Ottawa firms have captured two trophies at the 2023 Ontario Home Builders’ Association awards night earlier this week.
Amsted Design-Build set a new record at the annual Awards of Distinction by taking home its fifth Renovator of the Year award, a category introduced just nine years ago.
And West of Main and Art & Stone Group won in the new-home kitchen category for new low-rise homes 2,501 square feet and over.
Renovator of the Year
“The fact that we are recognized as leaders and at the top of our chosen field tells us that all the effort is worth it,” says Amsted owner Steve Barkhouse.
He adds that the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic have meant the company has had to be exceptionally flexible and ready to pivot as the landscape changed. Barkhouse says his team’s resilience and “endless quest for improvement” in the face of challenges have benefitted clients and been rewarded by Amsted’s multiple awards.
Amsted was a finalist in four categories at the 2023 Ontario Home Builders’ Association awards, including a whole-home makeover.
Barkhouse — whose company is a multi-award winner at the national, provincial and local levels — says he loves the teamwork of renovation.
“I always enjoyed team sports for that reason and renovations require that teamwork at an even higher level. In fact, many pro athletes move into our industry after their playing career is over for that very reason. The requirement to build and work with a very high functioning team that you trust and count on to deliver the best is really rewarding and exciting… (it) keeps me young.”
A European-inspired kitchen
West of Main and Art & Stone Group won their award for an old-world, European-inspired kitchen with a dramatic stove wall, including glazed artisanal black tile and custom stained oak cabinetry, as its focal point. The kitchen is open to the living room, a reflection of the homeowners’ love of entertaining.
“We are honoured to be recognized by our peers throughout Ontario,” says West of Main’s co-founder Sascha Lafleur. “We are currently working on projects throughout North America, including the Toronto area, and it’s always a treat to build relationships in our industry at fun events like the OHBA awards gala. Thank you to our team, collaborators and clients for making this award possible.”
Both West of Main and Art & Stone Group are multi-award-winning companies.
Ottawa fielded finalists in six categories for this year’s 2023 Ontario Home Builders’ Association awards. In all, the awards had 135 finalist entries in 49 categories showcasing excellence in building, design, professional renovation and sales and marketing across the province. This year saw another record-breaking number of submissions.
Full list of winners here.
