The Home Builders Association of Greater Chicago Key Awards were created in 1972 to recognize excellence in housing design, architecture, interior merchandising, remodeling and landscaping. It has since evolved into one of the premier housing programs in the country. Patrick A. Finn continues to win Gold and Silver Key Awards every year!
2012 Gold Key Award in Recognition for Outstanding Design
Excellence in Remodeling for a Whole House, Arlington Heights 
2012 Gold Key Award in Recognition for Outstanding Design
Excellence in Remodeling for a Kitchen, Arlington Heights
2012 Gold Key Award in Recognition for Outstanding Design
Excellence in Remodeling for a Kitchen, Arlington Heights
2012 Silver Key Award in Recognition for Outstanding Design
Excellence in New Construction for a Custom Home, Arlington Heights
2012 Silver Key Award in Recognition for Outstanding Design
Excellence in Remodeling for a Kitchen, Barrington Hills
2011 Gold Key Awards:
2011 Gold Key Award for Excellence in Remodeling
Starting with an original Tudor-style home from the 1920s, it was of great importance to the owner that the character and charm of the original home be maintained throughout the remodel and new addition. Consistency in the details between the old and new parts of the home was crucial and carried out through the trim profiles, doors, custom arches and floor finishes.
2012 Gold Key Winner in Category of New Home Construction under 3500 square feet
We were first approached by the client eight years ago to build a new home. The timing was not right for them, so the project was postponed. They contacted us again two-and-a-half years ago to look into remodeling their existing home or building a new home on the same lot. It was quickly decided that their design needs could not be realized by remodeling their existing home. So began the design process for creating a new home to sit on that site that met all their needs.
2011 Silver Key Awards:
2011 Silver Key Award for Excellence in Remodeling: Kitchens under $75,000 per Unit
The original kitchen was confined to a small space, which resulted in a poor design, lack of storage and under-utilized space. To overcome this problem, the kitchen was opened up to both the dining room and living room, creating a much larger combined space. By removing the soffits, the custom cabinets could extend to the ceiling, creating additional storage space without adding square footage to the kitchen.
2011 Silver Key Award for Excellence in New Construction: Custom Home Under 3500 Sq Feet
The clients approached us to help them find the right property on which to build a new home. After looking at several properties, the lot was chosen in downtown Arlington Heights. Because we do most of our work in Arlington Heights, we were able to assist the client in acquiring the lot at a reduced cost, which they were then able to put back into the home they were going to build.
Despite its smaller size, it fulfills the needs of the client perfectly. The majority of the house functions on the first floor, with only two guest rooms and a guest bathroom on the second floor. Collecting all the necessary functions on the first floor, allows the clients desire to age in place to be met without incorporating an elevator in the design.
A lot of the inspiration for this home came from Sarah Susanka’s book, “The Not So Big House.” The design intent was to create a smaller home that has the look and feel on the inside that is much larger. This, the owner believes, was achieved and they are very happy with the end result and absolutely love their new home.
