Sarasota-Manatee Builders Rack Up National Housing Awards
Image: Casey Malone
Sarasota-Manatee builders and developers had another strong showing at the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Best in American Living Awards, with local projects recognized in categories spanning custom homes, concrete home design, master-planned communities and apartment development.
The awards, known as BALA, are NAHB’s premier residential design awards program, honoring standout work in single-family and multifamily design, remodeling, offsite construction and projects still on the boards. The 2025 winners were announced during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando in February 2026.
This year’s competition drew nearly 650 submissions from across the country. A national panel of builders, architects, designers and land planners selected 66 Gold winners and 159 Silver winners. Click here for the full list, and check out the local winners below.
Ross Built
Based in Bradenton and known for its coastal custom homes on Anna Maria Island and nearby barrier islands, Ross Built was among the local standouts.
This Jewfish Key retreat received a Silver award for Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home in the 2,001- to 3,000-square-foot category.
Image: Ryan Gamma
The builder's North Shore Residence won Gold awards for Best Kitchen in a Custom Home and Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home in the 6,001- to 8,000-square-foot category.
Image: Ryan Gamma
Trinity Custom Homes
Sarasota’s Trinity Construction & Design also had multiple projects recognized. Sand Dune House, a Sarasota residence designed by DSDG Architects, won Gold for Best Concrete Home Design.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Half Light House, another Sarasota project from Trinity and DSDG, received Silver in the same category.
Image: Ryan Gamma
Trinity’s Solara Point was also recognized with a Silver award for Best On-the-Boards Single-Family Home.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Neal Land & Neighborhoods
The local wins extended beyond custom homes. North River Ranch, the master-planned community in Parrish by Neal Land & Neighborhoods, received a Silver award for Best Single-Family Community.
Image: Courtesy Photo
Stafford at Artisan Lakes, a Palmetto apartment community developed, owned and managed by The Collier Companies, received a Silver award for Best Garden Apartment Community, 4 Stories or Less.
Image: Courtesy Photo
The latest recognition follows a strong showing for Sarasota builders in last year’s NAHB awards, when Nautilus Custom Homes, Perrone Construction and Trinity Custom Homes brought home a combined 10 awards for local residential projects.
