded within the architecture of the house. Inside, the layout focuses views and activity outward to the pool deck. Daylight reaches every room, including closets and pantries, reinforcing the project’s commitment to wellness, functionality and thoughtful modern living. The secondary structure houses an outdoor kitchen, pool bath, garage and studio. Two rooftop decks provide additional areas for entertaining, gardening and framed views of the treetops, while a custom pool enclosure reinforces the home’s geometry. The residence is elevated above street level for flood resiliency and includes energy efficient windows, LED lighting, EnergyStar appliances, low-flow fixtures and a highly insulated building envelope. During design and construction, a mature live oak was preserved and thoughtfully integrated into the overall site plan.

Architect: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture  Contractor: Modus Builders  Interior Designer: SOLSTICE Planning & Architecture with Owner Cabinetry: O’Connor Cabinetry Designs  Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Home  Fixtures/Bathroom:  Ferguson Home Flooring ProSource AV: Advanced ESI   Landscape Design:  Arbor Landscapes  Security/Surveillance: Advanced ESI  Pool: Family Pools Photographer: Jaquelyn Marie & Dylan Jon Wade Cox

Gold | Isle Royal at Sunstone Lakeside at Wellen Park By Mattamy Homes

The Isle Royal at Sunstone at Lakeside is a thoughtfully designed home that reflects the way families live today, blending innovation, comfort and flexibility into a spacious and highly livable floorplan. Created with both growing families and multigenerational households in mind, the Isle Royal offers intentional separation of space while maintaining a strong sense of connection throughout the home. At the heart of the design is an open concept living area that brings the kitchen, dining space and Great Room together in a seamless flow. This central gathering space is ideal for everyday living as well as entertaining, filled with natural light and designed to encourage connection. The kitchen functions as both a practical workspace and a social hub, featuring generous storage, expansive countertops and clear sightlines to surrounding living areas. What truly sets the Isle Royal apart is its adaptability. Multiple bedroom suites provide privacy and flexibility, making the home especially well suited for multigenerational living, whether accommodating in-laws, adult children or long-term guests. A dedicated guest suite with nearby bath access allows extended family members to enjoy comfort and independence, while shared spaces foster togetherness. Additional flex spaces throughout the home offer opportunities to personalize the layout to meet evolving needs. These areas can easily become a home office, media room, fitness space or playroom, ensuring the home grows and adapts with its residents over time. The Isle Royal strikes a smart balance between thoughtful design and everyday functionality.

Architect: Mattamy Homes  Contractor: Elliot Broders Interior Design: Intermark Design Group  Cabinetry: Timberlake Fixtures/Kitchen: Moen Fixtures/Bathroom: Moen Landscape: Impact Photographer: Grey Street Studios

BEST OVERALL INTERIOR DESIGN

Platinum | Watersound By Nautilus Homes 

A relaxed Florida vernacular welcoming generations of an extended family is embodied in this light-filled home. Drawing Gulf breezes from all sides, Watersound maintains privacy and a connection to nature. The interiors were designed to create family-friendly spaces while maintaining an aura of sophistication and ease. The palette is inspired by craftsman-style houses, interpreted in fresh, vibrant ways. Familiar materials like oak, terracotta, ceramic, and plaster evoke a sense of history. Every room offers seating options for all ages, from littles to grands. The great room opens to a spacious screened porch through expansive glass doors, creating a fluid transition between indoors and out. The furniture layout provides ample options for socializing in small or large groups. The distinct sleeping quarters are spread across separate floors, with multi-layered window treatments—from blackout to sheer—respecting all circadian needs. Bespoke offices for adults and a generous playroom for children allow everyone to work, study, and play in dedicated spaces tailored to their needs. A thoughtfully curated selection of art, lighting, and rugs elevates each space with a sophisticated use of color, texture, and volume.

Architect: Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson  Contractor: Nautilus Homes Interior Design: Ellen Hanson Designs  Cabinetry: Sarasota Architectural Woodworking Fixtures/Kitchen: Lacanche, Subzero Landscape Design: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Gettle Pools   Roofing: New Wave Roofing  Photographer: Ryan Gamma

Platinum | Waterclub By Traction Architecture

Perched high above the Gulf of Mexico in a condominium tower on Longboat Key, the Waterclub project replaces an awkward 1980s interior with an airy, serene residence that celebrates the deep blue and green hues of the surrounding water. The renovation transforms a dated plan into a calm, light-filled retreat with clear sight lines, intuitive circulation and a strong connection to the horizon beyond. The design began with a complete interior gut, removing all finishes, fixtures and wall framing to establish a clean slate. Working within the constraints of existing plumbing, HVAC chases and structural elements, the floor plan was carefully reconfigured to open views across the Great Room and improve flow between spaces. The resulting layout emphasizes clarity, balance and visual continuity. Smooth white walls are grounded by white oak flooring, bringing warmth and texture throughout the home. That same white oak reappears on dropped ceiling planes in the Kitchen and Hallway, reinforcing a more intimate scale and creating a sense of enclosure through natural materials. These lower, wood-clad ceilings heighten the experience of the Great Room, where a tall ceiling and large glass sliders draw the eye outward toward the shimmering Gulf. To maintain clean ceiling planes, recessed downlights were minimized in favor of perimeter cove lighting with concealed LED strips. This indirect illumination washes the walls and subtly separates horizontal and vertical planes, while minimalist linear pendants accent larger spaces. Custom built-ins establish a cohesive language of oak and carefully placed color. A gray oak cabinetry block defines the transition between Entry Hall and Kitchen, integrating entry storage, seating, pantry space and appliances. Finishes throughout echo the Gulf’s shifting blues and greens, with moments of whimsy such as a periwinkle tile backsplash, an internal kitchen window and a glossy blue powder room faucet adding brightness within an otherwise serene palette.

