Connecticut Builder Magazine

2009 HOBI AWARDS

Photo: 2009 HOBI judges
L-R HOBI Judges Joe Swift, Tom Lindquist, David Adams, Greg Kamens, Mark Stidsen, Debra Gooding & Frank Sanford

After one of the most difficult years ever for housing and the economy, it was a tribute to our industry in Connecticut to see over 700 home building professionals, architects and suppliers turn out on November 10, 2009 for the 16th annual HOBI Awards dinner at the Aqua Turf. Clearly, everyone in the room needed a MORALE BOOST, and that's what the HOBI Awards are all about.

"The HOBI dinner was great! It was good to see so many familiar faces in one place, along with the excitement and feelings of accomplishment. With all the apathy in the world today it's very refreshing to be at an event with so many people who have passion for what they do. It gives us all an acknowledgement for which we can be proud, as well as a reason to do better."
- Don Miro, Miro Builders

The theme of the 2009 HOBI Awards was GREEN ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDING, and the winning homes are high performance, exceed Energy Star, and many winners are participating in the Zero Energy Challenge. In fact, CT has just received national distinction. Hartford County HBA President, Chris Nelson is 1 of 20 builders in the country who received the NAHB 2010 Energy Value Housing Award. Note the word Value because the "new normal" is all about VALUE & Green Building Incentives are a big part of that!

Master of ceremonies and HOBI Awards producer, Joanne Carroll focused on the good news in Connecticut.

"Deposits & pending sales are up and interest rates are staying down," said Carroll. "The homebuyer tax credit has been extended, expanded & best of all, income limits raised. And many of our builders are outperforming the market: Wyndham Homes had 400 in traffic at the Sept. Grand Opening of their clubhouse at Chatfield Farms. In August, hundreds turned out for the Grand Opening of Fieldstone Village in Orange, and VW Homes has sold 26 homes at The Willows in Wallingford. In Fairfield County, Moffly Publications just debuted a new magazine, Stamford, and one of our own, Rings End owner, Dave Campbell, won election as First Selectman of Darien.

Tonight you are going to see an amazing range of homes across the state from a 1,445 sf spec in East Granby to a 16,700 sf contemporary in Greenwich. Not all of the homes are luxury, but each overcame challenges and every county has outstanding winning builders."

What are this year's trends?
Continuing education is a HUGE trend for builders, and the fall issue of Connecticut Builder lists all of the HBA member Certified Green Professionals, Graduate Builders & Remodelers, CAPS & Graduate Master Builders in the state.

HOBI winners demonstrated trends that included two and three level towers, domed & barrel vaulted ceilings with ribbed trim, floating stairs, invisible doors with Harmon hinges, intricate tile and transom window designs, bamboo on walls, floors & ceilings and finally wrought iron balusters and cedar roofs were evident in the majority of winning homes.

Photo: Hobbs Inc. Project of the Year
Hobbs Inc. Project of the Year
home office with domed mahogany ceiling.

Photo: Jeff Hallquist floating stair
Jeff Hallquist floating stair, site built into an octagonal turret
in his winning custom home in Milford.

Please click here to view the top award winners of the 2009 HOBI Awards.


				2009 HOBI AWARDS L-R HOBI Judges Joe Swift, Tom Lindquist, David Adams, Greg Kamens, Mark Stidsen, Debra Gooding & Frank Sanford After one of the most difficult years ever for housing and the economy, it was a tribute to our industry in Connecticut to see over 700 home building professionals, architects and suppliers turn out on November 10, 2009 for the 16th annual HOBI Awards dinner at the Aqua Turf. Clearly, everyone in the room needed a MORALE BOOST, and that's what the HOBI Awards are all about. "The HOBI dinner was great! It was good to see so many familiar faces in one place, along with the excitement and feelings of accomplishment. With all the apathy in the world today it's very refreshing to be at an event with so many people who have passion for what they do. It gives us all an acknowledgement for which we can be proud, as well as a reason to do better." - Don Miro, Miro Builders The theme of the 2009 HOBI Awards was GREEN ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDING, and the winning homes are high performance, exceed Energy Star, and many winners are participating in the Zero Energy Challenge. In fact, CT has just received national distinction. Hartford County HBA President, Chris Nelson is 1 of 20 builders in the country who received the NAHB 2010 Energy Value Housing Award. Note the word Value because the "new normal" is all about VALUE & Green Building Incentives are a big part of that! Master of ceremonies and HOBI Awards producer, Joanne Carroll focused on the good news in Connecticut. "Deposits & pending sales are up and interest rates are staying down," said Carroll. "The homebuyer tax credit has been extended, expanded & best of all, income limits raised. And many of our builders are outperforming the market: Wyndham Homes had 400 in traffic at the Sept. Grand Opening of their clubhouse at *Chatfield Farms. In August, hundreds turned out for the Grand Opening of Fieldstone Village* in Orange, and VW Homes has sold 26 homes at *The Willows* in Wallingford. In Fairfield County, Moffly Publications just debuted a new magazine, *Stamford, and one of our own, Rings End owner, Dave Campbell, won election as First Selectman of Darien. Tonight you are going to see an amazing range of homes across the state from a 1,445 sf spec in East Granby to a 16,700 sf contemporary in Greenwich. Not all of the homes are luxury, but each overcame challenges and every county has outstanding winning builders." What are this year's trends?* Continuing education is a HUGE trend for builders, and the fall issue of Connecticut Builder lists all of the HBA member Certified Green Professionals, Graduate Builders & Remodelers, CAPS & Graduate Master Builders in the state. HOBI winners demonstrated trends that included two and three level towers, domed & barrel vaulted ceilings with ribbed trim, floating stairs, invisible doors with Harmon hinges, intricate tile and transom window designs, bamboo on walls, floors & ceilings and finally wrought iron balusters and cedar roofs were evident in the majority of winning homes. Hobbs Inc. Project of the Year home office with domed mahogany ceiling. Jeff Hallquist floating stair, site built into an octagonal turret in his winning custom home in Milford. Please click here to view the top award winners of the 2009 HOBI Awards.