Great America Living Awards 2025

Grand Award: Custom Home of the Year and Residential Exterior $50,000 to $100,000

About this project
Near the heart of Great Falls, Virginia, this transitional French country home features a coated brick exterior, high-contrast windows and a large front porch. The home’s clean architectural design includes an open floor plan, abundant natural light, high ceilings and multiple fireplaces, creating a luxurious, contemporary feel.

Special Features

• A gourmet kitchen, screened-in loggia and outdoor cook space and dining gazebo are an entertainer’s dream
• The main-floor owner’s suite features a large en-suite bathroom, his & her closets and a morning bar.

About Us
Celebrating 17 years in business, JMAA provides client-oriented custom homes throughout Washington’s metro region and beyond. Our projects range from renovations/additions and jewel-box cottages to grand estate homes. Designing each home around our client’s lifestyle, we help make dreams a reality.

James McDonald Associate Architects P.C.
703-757-0036
jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com

Catherine Troxell, Grace Thomas Designs gracethomasdesigns.com Photo: Robert Radifera

Laura Hildebrandt, Interiors by LH ​interiorsbylh.com, 571-334-6476 Photo: Christy Kosnic Photography

Becky Wetzler, Haus Interior Design I love the flexibility of built-ins customized to suit a client’s unique needs. They’re timeless and add so much character to a home. Adding fun hardware and integrated lighting are the cherry on top. — Becky Wetzler, ASID Allied hausinteriordesign.com, 240-907-7465 Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg

Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors barbarahawthorninteriors.com, 703-241-5588 Photo: Kenneth M. Wyner Photography

Courtney Griffin, Interior Concepts, Inc. interiorconceptsinc.com, 410-224-7366 Photo: David Burroughs

Ann Gottlieb, Ann Gottlieb Design PLLC A well-organized space can decrease stress and improve efficiency. The first step is careful planning to use the maximum amount of available space. If that means you have to move or change a door, then you move or change a door. —Ann Gottlieb, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C anngottliebdesign.com, 571-771-9357 Photo: Angela Newton Roy Photography

Andrea Maaseide, Casa Millie casamillie.com, 571-459-2136

Bonnie Ammon, Bonnie Ammon Interiors bonnieammoninteriors.com, 703-778-5755

Jamie Merida, Jamie Merida Interiors jamiemerida.com, 410-819-8666

Hannah Goldberg, Hannah Charlotte Interiors Organized spaces foster a sense of calm and control. I create pieces that feel integrated into the architecture of a space. A thoughtful mix of open and closed storage maximizes practicality and beauty. — Hannah Goldberg hannahcharlotteinteriors.com Styling: Stylish Productions | Photo: Robert Radifera Photography

Laura Fox, Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC It’s important to take an inventory of what you want to store and include a buffer for future growth. By default, we usually build in at least 20 percent more storage space than what’s currently needed. — Laura Fox laurafoxinteriordesign.com

Sarita Simpson, Interior Matter A well-designed home office can have a positive effect on the quality of work as well as on inhabitants’ wellbeing. Our rules of thumb include assessing technology for power locations, taking inventory of storage needs and understanding workflow. The result is a beautiful and inspiring space with a place for everything. —Sarita Simpson interiormatter.com, 202-900-3818

These pages list the residential winners of the 2025 Excellence in Landscape Awards, sponsored by the Landscape Contractors Association of Maryland, DC and Virginia. Four projects are spotlighted beginning on page 84.

DECADE AWARDS

• Fine Earth Landscape—Colorful Family Resort, Complete Landscape Master Planning.

• Fine Landscapes—Innsbruck, Complete Landscape
(Design Build).

• McHale Landscape Design—Hunters Mill Residence,
Residential Maintenance.

HERITAGE AWARDS

• Fine Landscapes—Rockland Terrace, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Sharon, Complete Landscape (Design Build).

• McHale Landscape Design—Ballantrae Farms Estate,
Residential Maintenance; Dividing Creek Residence, Residential Maintenance; Seneca Residence, Residential Maintenance; Spring Hill Residence, Residential Maintenance; Tred Avon River Residence, Residential Maintenance; Twin Shields
Residence, Residential Maintenance.

GRAND AWARDS

• D. A. Dunlevy—A Beckoning Backyard in Bethesda, Outdoor Living (Design Build).

• Horn & Co.—Kenwood, Outdoor Living Area.