Architect: Traction Architecture  Contractor: Frieler Construction Inc  Interior Design: Traction Architecture  Cabinetry: Space Theory Fixtures/Kitchen: Dornbracht  Fixtures/Bathroom: Artos, Toto, Kohler, Vola, Nood  Flooring: Naples Flooring Company / Legno Bastone  Furnishings/Furniture:  Design Within Reach, Arper, Bludot, Herman Miller, Henrybuilt, Loll  Photographer: Seamus Payne

Gold | Southern Charmer By Buky Construction

Experience the inviting ambiance of old Southern Florida charm in this brand-new custom coastal residence, where thoughtful craftsmanship and elegant details greet you at every turn. From the moment you arrive, the home’s architecture blends classic coastal cottage elements with clean modern lines, creating an exterior that feels both timeless and fresh. Soft colors, breezy balconies and lush tropical landscaping set the tone for the relaxed sophistication found throughout the interior.

Inside, sun-filled spaces and an open airy layout evoke the gentle rhythm of coastal living. Large windows and glass doors invite natural light and frame tranquil views, enhancing the home’s warm welcoming atmosphere. Every room reflects a balance of refinement and comfort, with carefully curated fixtures, finishes and architectural touches adding depth and character. Whether through the soothing color palette, beautifully crafted millwork or the graceful flow from room to room, the home exudes effortless Southern elegance. Unique spaces such as a serene built-in library nook finished in calming coastal hues offer quiet retreats ideal for reading, unwinding or simply enjoying a moment of stillness. Thoughtful design ensures that each corner of the home feels intentional and inspiring, blending practicality with beauty.

This residence brings together the nostalgia of classic Florida styling and the ease of contemporary living. It captures the essence of true Southern hospitality while embracing the clean breezy feel of modern coastal design. The result is a home that feels instantly welcoming, richly detailed and perfectly suited for those seeking charm, comfort and a refined coastal lifestyle.

Architect: Beacon Home Design  Contractor: Buky Construction Inc  Interior Design:  Adrian Griffin Interiors Cabinetry: Progressive Cabinetry Fixtures/Kitchen: Moen Weymouth Collections Fixtures/Bathroom: Moen Weymouth Collections  Flooring: CSI Tile Design Inc  AV:  Gulf Coast Technology  Landscape Design:  Empire Greens   Roofing:  Blue Vision Furnishings/Furniture:  Hand picked antiques, Wayfair, CB2, Adrian Griffin Interiors, Pottery Barn  Photographer: Virtually LLC

Gold | Skyhook By Solstice Planning and Architecture

The goal in designing this 5,180 sq. ft. Sarasota Bay home for a retired couple and their two children was to create interiors that feel light, modern and deeply connected to water on two sides. The design emphasizes simple straightforward silhouettes, organic shapes, quiet fabrications and functionality. The palette features an array of whites and neutrals for a relaxed yet elegant finish, paired with wood grains and natural materials that frame both the views and the activity within. Expansive sliding doors dissolve the boundary between indoors and outdoors, extending living spaces onto terraces and the elevated pool deck. Breezes, reflections and natural light become part of the interior experience. Continuous light wood flooring flows throughout to unify spaces and add warmth, while high ceilings and open-concept rooms amplify daylight and spatial clarity. The interior design is intentionally gallery-like, using white planes, refined lighting and deliberate restraint to elevate the owners’ art collection. Every piece holds significance, whether painted by a friend, created by an artist from their hometown or made by a member of the family. A custom three-level staircase celebrates the daily journey from ground level to the uppermost floor. Floating wood steps with glass railings form a sculptural centerpiece that unites the levels without interrupting views. In the kitchen, marble countertops introduce refined texture within a restrained palette that enhances rather than competes with the proximity to the water. Unique hanging lights add modern drama and vertical emphasis while preserving the minimalist aesthetic. The resulting interior is serene, elegant and timeless. Spaces feel expansive yet calm. The home elevates everyday comfort and sets the stage for memorable entertaining while celebrating the surrounding water at every turn.

 

Architect: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, Jonathan Parks FAIA  Contractor: Synergy Building, Corp. Interior Design:  SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture with Owner Fixtures/Kitchen: Hershman Plumbing, Inc.  Fixtures/Bathroom: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. AV: Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Security/Surveillance: Wicked Smart Homes Pool: Tom Sanger Pool and Spa  Roofing: Avery Roofing  Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox; Cartano Creative, Steve Cartano; Jonathan Parks  Other: Mullets Aluminum: Railings and Stairwell

Silver | Anchor  Martinique II Model By Riley Interior Design 

As a model home, the residence was designed to resonate with a broad and discerning audience, while still feeling layered, intentional, and emotionally engaging. Our approach centered on creating a space that felt versatile yet distinctive, one that could appeal to a wide range of lifestyles without sacrificing character or warmth. Throughout the home, we introduced a thoughtful mix of textures, tonal variation, and subtle moments of surprise that keep the interiors feeling elevated, welcoming, and deeply connected to the surrounding natural landscape. The overarching goal for the project was to craft a light-filled, transitional home that balances refined design with everyday livability. Soft neutral tones, warm wood elements, and gently arched architectural details were used to establish a cohesive visual language that flows seamlessly from space to space. These elements unify the interiors while allowing each room to feel purposeful and thoughtfully composed. The result is a home that feels calm and grounded, yet rich with detail and visual interest. A key challenge was maintaining a sense of visual restraint within an open-concept floor plan, while still accommodating the functional needs of a modern household. Ample storage, professional-grade appliances, and generous preparation and gathering areas were carefully integrated, so that function never disrupted the home’s sense of openness and ease. Strategic planning of cabinetry elevations, concealed storage solutions, and clean sightlines allowed the spaces to feel expansive, organized, and uncluttered. Another consideration was working within a predominantly light and monochromatic palette, which can risk feeling flat or sterile if not handled with care. To counter this, we layered in warmth and dimension through textured materials, natural finishes, tailored millwork details, and sculptural lighting. These elements introduce depth, softness, and a sense of quiet luxury, resulting in a home that feels both serene and dynamic, timeless yet distinctly personal.

