HAVAN Awards Gala celebrates achievements in residential construction, renovation and design

HIT Quality Construction won three awards, including Grand HAVAN renovator of the year. Photo by HIT Quality Construction

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The 17th annual Awards for Housing Excellence gala brought out a sold-out crowd of 542 to The Westin Bayshore recognizing excellence in homebuilding across Metro Vancouver. On April 18, The Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) honoured the exceptional work of the industry’s builders, renovators, designers, and leaders across 67 categories. Throughout the evening, honourees were applauded for their creativity, craftsmanship and forward-thinking projects that helped to redefine housing and design in 2025.

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“The range of winners across the categories this year speaks to the strength of our industry and how competitive our market has become, making a HAVAN Award a significant achievement,” says HAVAN CEO Wendy McNeil. “Each year, the program is reviewed to reflect the changing housing landscape, with categories that respond to how homes are being delivered today and the need to address housing challenges, including small-scale, multi-unit housing, multiplex, and modular solutions that support much-needed “missing middle” housing. These awards help homeowners identify professionals who consistently deliver industry-leading results.”

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Laura Grist took home the Grand HAVAN award for Interior Designer of the Year and Best Bathroom Renovation under 50 sq.ft. award. Photo by Laura Grist Interior Design

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We reached out to six standout winners:

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Vancouver-based Laura Grist Interior Design Inc. took home the Grand HAVAN for Interior Designer of the Year and Best Bathroom Renovation under 50 sq.ft for Hidden in Plain Sight, a condo’s reimagined powder room transformed into an elegant space.

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“Getting the recognition that we’re ‘as good as we think we are’ is always nice when that’s confirmed,” says Grist. “This win is the culmination of 18 years of design, clients trusting us with their homes (and offices, and second homes… and then sending their friends), long-standing relationships with contractors and trades, and a team that’s been designing side-by-side for the past eight years.”

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Vancouver’s HIT Quality Construction’s James Murphy, founder and chief builder, was honoured to take home three awards, including the coveted Grand HAVAN Residential Renovator of the Year.

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“Receiving the Renovator of the Year is both an honour and a meaningful milestone for our team and us. Being recognized by our peers makes this especially significant, as it reflects our commitment to excellence, our passion for thoughtful design and craftsmanship, and the strong relationships we build along the way.”

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North Shore’s Hasler Homes won three awards, including Best Custom Home: $5 million – Under $10 million, Best New Custom Kitchen: Under $175,000, Best Energy Labelled Home: Custom and Grand HAVAN Custom Home Builder of the Year.

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North Shore’s Hasler Homes won three awards, including Grand HAVAN Custom Home Builder of the Year. Photo by Hasler Homes

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“Winning the Grand HAVAN Custom Home Builder of the Year award is a meaningful milestone for both me and our entire team at Hasler Homes. It represents far more than a single achievement, it reflects years of dedication, craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to excellence,” says Greg Hasler, president. “Most importantly, it motivates us to keep raising the bar. This recognition isn’t a finish line; it’s a reminder to continue innovating, improving, and delivering homes that exceed expectations.”