• McHale Landscape Design—Cypress Creek Residence,
Outdoor Living Area; Severn River Residence, Residential
Maintenance; Woodlea Mills Residence, Complete Landscape Master Planning.

• Planted Earth—McLean Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Northwest DC Hillside, Outdoor Living Area; Terraced Garden at Rockwood, Outdoor Living Area.

• Rossen Landscape—DC Modern Sanctuary, Complete
Landscape (Design Build).
• Surrounds Inc.—Druid Modern, Outdoor Living (Design Build); Mashie Residence, Outdoor Living (Design Build).

• Wheat's Landscaping—Artful Escape, Outdoor Living
 (Design Build). 

DISTINCTION AWARDS

• Backyard Bounty—From Pool to Pollinators, Complete
Landscape (Design Build).

• Colao & Peter Luxury Outdoor Living—Aldie Oasis, Outdoor Living (Design Build); Waterford Creek Resort, Outdoor Living (Design Build). 

• D. A. Dunlevy—Where Old Charm Meets Modern Elegance, Featured Project. 

• Ed Ball Designs—Multi-Level Outdoor Retreat, Outdoor
Living (Design Build). 

• Fine Landscapes—Arbor, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Sparger, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Midvale, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Stanmore, Complete
Landscape (Design Build).

• Hometown Landscape & Lawn, Inc.—Washington Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Luxury Living In Laurel, Complete
Landscape (Design Build).

• Kane Landscapes, Inc.—Bellissimo Residence, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Gondy Residence, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Schroder Residence, Complete Landscape (Design Build).

• Live Green Landscape Associates—Klein Residence, Outdoor Living Area. 

• McHale Landscape Design—Bloomfield Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Chase Creek Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Franklin Park Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Royal Oak Residence, Outdoor Living Area; Vienna Residence,
Complete Landscape Master Planning.

• Rossen Landscape—Great Falls Family Fun, Complete
Landscape (Design Build).

• Surrounds Inc.—Ferry Hall, Outdoor Living (Design Build); Shelton Drive, Outdoor Living (Design Build); Windy Hollow, Outdoor Living (Design Build); Acacia Residence, Outdoor
Living (Design Build).

• Wheat's Landscaping—Compact, Complete, Captivating, Complete Landscape (Design Build); Precision in the Garden, Outdoor Living (Design Build).

HONORABLE MENTION

• Fine Landscapes—Split Creek, Complete Landscape (Design Build).

• Green Scapes Unlimited Inc.—Sunset Views, Outdoor Living (Design Build).

• Wheat's Landscaping—Capital Oasis, Complete Landscape (Design Build).

• Woodfield Outdoors—At-home Pool Resort, Featured Project.          

Spotlight on Winning Landscaping Projects

On September 27th, the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Washington Metro Chapter announced the recipients of its 2025 Design Excellence Awards at a black tie gala held at the historic Mayflower Hotel. The winning residential projects are listed below. 

The chapter also honored Mary Douglas Drysdale with its Monuments of Design Award, which recognizes an interior designer whose work has made a global contribution to the industry while elevating the design profile of the DC area.

Residential, Single Space 

Diane Taitt, ASID Allied, De Space Designs LLC. Project: The Lounge. 

Residential, Kitchen or Bath

Andrea Small, DCDC, BID, The Adored Nest. Project: Modern, Nature-Inspired Primary Bath. 

Residential, 5,000 Square Feet or Less

Teass \ Warren Architects.
Project: Dupont Revival.

Residential, 5,001 Square Feet and Above

Krista Shugars, ASID Associate,
KD Designs Custom Interiors.
Project: Charthouse. 

Commercial or Residential, Adaptive Re-Use of a Building or Space

Jennifer L. Johnson, ASID Allied,
Jennifer L. Johnson LLC. Project: Historic DC Co-op Restoration. 

Each year, a panel of building-industry professionals chooses nominees for the Great American Living Awards. Sponsored by the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, last year’s GALA Awards—held on October 8th in McLean—honor excellence in new-home architecture, interior design, sales and marketing in the Mid-Atlantic region. 

The 2025 jury reviewed 249 entries; the following list includes winners and awards of merit in residential design, architecture and custom-building.