Architect: Anchor Home Builders  Contractor/Builder: Anchor Home Builders Interior Design: Riley Interior Design Cabinetry: Woodmode / Brookhaven Fixtures/Kitchen: Gormans Gallery Plumbing.  Fixtures/Bathroom: Gormans Gallery Plumbing Flooring: International Wood Flooring and Design Works  Pool: Water Designs Furnishings/Furniture: Riley Interior Design  Photographer: Blaine Johnathan

 

BEST KITCHEN

Platinum | Lunara By DSDG Architects

The owner and interior designer describes the residence as an expression of a refined palette defined by sophistication and calm. Steeped in a forward-looking sensibility, Lunara transforms state-of-the-art materials from around the world through the enduring craft of local artisans. With design influences drawn from Spain, Tulum and California, every angle captures the shimmer of water, every surface plays with light and every room invites a life surrounded by beauty in Sarasota. The statement kitchen serves as both a showstopping feature and the energetic heart of the home. Situated on a peninsula wing, the living space extends well beyond its perimeter walls. Corner pocketing glass panels open fully to cascade entertaining outdoors to an al fresco kitchen, dining area and pool deck. Hidden drainage is captured below the paver deck, allowing the transition between interior and exterior spaces to remain seamless and level. The cabinetry becomes a chromatic expression of Spanish opulence through a custom finish known as zinc bronze, paired with a soft taupe palette inspired by the sands of Tulum, Mexico. Dekton countertops and backsplash introduce a factory-made stone surface that anchors the space with earthen striations and exceptional durability. The backsplash itself conceals a key entertaining feature, it slides open to discreetly transfer used dishes into a hidden prep kitchen behind, allowing the primary space to remain pristine until the gathering concludes. Flanking the kitchen is a coordinating zinc bronze bar top with stone detailing and a metal racking display wall. The floating bar integrates refrigeration, a chilled wine display and a countertop pop-up TopBrewer designed to dispense seltzer and juices for any preprogrammed cocktail. Throughout the home, Lunara reflects a refined balance of innovation and craftsmanship. Light, water and materiality are treated as architectural elements, creating spaces that feel intentional, immersive and deeply connected to their coastal setting.

Architect: DSDG Architects Contractor/Builder: Voigt Brothers Construction Interior Designer: Dara Nassif & Michelle Bilodeau Cabinetry: Studio Luxe Fixtures/Kitchen:  Ferguson Flooring:  Sticks and Stones  AV: Wicked Smart Homes Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

Gold | Watersound By Nautilus Homes

Watersound’s kitchen is a seamless blend of timeless charm and modern functionality, striking a balance between sophistication and warmth. Custom cabinetry and a Lacanche range position the kitchen as the heart of the home, designed to support both family gatherings and elevated entertaining. Inspired by the Gulf Coast, the color palette and finishes convey a refined coastal sensibility that reflects the vibrant energy of the homeowners. Every detail, from the herringbone-patterned wood flooring to the decorative lighting, was carefully selected to create a harmonious fusion of traditional charm and modern design. The project presented unique challenges as COVID-19 disrupted supply chains and staffing availability. Despite these obstacles, high-quality materials were successfully sourced, and staffing shortages were addressed through the dedication of a core team and trusted subcontractors. The result is a kitchen that embodies enduring elegance while remaining fresh and contemporary, serving as a true centerpiece of the home’s architectural and interior vision.

Architect: Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson Contractor: Nautilus Homes Interior Design: Ellen Hanson Designs Cabinetry: Sarasota Architectural Woodworking Fixtures/Kitchen: Lacanche, Subzero Landscape Design: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Gettle Pools Roofing: New Wave Roofing Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

Gold | Holmes Beach By Cucine Ricci

This kitchen and bar area blends conversational seating, cooking locations, a wet bar, streamlined handrail tracks and earthy colors, forming the foundation of the home’s first-floor centerpiece. The design intent was to create a calm monolithic composition that integrates extensive functionality while remaining visually restrained. A primary challenge was maintaining long flowing lines without sacrificing function. The handrail system allowed for the removal of most handles, while continuous cabinet runs guide the eye throughout the space. Equally critical was preserving fluid circulation between cooking, dining and entertaining zones while maintaining long sightlines and a unified spatial experience. Tall cabinetry is treated as an architectural backdrop rather than furniture, allowing appliances and storage to disappear into uninterrupted planes. Textured taupe surfaces are paired with deep charcoal accents below to introduce contrast and depth while grounding the island and avoiding visual noise. Functionality is organized around two distinct zones within the island. The primary area supports preparation, cooking and daily tasks, while the island’s extension encourages socialized seating and togetherness. This approach enables simultaneous use, improves workflow and reinforces the kitchen’s role as a social anchor within the home. Integrated seating further blurs the boundary between the kitchen, living space and the outdoor area beyond the glass. Innovation is expressed through layered detailing and moments of intentional relief. Open metal shelving introduces lightness and display while maintaining architectural rigor. A recessed niche creates spatial depth and a focal point highlighted by an earthy sculpture, breaking the mass of cabinetry without disrupting continuity. Carefully integrated lighting emphasizes geometry, texture and material transitions throughout the day and evening.

