2026 Quality & Design Awards Winners Announced by LBA
Local builders and remodelers celebrated for exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and excellence in residential construction.
The Lakeland Builders Association (LBA) celebrated outstanding achievements in residential construction and remodeling during its 2026 Quality & Design Awards Banquet, held Wednesday, October 21, at Hawk's View Golf Club in Lake Geneva.
The evening brought together building industry professionals, business partners, and guests to recognize the creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail demonstrated by builders and remodelers throughout Walworth County and the surrounding region.
This year's competition featured 26 entries from 11 participating companies, representing new residential construction, remodeling, specialty spaces, and outdoor projects. Seventeen awards recognized outstanding projects across individual categories, overall excellence, and the public's favorites.
Multiple awards were won by those pictured above, including: Thelen Total Construction, brothers Robert and Randy Thelen; Tailored Spaces, Aaron and Natalie Spiniolas; Engerman Contracting, Linda Sertzel and Derek Noska.
Celebrating Excellence in New Residential Construction
The 2026 New Residential awards recognized exceptional home design, craftsmanship, and distinctive features.
Best Kitchen – New Residential: Thelen Total Construction — Lake Escape
Best Bathroom – New Residential: Thelen Total Construction — Lake Escape
Best Home Feature – New Residential: Thelen Total Construction — Golf Simulator & Gaming Area | Lake Escape
Best Outdoor Space – New Residential: Davis Landscape & Construction — Lakeside Serenity
Best Architectural Design & Character: Engerman Contracting — Mediterranean
Best New Home – Under $450,000: Distinctive Craftsman, LLC — Craftsman Home
Best New Home – Over $1.25 Million: Thelen Total Construction — Classic Americana
Recognizing Outstanding Residential Remodeling
The remodeling awards highlighted the transformation of existing homes through thoughtful design, innovative solutions, and exceptional workmanship.
Best Kitchen Remodel: Tailored Spaces — Baker's Dream Kitchen
Best Bathroom Remodel: Tailored Spaces — Teak & Marble Harmony | Primary Bath
Best Basement Remodel: Tailored Spaces — Entertainer's Reserve | Lower-Level Entertaining Space
Best Room Addition: Engerman Contracting — Primary Suite Addition | Midcentury Ranch Transformation
Best Specialty Space Remodel: Realistic Builders — Wine Cellar | Lakefront Remodel & Addition Honoroable Mention Closet Improvements — Custom Garage
Best Whole-Home Renovation: Monien Construction — Lakehouse Remodel & Addition Honorable Mention Engerman Contracting — Midcentury Ranch Transformation
Signature Awards Recognize Craftsmanship and Innovation
Two additional awards celebrated achievements that exemplify the building industry's commitment to quality and creative problem-solving.
LBA Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship: Engerman Contracting — Mediterranean
Honorable Mention Thelen Total Construction — Classic Americana
Judges' Award for Innovation: Thelen Total Construction — Lake Escape
People's Choice award winners included: New home category, Tailored Spaces — White Oak & Kerf Kitchen and Remodeled home category, Realistic Builders — Lakefront Remodel & Addition.
The Public Had Its Say: People's Choice Awards
In addition to professional judging, LBA invited the public to explore the nominated projects and vote for their favorites during the September 14–25 People's Choice campaign.
More than 1,000 valid ballots were cast, reflecting enthusiastic community interest in the homes and remodeling projects featured in this year's competition.
The 2026 People's Choice winners were:
People's Choice – New Residential: Tailored Spaces — White Oak & Kerf Kitchen
People's Choice – Residential Remodeling: Realistic Builders — Lakefront Remodel & Addition
These awards provided an opportunity for homeowners, friends, colleagues, and the broader community to participate in celebrating the talent and accomplishments of area building professionals.
A Celebration of the Building Community
Eleven companies were recognized as finalists for their participation in the 2026 Quality & Design Awards:
Ann Kottler Home;
Bret Achtenhagen's Seasonal Services;
Closet Improvements, Inc.;
Davis Landscape & Construction;
Distinctive Craftsman, LLC;
Engerman Contracting, Inc.;
Monien Construction;
Realistic Builders, Inc.;
Reed Custom Builders;
Tailored Spaces;
and Thelen Total Construction.
The awards were determined through an independent judging process involving industry representatives throughout the State of Wisconsin, with separate public voting for the People's Choice honors.
The evening also served as LBA's Annual Meeting, bringing members together to celebrate the association's accomplishments and continued commitment to strengthening the local building industry.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
LBA extends its sincere appreciation to the businesses whose generosity helped make the 2026 celebration possible.
Cocktail Reception Sponsors: Monien Construction and Engerman Contracting.
Quality Partners: Realistic Builders, Chicago Title, Luke's Electric, Unilock, Closet Improvements, Inc. and Lynch & Associates Engineering.
Evening Emcee: Nancy Douglass, Lake 96.1 WLKG
Their support reflects a shared commitment to recognizing excellence and celebrating the professionals who contribute to the quality of homes and communities throughout the region.
Explore the Award-Winning Projects
Explore the creativity, craftsmanship, and exceptional talent showcased in this year's competition! Everyone is invited to view all 26 entries in the 2026 Quality & Design Awards and discover the remarkable homes, renovations, and specialty projects created by our talented, local, building professionals.
About the Lakeland Builders Association
The Lakeland Builders Association represents the residential building industry in Walworth County, Wisconsin and is part of the Wisconsin Builders Association (WBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Through industry advocacy, education, professional connections, and community initiatives, LBA supports its members and promotes excellence in residential construction and remodeling.
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