CUSTOM HOME OF THE YEAR, GRAND

Arnon Meadow—James McDonald Associate Architects | Gulick Group

HOME OF THE YEAR, GRAND

Château de Rêve—The Building Group, Inc. | James McDonald Associate Architects

COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR, GRAND

Under 100 Home Sites: District Towns at St. Elizabeths East—The Knutson Companies | Wiles Mensch | Lessard Design

DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE

DETACHED HOME (on lots under 7,000 square feet)

$700,000 to $849,999: The Stavanger III at Hazel Run Glen—K. Hovnanian Homes

$1,000,000 to $1,499,999: Konni at Parkside Village—Toll Brothers

$1,500,000+: Rouse at the Grove at Dominion Hills—Toll Brothers

DETACHED HOME (on lots 7,000 square feet and over)

$400,000 to $499,999: The Quincy II at Heritage Shores—Brookfield Residential
| Devereaux & Associates

$500,000 to $599,999: The Canterbury at Estates of Tuscarora—K. Hovnanian Homes

$850,000 to $999,999: Torrey at Hampstead—KTGY | Atlantic Builders

$1,000,000 to $1,399,999: Sorrento 2.0 at Glenn Dale Estates—Mid-Atlantic Builders

$1,400,000 to $2,999,999: Virginia Street—James McDonald Associate Architects | ACG Custom Homes  

$3,000,000 to $4,999,999: Churchill Road Model—Green Valley Custom Builders | Green Valley Design Group  

$5,000,000+: Château de Rêve—The Building Group, Inc. | James McDonald Associate Architects

ATTACHED HOME

Under $400,000: The Skyline at Snowden Bridge—Brookfield Residential | Pinnacle Design & Consulting, Inc.  

$400,000 to $499,999: The Hemingway at Hiatt Pointe at Snowden Bridge—Brookfield Residential | Devereaux & Associates, P.C.

$500,000 to $599,999: Edmond at Commonwealth Place—Lessard Design | Toll Brothers

$600,000 to $699,999: Louis Model at Commonwealth Place—Lessard Design | Toll Brothers

$700,000 to $849,999: Bellamy at Northpark Lofts—KTGY | Tri Pointe Homes

$850,000 to $999,999: The Lillian at Farmstead District—EYA LLC | Sutton Yantis Associates Architects

$1,000,000 to $1,399,999: The Chatfield at Reservoir District—EYA LLC | Sutton Yantis Associates Architects

$1,400,000+: The Nottingham at Northside—EYA LLC | Sutton Yantis Associates Architects

MULTI-FAMILY

New Construction, Mid-Rise

The Lowell—Lessard Design | Winthrop | McWilliams Ballard

New Construction, High-Rise

The Iris—CBG Building Company | MRP Realty | Moya Design Partners | Greystar

New Construction, Mixed-Use

Atwell on Spring—KTGY | Bozzuto

Why do you love a good porch?
The front porch of our Great Falls home creates a welcoming entrance and a place to watch the sunset through the trees while sipping a glass of wine. It also visually grounds the home and integrates it with the landscape.

Most memorable hotel getaway?
Made up of multiple row homes, The Pulitzer is the quintessential Amsterdam hotel. It’s quirky, Old World and enjoyable.

Favorite iconic chair?
I’ve always been a fan of the Mackintosh Chair. It’s a sculptural work of art; its lines and form frame a formal dining room with elegance.

Fashion passion?
I enjoy watches from brands like Breitling and TAG Heuer. In my collection, I’m most fond of Breitling’s Superocean, which has a clean, bold face and classic styling.

Home & Design unveiled its Winter 2026 issue with a soirée at Kohler by GROF in Bethesda on January 15th. Guests mingled and explored the showroom’s stylish kitchen, bath and closet displays.

McHale Landscape Design Elegance and ease infuse an award-winning riverfront property Read More...

Kane Landscapes, Inc. Three award-winning projects in Virginia conjure backyard escapes Read More...

Ed Ball Designs 2025 LCA Excellence in Landscape Award - Multi-Level Outdoor Retreat Read More...

Pristine Acres A Modern poolscape makes the most of its surroundings Read More...

Surrounds Two award-winning projects highlight stunning poolscapes Read More...

Fine Earth Landscape Seasonal color defines this family retreat Read More...

Colao & Peter Luxury Outdoor Living An award-winning, resort-style plan elevates a waterford creek home Read More...

Wheat’s Landscape A trio of McLean projects showcases excellence in landscape design Read More...

Fine Landscapes Four award-winning projects display excellence in design Read More...

Planted Earth Honored to be an award of excellence winner Read More...

Land Art Design A Multi-level oasis enhances a hillside home Read More...