Architect: Moss Custom Building s Contractor: Moss Custom Building   Interior Designer: HSH Designs  Cabinetry: Cucine Ricci  Photographer: Maxine Kennaugh with SRQ Home Photography

SIlver | Oaks Manor By Coastal Tide Construction

Oaks Manor is a reimagined masterpiece where past meets present, born from the complete transformation of a sprawling 7,800-square-foot home with an attached guest house. This visionary project marries cutting-edge technology with timeless luxury, resulting in a residence that is as functional as it is awe-inspiring. The journey begins at the main entry, where an impressive iron door welcomes guests with electrified interlayer glass. With the flick of a switch, the glass transitions from clear to frosted, combining privacy with contemporary elegance. The entryway leads into a dramatic foyer with 26- foot ceilings, setting the tone for the grandeur that unfolds throughout the home. A true culinary haven, Oaks Manor features not one but two kitchens. The main kitchen, located on the first floor, is a chef’s dream, designed for seamless entertaining with top-tier appliances and luxurious finishes. On the second level, a secondary kitchen oƯers added convenience and versatility, perfect for hosting or day-to-day living. The master suite is a true sanctuary, featuring an exceptional master bathroom with spa-like amenities and impeccable craftsmanship. The adjoining closet is just as impressive, oƯering an elevated level of sophistication with runway chic closet vibe, complete with a dedicated fur coat refrigeration unit to ensure even the finest garments remain perfectly preserved. Even pets are treated to luxury, with a custom laundry room that includes a dog shower and a built-in food pantry. Throughout the home, every detail has been meticulously considered, from the luxurious finishes to the integration of innovative technology. With its expansive layout, stunning guest house, and unparalleled features, Oaks Manor is a testament to bold vision and impeccable design, a residence that redefines modern luxury living.

Architect: Stofft Cooney Architects  Contractor/Builder: Nautilus Homes Interior Designer: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Landscape Design: Hazeltine Nurseries Pool: Water Designs  Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

Silver | Sunset Hill By Nautilus Homes

Sunset Hill is a study in thoughtful restraint, where architectural clarity, site intelligence and refined craftsmanship come together to create a home that feels effortless despite its complexity. Set on a sloping hillside, the project required careful consideration of grade, privacy and long-term resilience while delivering a warm, highly functional living environment centered on the kitchen as the heart of the home. The kitchen was conceived as both a visual anchor and a daily workhorse. Symmetry and proportion guide the layout, with a substantial island grounding the space and encouraging gathering, casual dining and connection. Crisp white cabinetry is layered with subtle detailing, balanced by the depth and texture of a custom dark-stained island and a sculptural metal range hood that introduces a refined industrial note. Light-filled sightlines to the exterior reinforce a sense of openness while maintaining privacy, a recurring theme throughout the home. Site challenges shaped key design decisions. The home was lowered within the slope to achieve a more harmonious relationship between grade and street, improving scale and livability. Privacy concerns at the rear caused by higher neighboring homes led to an innovative solution, relocating the pool to the front of the property and concealing it behind a privacy wall. This move transformed a constraint into an amenity, preserving views, intimacy and surprise. Resilience became an unplanned but defining aspect of the project. Construction coincided with Hurricane Ian and was followed by one of the most active storm seasons in recent history. Through meticulous planning, sequencing and execution, the home sustained no damage, underscoring the strength of its design and construction. At Sunset Hill, elegance is purposeful, innovation is quiet and every solution enhances how the home lives, beautifully and enduringly.

Architect: Coastal Tide Construction Contractor: Coastal Tide Construction Interior Designer: Chic on the Cheap Cabinetry: Studio Luxe  Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Flooring:  Coastal Tide Construction AV: NKontrol Freaks Photographer: Nicholas Ferris / Piper Creative Group

BEST BATHROOM

Platinum | Lunara By DSDG Architects

Lunara transforms state-of-the-art materials from around the world through the enduring craft of local artisans. A sophisticated and calm palette welcomes you into a life surrounded by beauty in Sarasota. While each bathroom throughout Lunara is thoughtfully designed with unique tile mosaics or stone slab specimens, the primary bathroom stands as the project’s greatest accomplishment, sophistication refined to its most natural elements. A sandy taupe palette provides earthen grounding as walls open to bring nature indoors. Traditional boundaries between bedroom and bath are intentionally removed, creating a resort-style spa experience typically found only in tropical retreats. Bay-facing sliding glass walls invite fresh breezes, natural light and expansive views deep into the home, transforming one of the most private spaces into a serene sanctuary.

Soaking in a custom-colored tub with layers of enclosure peeled away to reveal the outdoors creates an intimate and immersive experience. When privacy is desired, movable floor-to-ceiling frosted glass walls effortlessly transform the space. With the glass closed, filtered light creates a muted and calming atmosphere that works in harmony with the stone slab shower, zinc and bronze-toned Spanish cabinetry and a custom concrete countertop featuring an integral warped sink molded locally for this space.

A quieter moment of escape is found at the north-facing outdoor shower balcony, accessed directly from the shower through sliding glass doors. Throughout the bathroom, subtle layered lighting including mirror backlighting, under-cabinet illumination and a vertical niche light within the shower enhances texture and mood, reinforcing a sense of calm and retreat. It is rare to find a residence that is both a work of art and a place of refuge, where scale feels human and luxury feels livable. At Lunara, architecture becomes a lifestyle.

 

Architect: DSDG Architects Contractor/Builder: Voigt Brothers Construction Interior Designer: Dara Nassif & Michelle Bilodeau Cabinetry: Studio Luxe Fixtures/Kitchen:  Ferguson Flooring:  Sticks and Stones  AV: Wicked Smart Homes Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

Gold | Siesta Sanctuary By Magnolia Cabinet Co.

