North Texas’ Elite: Celebrating the Winners of the Prestigious ARC Awards

Every year, the North Texas real estate and construction landscape eagerly anticipates one of its most glamorous events: the annual ARC Awards. Hosted by the Dallas Builders Association, this “Oscars-like” celebration is dedicated to honoring the exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and unparalleled talent of its members. It’s a night where the best home builders and remodelers from across the region gather, dressed to impress, to acknowledge their peers’ hard work and groundbreaking achievements in custom home building and remodeling.

This esteemed event spotlights the pinnacle of residential design and construction, setting benchmarks for quality and creativity within the industry. It’s not just about awards; it’s a testament to the thriving luxury home market in Dallas-Fort Worth and the dedication of the professionals who shape it. For discerning homeowners, the ARC Awards provide a curated list of top-tier talent, ensuring they connect with builders recognized for their excellence.

A Night of Glamour and Recognition at The Westin Galleria

This year’s gala, held at the elegant Westin Galleria, was an unforgettable evening of camaraderie and celebration. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as industry leaders and rising stars mingled. Guiding the night with wit and charm was Tim Lansford of Luxury Homes of Texas, who kept the audience entertained with his lively commentary, even playfully teasing fellow builder Tom Greico of Greico Modern Homes. Interestingly, Tim Lansford is not only a respected home builder but also boasts his own radio show, further cementing his influence in the North Texas community.

The judging panel for the ARC Awards is composed of distinguished builders and designers from outside of Texas, ensuring an impartial and objective evaluation process. This year, experts from various states (with the exception of Oklahoma, a friendly neighbor) brought their seasoned perspectives to assess the entries across 50 diverse categories, ranging from architectural design to innovative remodels and bespoke interior spaces.

Spotlight on Major Winners: Innovation and Excellence

The ARC Awards consistently highlight builders who push the boundaries of design and construction. For the second consecutive year, Classic Urban Homes proudly secured the coveted **Custom Builder of the Year** title. Their consistent excellence and visionary projects continue to set industry standards. Hot on their heels, Tim Jackson Custom Homes, another prominent nominee, took home the award for **Best Architectural Design** in the $1 million to $2 million category. One of his celebrated entries was the magnificent Maison d’Etoile, a palatial residence built for former Cowboys linebacker Bradie James and his wife, Star, who were in attendance to celebrate the win.

Many other builders demonstrated outstanding achievements, requiring multiple “U-Hauls” for their impressive haul of awards. Notable among them were Alford Homes, known for their ultra-luxury estates; Desco Fine Homes, celebrated for intricate remodels and unique spaces; Cresswell Builders, recognized for their comprehensive renovations; our own JLD Custom Homes; LRO Residential, a frequent winner in kitchen remodels; Bauhaus Custom Homes, lauded for conceptual designs; and of course, Greico Modern Homes, whose contemporary flair always garners attention.

Innovative Trends: The Rise of the Home Beauty Salon

A particularly intriguing win for Desco Fine Homes was the award for **Best “Other” Room**, which they earned for a breathtaking home beauty salon. This two-year remodel project in Preston Hollow transformed a master bathroom space into a luxurious, in-home salon. This trend speaks volumes about the evolving demands of luxury homeowners who seek personalized, high-end amenities within their residences. Imagine the convenience of having a professional-grade salon just a few steps from your master bedroom! This innovative design highlights a growing desire for comfort, privacy, and bespoke living experiences, and it’s a trend we expect to see more of in upcoming designs and features.

A Comprehensive Look at the 2015 ARC Award Winners

The following is a detailed list of all the winners across various categories, showcasing the diverse talents and unparalleled creativity that define North Texas’ building and remodeling industry. Prepare to be inspired by these stunning examples of residential excellence!

Website & Online Presence

• Best Website – Tie
  • Stellar Home Theater & Beyond
  • Victor Myers Construction

Kitchen Remodeling Excellence

Kitchens remain the heart of any home, and these winners demonstrate how thoughtful design and superior craftsmanship can transform these vital spaces into culinary havens and entertaining hubs.

• Best Kitchen Remodel $50,000 – $75,000
  • LRO Residential

• Best Kitchen Remodel $75,000 – $100,000
  • Hatfield Builders & Remodelers
• Best Kitchen Remodel Over $100,000 – TIE
  • USI Design & Remodeling
  • Desco Fine Homes

New Home Kitchen Design

These awards celebrate the artistry and functionality integrated into brand-new kitchen designs across various price points, reflecting contemporary tastes and luxurious finishes.