For over 40 years, Land Art Design has specialized in designing and implementing every detail of exceptional outdoor spaces.

A longtime Land Art Design client sought to transform their property into a refined backyard retreat—complete with a swimming pool and expansive decking, a pool house, a spa with a fire feature, and a cohesive landscape design. The rear property elevation was approximately eight feet higher than the back of the house; Land Art was able to navigate the obstacle and present a design which encompassed all of the desired elements, creating an easy transition from the house to the pool. The owners are ecstatic with the results; they love their beautiful retreat and know it will be a place to enjoy for years to come.

DESIGN FEATURES

• Sculpturing a hillside to encompass a family’s recreational needs. Multi-use pavilion with modern etched stone fireplace and natural wood elements
• Show stopping swimming pool with separate field stone spa and fire feature
• Designed to withstand the elements, this custom outdoor kitchen pairs 100% weatherproof NatureKast cabinetry with ultra-durable Dekton countertops

Land Art Design
703-448-9094
landartdesign.com

LCA WINNER

Fine Landscapes offers a bespoke, full-service approach to landscape architecture and horticulture, reflecting the unique character of each home.

Fine Landscapes was founded in 1978 by Charles Owen with a vision to create exceptional outdoor environments rooted in classical architectural principles and thoughtful horticultural design. Today, Landscape Architect Oomer Syed and Landscape Designer Charles McCall carry that legacy forward.

From in-depth design and custom master planning to expert build and installation, and proactive maintenance, their work integrates horticulture, hardscape, lighting, irrigation, pools and water features, pool houses, pavilions and more. Every engagement begins with listening to the client’s goals and ends with a tailored outdoor sanctuary that balances beauty, function and lasting performance.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

1. GRAND AWARD - Complete Landscape Design Build
   At this McLean home, a refined landscape blends custom stonework, pea gravel terraces, and irregular flagstone paths to create a serene, functional backyard retreat.
2. Distinction Award - Complete Landscape Design Build
   A comprehensive landscape transformation in North Potomac, MD, modernizes the pool and infrastructure while expanding entertaining space with travertine terraces, an automated pergola, outdoor kitchen and firepit area.
3. Distinction Award - Complete Landscape Design Build
   This McLean landscape centers on an 18’ x 40’ swimming pool with integrated spa, travertine terraces and advanced automation. Water features, fire elements and layered plantings combine to create a serene retreat.
4. Distinction Award - Complete Landscape Design Build
   The transformation of this Falls Church, VA, property unites front and rear yards through refined hardscape, engineered retaining walls and outdoor living spaces featuring flagstone patios, stone steps and layered plantings.

Fine Landscapes
703-672-2968
finelandscapes.com

LCA WINNER

Established in 1978, Wheat’s Landscape has evolved from a family lawn-care service to a full service Design Build and Maintenance company.

For more than four decades, Wheat’s Landscape has served Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland. Unlike many contractors who outsource or specialize in only one area, Wheat’s provides seamless design, construction, maintenance, and specialty services under one roof, ensuring consistency and accountability–there’s a reason our motto is “Simplify your life.” Our award-winning work, strong customer communication and community-focused programs reflect a company that values long-term relationships as much as beautiful landscapes, delivering dependable, high-quality results that homeowners can trust year after year.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

1. Grand Award - Outdoor Living Design Build - Artful Escape
   This McLean, Virginia, project involved a full-property redesign with hardscapes, containers, furnishings and layered plantings. David Harber sculptures were thoughtfully integrated into a fern-focused, art-driven garden with custom walls and mature hedges, creating a refined, gallery-like landscape.
2. Distinction Award - Outdoor Living Design Build - Precision in the Garden
   These homeowners wanted a formal, structured garden that reflected their British heritage and complemented the home’s architecture. From precision masonry detailing to container colors—the elegant, composed landscape was designed to feel intentional, architectural and inviting
3. Distinction Award - Complete Landscape Master Planning - Compact, Complete, Captivating
   For these McLean clients, we created a functional living environment in a narrow yard, solving tight spatial constraints to deliver a covered outdoor kitchen and multiple social areas, such as this fire pit, with lush plantings.