Siesta Sanctuary is a collection of three thoughtfully crafted bathroom environments connected through a shared design language of natural materiality, refined geometry and calm coastal-inspired warmth. Custom cabinetry is featured throughout, with rift-cut white oak serving as the unifying element across all spaces. The primary bathroom showcases rift-cut white oak cabinetry paired with floating shelves above a freestanding soaking tub. The soft linear grain of the oak introduces quiet movement, while the floating shelving visually extends the cabinetry and keeps the room feeling open and serene. The result is a spa-like and organic environment defined by balance and simplicity. The second bathroom takes a more architectural approach. Here, the vanity is angled into a triangular form, with a split detail separating two traditional cabinet sections. This sculptural geometry transforms the vanity into a true design feature, offering unexpected visual interest while maintaining full functionality. It demonstrates how cabinetry can influence both aesthetic character and spatial flow. The third space is an elegant powder room anchored by a floating rift-cut white oak vanity with integrated lighting. The illumination creates a soft glow that highlights the natural wood grain and gives the vanity a light contemporary presence. As a guest-facing space, it delivers a memorable yet understated design moment. Across all three rooms, frameless cabinet construction ensures clean lines and precise detailing. The emphasis remains on proportion, texture and craftsmanship rather than embellishment. Siesta Sanctuary reflects a philosophy of quiet luxury, where thoughtful cabinetry design enhances everyday experience and brings warmth and tranquility into the home.

Architect: Carotti Engineering LLC Contractor: Talon Homes Interior Design: EMCY Cabinetry: Magnolia Cabinet Co.  Photographer: Vadim, Motion Media

SIlver | Palm Noir By Trade Mark Interiors

This primary bathroom remodel invites you into a serene world of refined Southern living, thoughtfully reimagined as a timeless spa retreat. Rooted in the tranquility of Southern landscapes and elevated by classic design principles, the space blends traditional elegance with modern luxury to create a boutique hotel-inspired experience within the home. A layered, soothing palette establishes a sense of calm while adding depth and richness to the space. These hues are balanced by accents of antique black, introducing a sense of history and gravitas that grounds the design. The result is a bathroom that feels indulgent and enduring, luxurious without feeling overstated. At the heart of the space, a freestanding soaking tub serves as a sculptural focal point designed for moments of quiet retreat. The walk-in shower features seamless glass enclosures and refined tilework that enhances openness while highlighting craftsmanship. Carefully selected materials and finishes work in harmony, from the tile selections to the fixtures, creating a cohesive and elevated aesthetic. Lighting plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere, softly illuminating the space to enhance its spa-like quality. Every detail was thoughtfully curated to balance beauty and functionality, ensuring the bathroom supports daily routines with ease while maintaining a sense of calm. This primary bathroom transformation embodies a sophisticated interpretation of Southern comfort, featuring timeless restorative elements tailored to modern living. It offers the homeowners a private sanctuary designed for relaxation and renewal.

Contractor: Sarabay Kitchen & Bath Interior Designer:  Trade Mark Interiors  Cabinetry: Sarabay Kitchen & Bath Fixtures/Bathroom:  Moen   Flooring: Floor and Décor and Design Works Furnishgins/Funiture  Trade Mark Interiors Photographer:  Nicholas Ferris Photography

 

BEST REMODEL/RENOVATION

Platinum | Oaks Manor By Coastal Tide Construction

Oaks Manor is a reimagined masterpiece where past meets present, born from the complete transformation of a sprawling 7,800-square-foot home with an attached guest house. This visionary project marries cutting-edge technology with timeless luxury, resulting in a residence that is as functional as it is awe-inspiring. The journey begins at the main entry, where an impressive iron door welcomes guests with electrified interlayer glass. With the flick of a switch, the glass transitions from clear to frosted, combining privacy with contemporary elegance. The entryway leads into a dramatic foyer with 26- foot ceilings, setting the tone for the grandeur that unfolds throughout the home. A true culinary haven, Oaks Manor features not one but two kitchens. The main kitchen, located on the first floor, is a chef’s dream, designed for seamless entertaining with top-tier appliances and luxurious finishes. On the second level, a secondary kitchen oƯers added convenience and versatility, perfect for hosting or day-to-day living. The master suite is a true sanctuary, featuring an exceptional master bathroom with spa-like amenities and impeccable craftsmanship. The adjoining closet is just as impressive, oƯering an elevated level of sophistication with runway chic closet vibe, complete with a dedicated fur coat refrigeration unit to ensure even the finest garments remain perfectly preserved. Even pets are treated to luxury, with a custom laundry room that includes a dog shower and a built-in food pantry. Throughout the home, every detail has been meticulously considered, from the luxurious finishes to the integration of innovative technology. With its expansive layout, stunning guest house, and unparalleled features, Oaks Manor is a testament to bold vision and impeccable design, a residence that redefines modern luxury living.

