Award-Winning Residential Design, Recognized Locally
RDS Honored with Three 2025 NARI Remodeler of the Year Awards
There are awards, and then there are the awards.
In Central Ohio, the NARI Remodeler of the Year (RotY) Awards are considered the gold standard for residential remodeling and design excellence. These honors recognize the best of the best projects completed right here in our community and judged by industry peers for creativity, craftsmanship, and livability.
This year, we’re proud to receive three RotY Awards for residential architectural design and remodeling. Each project highlights what we believe great residential design should do: solve real problems, respect the existing home, and make everyday living better.
Below is a closer look at the award-winning residential design projects and the design thinking behind each one.
RotY Award: Residential Addition Under $250,000
in partnership with Dave Osmond Builders
Sunlit Sanctuary
The challenge:
What began as a simple request for an unconditioned screened porch quickly evolved into a desire for a year-round retreat that brought the outdoors in. The site presented multiple constraints, including limited access, underground utilities, unexpected soil conditions, and an existing masonry chimney that needed to be integrated into the new space without compromising comfort or aesthetics.
The design solution:
Working in close partnership with Dave Osmond Builders, RDS transformed the original concept into a fully conditioned sunroom and deck designed for year-round enjoyment. The team carefully navigated site constraints, utilities, and unexpected subsurface conditions while preserving the client’s vision of light, comfort, and connection to nature.
The result:
Lovingly nicknamed “My Happy Place” by the homeowners, this sunlit sanctuary is now a seamless extension of the home. The space offers year-round comfort, peaceful views, and a strong indoor-outdoor connection that supports daily living and quiet moments alike.
RotY Award: Residential Architectural Design Over 500 SF
Reimagining a Home with a Complicated Past
The challenge:
Multiple past additions had left this home disjointed, with no true gathering space and poor indoor-outdoor connection. The homeowners wanted a more modern layout while preserving the home’s original scale and exterior character.
The design solution:
RDS introduced a great room addition with 12-foot ceilings that aligns seamlessly with the existing massing, materials, and hip roof. A two-story light well at the entry floods the interior with natural light, improving wayfinding and flow throughout the home.
A first-floor owner’s suite was added with direct access to outdoor living spaces, a walk-in closet with an island, and in-suite laundry—bringing comfort, privacy, and convenience together in one thoughtful design move.
The result:
The home now has a clear heart. The great room connects effortlessly to the kitchen and backyard, while a media room below offers a cozy retreat. The redesigned layout balances openness and intimacy, reflecting how the homeowners truly live.
Note: Also recognized for a 2025 American Residential Design Award (ARDA) by the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)! See more here.
RotY Award: Residential Architectural Design Under 500 SF
A Tailored Space for Work and Leisure
The challenge:
The homeowner wanted a detached space that could function as both a professional home office and a cigar lounge—without feeling divided or disconnected from the main home.
The design solution:
RDS studied multiple roof options to balance ceiling height, natural light, and exterior harmony. A dedicated ventilation system manages cigar smoke, while a mini-split system ensures year-round comfort. Matching windows, thoughtful landscaping, and a stepping-stone entry help the structure feel intentional and cohesive.
The result:
A compact yet luxurious retreat that transitions seamlessly from work to relaxation. Built-in cabinetry, display walls, and rich materials personalize the space, proving that even small projects can deliver big impact when designed with care.
Why These Awards Matter
The NARI of Central Ohio Remodeler of the Year Awards recognize projects that excel in design, execution, and livability, right here in our region. For homeowners and builders alike, these awards show what RDS brings to every project:
Creative problem-solving
Respect for existing homes
Thoughtful, livable design
Whether we’re remodeling an entire home or designing a small but meaningful addition, our goal is the same: create spaces that truly work for the people who live in them.