Wheat’s Landscape
703-641-4790
wheats.com

LCA WINNER - Distinction Award - Outdoor Living Design Build

Colao & Peter is an award-winning, outdoor-living firm specializing in luxury residential landscapes that balance function, craftsmanship and long-term performance.
For this project, Colao + Peter transformed an underutilized backyard into a cohesive, resort-style outdoor environment. The site presented a grading challenge, with a significant elevation change from one side of the property to the other. Despite the dramatic slope, the clients wanted a level lawn area for play in addition to a pool, pavilion and outdoor living spaces. A series of terraces solved the problem, demonstrating the importance of a thoughtful master plan. The integrated pool design, hardscape, plant palette, rear porch addition and custom pool pavilion create a unified experience that supports everyday living and entertaining.

DESIGN FEATURES

• Custom-designed pavilion boasts a wood-burning fireplace and integrated swim-up bar.
• The pool includes a tanning ledge and stepping stones that visually connect opposing terraces.
• The elevated spa functions as a vanishing-edge feature, creating a strong architectural focal point.

Colao & Peter Luxury Outdoor Living
703-553-0123
colaopeter.com

LCA WINNER - Grand Award - Residential, Complete Landscape Master Planning

Founded in 1977, Fine Earth Landscape creates and maintains beautiful outdoor environments, offering experience, reliability and craftsmanship.

For this colorful family retreat, Fine Earth Landscape designed and installed a swimming pool with spa/waterfall and a large flagstone pool deck. We bordered the blue-gray flagstone with limestone to match the sill on the home. Dealing with a water-run off problem, we added a retaining wall with beautiful hillside plantings, which are visible from the house and enhance the landscape views. Landscape boulders and a stunning collection of flowers and bulbs guarantee all-season color. At Fine Earth Landscape, our landscape architects and designers offer a comprehensive vision, from choosing plants that thrive in your area to designing and building extensive landscape construction projects.

DESIGN FEATURES

• Stunning profusion of annuals and bulbs that our landscape architect and client put together each year
• A retaining wall featuring hillside plantings contains water run-off from this property and the neighbor’s.
• New swimming pool boasts a spa/waterfall feature, surrounded by blue-gray flagstone deck.

Fine Earth Landscape
301-972-8810
fineearth.com

LCA WINNER

Since 2010, Planted Earth has enriched the lives of clients by creating and maintaining beautiful, functional and award-winning spaces enhanced by nature’s beauty.

Starting with just three people, one truck, and basic hand tools, Planted Earth founder Chris Vedrani identified his niche and built a loyal customer base by delivering exceptional service in high-end residential landscape installation. Today, Planted Earth has grown to employ 101 people with decades of specialized experience, and remains committed to quality, excellence and customer satisfaction. We continue to thrive as we expand our capabilities and reputation in the industry. In 2025 alone, we completed 60 installation projects, while maintaining 200 landscape management accounts.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

1. GRAND AWARD - Residential - Outdoor Living Area
   Working with this Northwest DC property’s sloped hillside setting, the designers envisioned a layered environment that blends masonry, structured hardscape elements, and plantings to create a welcoming backyard retreat.
2. Distinction AWARD - Commercial Landscape Installation
   This Severna Park, Maryland, project involved the installation of a private courtyard for an indoor/outdoor beer garden. Hardscape and landscape elements support high foot traffic while maintaining a relaxed, natural aesthetic.
3. Grand Award - Residential - Outdoor Living Area
   In McLean, Virginia, a comprehensive residential landscape incorporates hardscape, planting and site elements to create a functional, all-season retreat with increased privacy and play space for a young family.
4. Grand Award - Residential - Outdoor Living Area
   A focal point of this terraced Northwest DC landscape is the front-yard stream garden, where irregular, hand-chipped masonry pavers are thoughtfully placed to create a naturalistic path through lush plantings.

Planted Earth
410-857-4744
plantedearthlandscaping.com

LCA WINNER

Founded in 2002, Surrounds is a high-end residential landscape firm. Our company name emerged from the idea that the beauty of nature surrounds us. Inspired by nature, we design, build, and nurture outdoor living spaces that celebrate the awesome beauty of nature.

AWARD DESCRIPTIONS

1. Grand Award & Judge’s Choice - Outdoor Living Design Build
   Large bluestone slabs on the pool deck are precisely cut to follow the curving edge of the pool without traditional coping. A sleek modern fused bamboo deck appears to float on the far edge of the pool. The large boulder in the foreground is a diving ledge.
2. Distinction Award - Outdoor Living Design Build
   The pool deck features a porcelain tile 4’x4’ grid pattern with artificial turf inlays. The stone border wall has 3 sheer descent water features passing through it.

Surrounds
703-430-6001
surroundslandscaping.com