Architect: Coastal Tide Construction Contractor: Coastal Tide Construction Interior Designer: Chic on the Cheap Cabinetry: Studio Luxe  Fixtures/Kitchen: Ferguson Flooring:  Coastal Tide Construction AV: Kontrol Freaks Photographer: Nicholas Ferris / Piper Creative Group

Platinum | The Manor at Lakewood Ranch By Echt-Architects LLC

This renovation reimagines the heart of the home through a comprehensive transformation of the living room, family room, kitchen, wine room and supporting spaces, guided by a clear directive to create a cohesive, light-filled environment that feels intentional, timeless and inviting. The original layout suffered from poor spatial relationships, inefficient circulation and a kitchen and family room configuration that blocked natural light, views and connection between spaces. Despite generous square footage, the home felt compartmentalized and underutilized. The design solution focused on rebalancing scale, orientation and flow while honoring the home’s architectural character. Walls and visual barriers were reworked to improve sightlines and daylight penetration, allowing natural light to reach deep into the interior. The kitchen was repositioned and refined as the true heart of the home, both functionally and experientially, supporting daily living, entertaining and visual connection to adjacent spaces. Materiality and detailing were carefully curated to unify the renovation across rooms. Warm wood tones, refined stone and custom millwork establish continuity while introducing a lighter, more contemporary palette. The wine room was elevated from a secondary feature to a destination space, designed as both functional storage and architectural focal point. Its craftsmanship, lighting and intimacy create a striking counterpoint to the openness of the surrounding living areas. Throughout the renovation, the goal was not simply an aesthetic refresh but a correction and enhancement of space. By addressing light, proportion and use, the design breathes new life into the home, transforming once-disconnected rooms into a cohesive, dynamic environment that supports modern living while celebrating comfort, craftsmanship and gathering.

 

Architect: Echt-Architects LLC  Contractor: Christner Brothers Inc.  Interior Designer: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Cabinetry: Yoder Kitchen Corp.  Fixtures/Kitchen:  Angela Rodriguez Interiors Fixtures/Bathroom  Angela Rodriguez Interiors Flooring:  Angela Rodriguez Interiors  AV:  American Audio  Furnishings/Furniture: Angela Rodriguez Interiors Photographer: MarMar Films

Gold | Bayso Mediterranean By Magnolia Cabinet Co.

Bayso Mediterranean is a richly layered study in bespoke craftsmanship, conceived as a fully custom home office rooted in European character and artistry. The vision was to create a highly detailed Mediterranean-inspired environment where every surface, trim and cabinet detail feels intentional and finely worked. The design embraces bold elements including patterned wallpaper, sculptural lighting and curated furnishings, all unified through intricate custom millwork. The cabinetry is the architectural soul of the space. Each piece was designed and fabricated specifically for this room, featuring engraved decorative detailing and custom-profiled edges crafted in Pennsylvania. Shelving was precisely dimensioned to display the homeowners’ collected vases and treasured objects, allowing the cabinetry to function as both a display canvas and a structural element. A seamlessly integrated panel conceals the Sub-Zero wine cooler, allowing it to disappear into the surrounding woodwork and preserve uninterrupted cabinet elevations. A leather-wrapped table adds tactile richness and reinforces the refined old-world sensibility of the room. Every curve, profile and proportion was considered with the care traditionally reserved for fine furniture, elevating the space beyond a standard home office. The result is a room that feels collected, storied and deeply personal rather than manufactured. Bayso Mediterranean reflects a commitment to artistry and technical precision, where European-influenced detailing meets modern performance and integration. The space feels luxurious, intimate and timeless, a bespoke environment crafted entirely around lifestyle, beauty and individuality.

 

Contractor: Magnolia Cabinet Co.  Interior Designer:  Magnolia Cabinet Co. Cabinetry: Magnolia Cabinet Co. Photographer:  Sergio Krutash

Silver | Harbor Cay DSDG Architects

The third renovation of this home focused exclusively on transforming the exterior, shifting it away from its original stark white cubism toward a warmer, more expressive presence. Without altering the structure or interior, the design introduces color for contrast, wood tones for warmth, stone cladding for grounding and raw metals to animate the façade through shifting light and shadow. These updates reflect a deliberate embrace of contemporary tropical modern design, aligning the home with Sarasota’s evolving market while enhancing its resale value. A layered material palette adds texture and refinement, giving depth and character to the previously minimal exterior. Two louvered trellises were introduced along the horizontal roof planes, filtering sunlight and casting ever-changing patterns across the façade throughout the day. The entry sequence was also reimagined, with former water feature pools removed and replaced by lush vegetation. While the open pools recalled the home’s earlier stark iterations, the new plantings draw nature closer to the front door, creating a more welcoming and grounded arrival experience.

 

Architect: DSDG Architects  Contractor: Justin Clark, Clark Development .  Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography Other: Louvers: Mullets Aluminum

 

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN/POOL/OUTDOORS

Platinum | North Shore Residence By Michael A. Gilkey, Inc  

The design concept for the landscape of this Anna Maria home embraces its coastal context through the use of native and salt-resilient species while creating privacy and density that balance the structure, allowing it to feel as though it has always belonged on this special island. A primary challenge was creating a garden oasis that provides appropriate scale for two living stories over a parking area without feeling imposing. This was achieved by sourcing and transplanting unique mature trees that establish a sense of compression beneath their canopy. The impact of hardscape was softened through the use of a permeable paving system that allows grass to grow and remain driveable. A gradual textural experience guides users and guests through the site. At the entry, reduced hardscape creates the feeling of driving directly into the garden as it opens around you. Reclaimed pavers add warmth and texture along the circulation path, leading to the autocourt where permeable turf block and reclaimed brick patterns reflect the architecture and establish a more formal sense of arrival. On the Gulf side, the rear yard was designed to feel untouched. An exclusively native dune palette defines a keyway beach path woven through existing sea grapes, which were selectively pruned for access. Additional native sea grapes, muhly grasses and dune sunflower enhance the coastal ecosystem, resulting in a natural Florida backdrop that frames Anna Maria’s iconic sunset views.

