Congratulations to the Chief Architect Design of the Year Winners!
Each year, Chief Architect holds monthly design contests for customers to showcase their work. Designers with various styles and backgrounds compete head to head in the following categories: Kitchen, Bath and Interiors, Residential, and Remodel/Addition.
Every month, designs are voted on through the Chief Architect Facebook page. In December, the winners are entered into the Design of the Year Contest. Voting was open until January 9th, and the results are in!
Grand Prize Winners
Watch the video announcement on our Facebook page.
Kitchen, Bath and Interiors Design Category
Grand Prize Winner – Leslie Ann Gali
“I was born and raised in Kodiak, Alaska, and I developed a strong desire to expand my horizons and explore new opportunities. With the help of my high school teacher and mentor, Mike Finley, I was able to spark my journey in interior design and architecture. This was possible because I was able to take STEAM classes specifically involving CAD programs, which helped me explore a career that I knew I wanted. This ambition led me to Bozeman, Montana, where I pursued a degree in Interior Design at Montana State University/Gallatin College. This resulted in me finding a career involving being a draftsman.
As a draftsman at Quest Cabinetry and Design, I am dedicated to redefining design through innovative solutions and attention to detail. My role allows me to translate creative ideas into practical applications while continually pushing the boundaries of design.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I have a deep love for the outdoors. I often explore the beautiful landscapes with my dog, Trixie. I believe in living life to the fullest and embracing every adventure that comes my way. My journey from Kodiak to Bozeman reflects my commitment to both personal and professional growth as I seek to blend my love for design with the beauty of the world around me.”
Residential Design Category
Grand Prize Winner – Ryan McAllen
“I’m the co-founder of Tidal Drafting & Design, located on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada. I’ve been working in the Architectural Design industry now for 8 years and have spent countless hours pouring over new processes, ideas, and plans in that time. I work with a variety of clients who tend to have a variety of styles and preferences ranging from post and beam structures you would find in the mountains to colorful coastal homes you would find along the Northern Atlantic seaboard and everything in between. Getting to see my client’s excitement when we finish creating a project together is about as rewarding as it gets. It’s what keeps me sane when the workload gets busy!
I tend to work directly with my clients, ensuring that every design I create is tailor-made to suit their wants and needs without blowing their budget. Chief Architect gives me the freedom I need to make adjustments and work out ideas on the fly, allowing me to visualize concepts for my clients just moments after we’ve discussed them. My expertise lies in residential and light commercial design, but I’m never afraid to take on a new challenge, thanks to the help of my incredible team here at Tidal.
I am incredibly optimistic about our future here at Tidal Drafting & Design and with Chief Architect for years to come.”
Remodel/Addition Design Category
Grand Prize Winner – Christopher Mainelli
“My name is Christopher Mainelli. I am a 25 yr. old draftsman and I own Architrave Design Studio based out of Omaha. I specialize in custom house plans and 3D realistic renderings. I started my drafting business as a passion project, and I love seeing client’s dreams come to life in front of me. I enjoy working with homeowners, architects, and builders alike. This gives me a full range of clients across the construction field. I grew up working construction through a family business and majored in Art/Design in college. I always try to find the intersection of form and function and my goal is to implement that into my designs. Renderings give me a way to express this intersection in the construction world. I hope to keep doing this for many years to come and plan on using Chief to help me achieve this! I look forward to entering more design contests!”
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