Damon Cortez
Lender of the Year
With over 20 years of mortgage leadership, Damon Cortez, EVP of the National Builder Division, brings deep expertise in lending, builder partnerships, and team development. A longtime HBA leader and industry advocate, he is known for strategic insight, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to advancing homebuilding and homeownership.
Gabriela Abad
SHINING STAR AWARD
Senior Loan Advisor, brings over a decade of mortgage expertise to clients across NC, SC, FL, and TX. Bilingual and builder-focused, she delivers seamless new-construction financing with a personalized, transparent approach—guiding buyers confidently from pre-approval to closing.
Edgar Diaz
Trades Person of the Year
Owner of Diaz Brothers Construction, is known for exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and integrity. Skilled in framing, trim, installation, decking, and siding, Edgar leads a punctual, organized team that protects every site, communicates seamlessly, and delivers consistently high-quality work.
TEAM AWARDS
Cypress Builders and Michelle McKoy Designs
BEST FULL HOME REMODEL $750K-$1M
Cypress Builders and Michelle McKoy Designs reimagined a Lake Norman home as a laid- back, California-inspired retreat by adding expansive outdoor living, a six-car garage, and a light filled interior with bespoke built-ins, a refined kitchen, and a luxurious primary suite. Natural materials and airy textures create a serene, modern, coastal aesthetic.
PHOTOS BY: PATRICK HOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Homestyles Interior Design and Cypress Builders
BEST BATHROOM REMODEL $50K+
Homestyles Interior Design and Cypress Builders reimagined a dated primary bath into a timeless blue sanctuary. They replaced rotted shower windows, reframed the shower wall, installed a freestanding tub, and simplified the tray ceiling. Custom reeded cabinetry and thoughtful finishes created a spacious, elegant retreat balancing modern sophistication with classic charm.
PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
MK Interior Design and LKN Renovations
BEST OUTDOOR LIVING $100K-$300K
MK Interior Design Co and LKN Renovations transformed a quirky 1970s indoor/outdoor patio into a functional year-round retreat. They leveled the dramatically sloped floor, installed large-format porcelain tile, and created a living space with built-in bar, kegerator, modern fireplace, and dining nook. Cable railings connect indoor-outdoor flow, while the patio features fire-pit seating and lake-view bar, honoring original charm.
PHOTOS BY: MADISON WEAVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Pippin Home Designs and Cypress Builders
BEST FULL HOME REMODEL $1M+
Pippin Home Designs and Cypress Builders reimagined a modest cottage into a spacious, unified family home. A new second story, elevated glass breezeway, open living areas, and a tranquil primary suite pair with a pool, hot tub, and outdoor kitchen to create effortless indoor-outdoor living.
PHOTOS BY: PATRICK HOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
Strom Construction and Pippin Home Designs
BEST PLAN DESIGN CUSTOM WATERFRONT $1.5M-$2M
Pippin Home Designs and Strom Construction crafted The Summer House that is a warm, contemporary lakefront retreat designed for multigenerational living. Despite tight setbacks and septic constraints, they created a five-bedroom home with sweeping views, layered outdoor spaces, a private guest cottage, and future-ready accessibility woven seamlessly into its light-filled, low-maintenance design.
PHOTOS BY: JIM SCHMID
Shaw Custom Homes and KDH Designs
BEST CUSTOM WATERFRONT $3M +
Where waterfront grandeur meets intimate luxury, Shaw Custom Builders and KDH Design transformed this home, awarded Best Custom Waterfront 3M+, into Lake Norman’s crown jewel. A serene primary suite enhanced with; five additional bedrooms, fully equipped lower level with bar, billiards, gym, and pool room create a custom retreat. Award-winning craftsmanship, soaring vaulted beams, and walls of glass create an extraordinary sanctuary where every sunrise feels like vacation.
PHOTOS BY: PATRICK HOOD PHOTOGRAPHY