 

Architect: Cooper Johnson Smith Peterson Builder: Ross Built Custom Homes Contractor: RossBuilt Custom Homes Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Pool: Tom Sanger Pools  Photographer: Ryan Gamma

 

Gold | Vacation Mode By Family Pools

This project was designed with a clear business objective, to attract bookings, increase nightly value and create a resort-style experience within a limited footprint. Every design decision ensures the outdoor space photographs beautifully, functions effortlessly for guests and delivers a memorable stay that stands out in a competitive Airbnb market. Despite its compact size, the backyard delivers a full resort feel. A spa fully wrapped in tile serves as the visual anchor, enhanced by color-changing LED lighting that transforms the space from day to night. A sun shelf provides a relaxed entry point for lounging, while turf with custom shell inlays adds texture and coastal character underfoot. A pergola and fire pit create layered gathering zones, allowing guests to enjoy the space across seasons and times of day. To elevate the guest experience beyond the expected, the design incorporates playful and interactive features including a putting green, integrated lighting and thoughtfully placed palm trees that reinforce the vacation atmosphere. Each element was selected for durability, ease of maintenance and maximum visual impact, ensuring the space remains guest-ready year-round. The result is a compact yet powerful outdoor retreat that feels intentional, immersive and unmistakably resort inspired. This project demonstrates how strategic design can transform limited space into a high-performing amenity that drives demand, encourages longer stays and leaves guests eager to return.

 

Landscape Design: Family Pools  Pool:  Family Pools Photographer:  Tony Brier | Family Pools

Silver | Skyhook By SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture

The vision for this 5,180 sq. ft. Sarasota Bay home was to create a residence that embraces life on the water through continuous indoor-outdoor living. Surrounded by water on two sides, the design integrates multiple levels of outdoor space, encouraging time spent outside in every season. Covered balconies provide shade and protection from the elements, allowing uninterrupted enjoyment of views and breezes year-round. Expansive terraces and elevated entertainment areas extend the living experience beyond the walls, creating generous spaces for dining and gathering while overlooking the bay. The centerpiece of the outdoor design is a dramatic cantilevered pool, suspended 17 feet above grade and visually merging with the bay beyond. As the first elevated pool permitted in a VE Zone in Sarasota, it anchors the home’s outdoor living concept and frames sweeping sunset vistas to the west. Its position creates the sensation that pool and bay are nearly continuous, blurring the boundary between architecture and nature. Balconies and terraces flow seamlessly from interior spaces, reinforcing the connection between indoors and outdoors while offering panoramic views from every angle. The landscape design complements this vision with native plantings that minimize irrigation and harmonize with the coastal setting. Large outdoor entertainment zones, shaded seating areas and water-facing balconies create a layered experience that celebrates the site’s unique relationship with Sarasota Bay. The result is a home where architecture and landscape work in concert, delivering a lifestyle centered on nature, light and water, an elevated retreat designed for relaxation, entertaining and timeless waterfront living.

 

Architect: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, Jonathan Parks FAIA  Contractor: Synergy Building, Corp. Interior Design:  SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture with Owner Fixtures/Kitchen: Hershman Plumbing, Inc.  Fixtures/Bathroom: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. AV: Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Security/Surveillance: Wicked Smart Homes Pool: Tom Sanger Pool and Spa  Roofing: Avery Roofing  Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox; Cartano Creative, Steve Cartano; Jonathan Parks  Other: Mullets Aluminum: Railings and Stairwell

 

BEST GREEN/SUSTAINABILITY

Platinum | Skyhook By Solstice Planning And Architecture

The vision for this 5,180 sq. ft. Sarasota Bay home was to create a residence that embraces life on the water through continuous indoor-outdoor living. Surrounded by water on two sides, the design integrates multiple levels of outdoor space, encouraging time spent outside in every season. Covered balconies provide shade and protection from the elements, allowing uninterrupted enjoyment of views and breezes year-round. Expansive terraces and elevated entertainment areas extend the living experience beyond the walls, creating generous spaces for dining and gathering while overlooking the bay. The centerpiece of the outdoor design is a dramatic cantilevered pool, suspended 17 feet above grade and visually merging with the bay beyond. As the first elevated pool permitted in a VE Zone in Sarasota, it anchors the home’s outdoor living concept and frames sweeping sunset vistas to the west. Its position creates the sensation that pool and bay are nearly continuous, blurring the boundary between architecture and nature. Balconies and terraces flow seamlessly from interior spaces, reinforcing the connection between indoors and outdoors while offering panoramic views from every angle. The landscape design complements this vision with native plantings that minimize irrigation and harmonize with the coastal setting. Large outdoor entertainment zones, shaded seating areas and water-facing balconies create a layered experience that celebrates the site’s unique relationship with Sarasota Bay. The result is a home where architecture and landscape work in concert, delivering a lifestyle centered on nature, light and water, an elevated retreat designed for relaxation, entertaining and timeless waterfront living.

 

Architect: SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture, Jonathan Parks FAIA  Contractor/Builder: Synergy Building, Corp. Interior Design:  SOLSTICE Planning and Architecture with Owner Fixtures/Kitchen: Hershman Plumbing, Inc.  Fixtures/Bathroom: Hershman Plumbing, Inc. AV: Wicked Smart Homes Landscape Design: Michael A. Gilkey, Inc. Security/Surveillance: Wicked Smart Homes Pool: Tom Sanger Pool and Spa  Roofing: Avery Roofing  Photographer: Dylan Jon Wade Cox; Cartano Creative, Steve Cartano; Jonathan Parks  Other: Mullets Aluminum: Railings and Stairwell

 

Gold | House On Sand By Trinity Custom Homes

Building House on Sand meant more than creating a beautiful beachfront home, it meant building responsibly for the future. From the outset, the team committed to achieving NGBS Gold Certification and pushing energy performance beyond previous benchmarks. The result is a HERS rating of -1718, meaning the home produces significantly more energy than it consumes annually. It is not just energy efficient, it is energy positive. A solar PV system was integrated to generate substantial power while maintaining clean architectural lines and a refined coastal aesthetic. Low-E windows with turtle glass protect interior comfort while minimizing impact on nesting sea turtles along Manasota Key. The landscape design relies exclusively on native and non-invasive vegetation that thrives in coastal conditions without excessive irrigation or maintenance. Every sustainable decision required careful coordination. Achieving NGBS Gold standards while maintaining the level of luxury and performance expected by the owners demanded continuous problem solving. Specialized consultants were engaged, green building inspections were coordinated throughout construction and documentation was maintained for every sustainable practice implemented, from material selections to energy systems and water conservation measures. What sets the project apart is that sustainability never compromises livability or beauty. The owners enjoy a home that performs exceptionally, costs less to operate and protects the coastal environment that defines its setting. House on Sand demonstrates that luxury and responsibility can coexist, delivering long-term performance without sacrificing design excellence.