• Best Kitchen Under $1 Million
  • Mike Blake Custom Homes
• Best Kitchen $1 Million – $1.5 Million
  • Veranda Designer Homes

• Best Kitchen $1.5 Million – $2 Million
  • Tim Jackson Custom Homes Maison d’Etoile
• Best Kitchen Over $2 Million
  • Alford Homes

Master Suites & Personal Sanctuaries

The master suite is a private retreat, and these award-winning designs showcase comfort, elegance, and thoughtful details that create a true sanctuary.

• Best Master Suite
  • Veranda Designer Homes

Specialized Products & Outdoor Living

From innovative product applications to breathtaking outdoor spaces, these categories highlight unique features and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living.

• Best Unique Product Application By An Associate
  • KJ Custom Screens & Designs
• Best Outdoor Living Space Remodel
  • Cresswell Builders

• Best Outdoor Living Space
  • Stellar Home Theater & Beyond
• Best Swimming Pool
  • Classic Urban Homes

Bathroom Remodel Innovations

Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces; they are havens of relaxation and luxury. These awards highlight the best in transforming bathrooms into spa-like experiences.

• Best Bathroom Remodel $35,000 – $50,000
  • Hatfield Builders & Remodelers
• Best Bathroom Remodel Over $75,000
  • Key Residential

Living Room Grandeur

Living rooms serve as the grand stages for entertaining and relaxation. These awards celebrate designs that captivate and comfort.

• Best Living Room Under $1 Million
  • USI Design & Remodeling
• Best Living Room Over $1 Million
  • Desco Fine Homes

Architectural & Interior Design Vision

These categories honor the creative minds behind the overall aesthetic and structural integrity of homes, from conceptualization to execution.

• Best Conceptual Design – Architectural Design
  • Creative Architects
• Best Architectural Design – Modern Under $1 Million – TIE
  • Classic Urban Homes
  • NorthStar Luxury Homes

• Best Architectural Design – Traditional $1 Million – $2 Million
  • Tim Jackson Custom Homes
• Best Conceptual Design – Interior Design
  • Bauhaus Custom Homes

• Best Overall Interior Design Under $1 Million
  • Stonebrook Builders

Curb Appeal & First Impressions

First impressions matter, and these awards recognize homes that make a spectacular statement from the outside, enhancing their surroundings and welcoming residents.

• Best Curb Appeal Under $500,000
  • Victor Myers Construction
• Best Curb Appeal $500,000 – $1 Million – TIE
  • LeComte Homes
  • Victor Myers Construction
• Best Curb Appeal Over $1 Million
  • Alford Homes

Unique Spaces & Specialty Rooms

Beyond the traditional, these categories celebrate the imaginative creation of specialized rooms that cater to unique lifestyles and passions, from wine connoisseurship to personal wellness.

• Best Unique “Other” Room
  • Desco Fine Homes
• Best Wine Room Remodel
  • Wine Cellar Specialists
• Best Wine Room
  • Desco Fine Homes

Renovation & Accessibility

These awards highlight transformative renovations and designs that prioritize accessibility, ensuring homes are beautiful and functional for all occupants.

• Best CAPS Remodel
  • Key Residential
• Best Addition
  • Creative Architects

Whole House Renovation Excellence

These comprehensive renovation projects demonstrate the ability to reimagine and revitalize entire homes, creating modern living spaces while preserving character.

• Best Whole House Renovation Under $500,000
  • USI Design & Remodeling
• Best Whole House Renovation $500,000 – $1 Million
  • Cresswell Builders

• Best Whole House Renovation Over $1Million
  • Desco Fine Homes

Interior Details & Entertainment

From welcoming foyers to state-of-the-art media rooms, these awards recognize the fine details that make a house a home and cater to modern entertainment needs.

• Best Interior/Foyer
  • NorthStar Luxury Homes
• Best Study/Office
  • Stonebrook Builders
• Best Media Room
  • DeVance AV Design

• Best Showroom
  • BMC Design Center

Multi-Family & New Home Construction

These categories celebrate excellence in townhome and condo design, as well as new home construction across different price segments, reflecting the diverse housing market of North Texas.

• Best Townhome or Condo
  • LeComte Homes

• Best New Home Under $1 Million
  • Classic Urban Homes
• Best New Home $1 Million – $2 Million
  • Tim Jackson Custom Homes
• Best New Home Over $2 Million
  • Alford Homes

Industry Leaders: Associate, Remodeler, & Custom Builder of the Year

These top honors recognize individuals and firms for their overarching contributions, leadership, and consistent excellence in their respective fields.

• Associate of the Year
  • KJ Custom Screens & Designs
• Remodeler of the Year
  • Cresswell Builders

• Custom Builder of the Year
  • Classic Urban Homes

The ARC Awards are more than just a competition; they are a celebration of the vision, dedication, and artistry that defines the North Texas building community. Each winning project and firm contributes to the vibrant and dynamic real estate landscape, inspiring future innovations and setting new standards for luxury, comfort, and design excellence.