 

Architect: DSDG  Contractor: Trinity Custom Homes. Interior Design:  Trinity Design LLC  Cabinetry: SRQ Cabinetry Fixtures/Kitchen: Gormans Bath Gallery  Fixtures/Bathroom: Gormans Bath Gallery Flooring: 6051 Design Source AV: Advanced ESI  Landscape Design: Borden Landscape Design  Security/Surveillance: Advanced ESI   Pool: Platinum Pools  Roofing: New Wave  Furnishings/Furniture: Trinity Design LLC   Photographer: Ryan Gamma Photography

 

 

2026 HOME OF THE YEAR JUDGES

 

NICOLE CULLER, ASID, IDS, ALLIED ASID HIGH POINT LIAISON, HOUSE OF CULLER INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO  Nicole Culler is the visionary founder behind House of Culler, a distinguished interior design studio renowned for its innovative approach and deep rooted passion for blending art, architecture, and design. Born in Germany, Nicole was exposed to the rich tapestry of European, old-world design from an early age. The beauty of historical architecture, luxurious fabrics, classical art, and timeless furniture captured her imagination during summers spent in Germany, laying the foundational stones of her future.  From the cobblestones of Europe to the vibrant landscapes of Asia, Nicole’s design philosophy has been profoundly influenced by her global travels. Living in Ho Chi Min, Nicole immersed herself in the culture and was mesmerized by the intricate French architecture that characterizes the city. A brief but impactful stint in Cebu further broadened her appreciation for design, where the Spanish influence left an indelible mark on her aesthetic sensibilities.  The inception of House of Culler was a natural progression of Nicole’s lifelong passion for design. Nicole’s work transcends mere aesthetics; it is a celebration of cultures, histories, and stories that inspire spaces where beauty and functionality coexist harmoniously. With her unique blend of artistic vision, cultural richness, and innate love for design, Nicole continues to create environments that are not only visually stunning but are also a testament to the diverse influences that have shaped her journey.

 

MARK RUDOLF, AIA, VELLUM  Mark Rudolf is the founding principal of Vellum Architecture & Design, a boutique practice focused on luxury hospitality and custom residential design. Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Mark brings over 23 years of experience and a distinct global perspective to each project. He is licensed in Virginia, Colorado, and North Carolina and holds a Green Globe certification for sustainable tourism. Mark’s portfolio includes a number of internationally recognized resorts. Castello di Casole in Tuscany was named the #2 hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure, and The Sebastian in Vail ranked among the top resorts in the continental U.S. His work on Brasada Ranch in Bend, Oregon—recognized as the first resort in the U.S. to earn LEED Gold—earned accolades including Sustainable Community of the Year. These projects reflect his long-standing leadership in sustainable, site-sensitive design. A native of Virginia Beach and graduate of Virginia Tech, Mark’s architecture is grounded in the concept of placemaking: creating spaces that are both responsive to their surroundings and deeply resonant. His extensive travels—over 40 countries and significant time spent in Spain and Italy—inform a design language that is elegant, context-driven, and timeless. His work reflects a belief that truly exceptional design enhances not just the landscape, but the lives of those who experience it.

 

BRUCE SPARANO, AIA, BRUCE SPARANO ARCHITECT  Bruce Sparano is a licensed architect in the Untied States. He practices residential, municipal and commercial architecture, in addition to real estate consultation and development.  Bruce is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, the United States Green Building Council, the Preservation League of New York State, and the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation. 

 

BRAD TOMECEK, FAIA, LEED BD+C, TOMECEK STUDIO ARCHITECTURE   The founder of Tomecek Studio Architecture, Brad graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Design and Masters of Architecture. He worked in smaller award winning firms in Colorado and Florida before launching the studio. His work has been recognized Architectural Record, Architect, Builder magazine, international books and local magazines.Brad is actively involved with the local AIA and is the AIA Denver President for 2017. His outreach takes the form of speaking nationally on methods and manifestations of meaningful projects. Currently, Brad combines practice with teaching design studios at the University of Colorado College of Architecture and Planning. His explorations blur the boundaries between poetic solutions and innovative building systems. He was recently awarded the AIA Colorado Architect of the Year Award and was elevated to the AIA National College of Fellows. 

 

CANDACE WONG, AIA, LEED AP, cwA+D, LLC  Candace Wong, an Austin native and Texas A&M undergrad, is the founding principal of cwA+D, LLC. After a long stint of life, school, and jobs in Texas, Candace followed her heart and career to Los Angeles to earn a Master of Architecture at the University of Southern California, found a home at the award-winning firm KAA Design, and became a licensed Architect in 2015. After 6 years of soaking up California sun and modern architecture influence, Candace returned to Texas to start up Candace Wong Architecture + Design, a custom-residential design practice specializing in modern design for lifestyles and fun. Outside of her practice, Candace serves on the NCARB Forms Committee and AIA Austin Homes Tour Committee, is active in the Terry Scholar Alumni Association, and maintains licensure in California and Texas.