Each year, the entries for CRBRA's Best in Building Awards are judged by industry experts from out of market. The judges review the entries based on the criteria provided to all members during the entry period. They are not able to see the company that submitted each entry and are able to be completely objective in their scoring.

2025 JUDGES

Matt Arguin
Owner, Southcoast Kitchen Designs (MA)

When Southcoast Kitchen Designs was founded in 2005, owner, Matt Arguin was a one-man operation. Over the years, he's grown every aspect of the business. Their showroom has been recognized by professional industry organizations and the local community alike. Southcoast Kitchen Designs was especially proud to make the list of 2023 Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing companies in America. 

Chris Brown, AIA, LEED AP
b Architecture Studio (MA)

After working in Boston for more than a decade managing projects including the many facets of residential design, historic preservation, and unique commercial and institutional renovations, Chris founded b Architecture Studio in 2010. Chris has taught at the Boston Architectural College and Wentworth Institute of Technology and continues his role as educator with design jury critiques for Notre Dame and Wentworth. Chris brings knowledge, capability, and design sense to each design task. Each project is a collaboration for there is always more than one way to create new spaces.

Steve Gidley
Owner, Stephen C. Gidley, Inc. (CT)

Stephen C. Gidley has been providing top-quality home remodeling services for over 54 years. As the president of Stephen C. Gidley Contractors, he has successfully completed over 15,000 home improvement projects throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties, from full green construction homes to minor repairs.

Chris Johannsen
Principal Designer, CREATIVEscapes (VA)

Chris has been in the outdoor design world for over 10 years. His designs have won awards such as Hardscape Hero in 2016, 2017, and 2018. His projects have been featured in many catalogs and magazines.

Larry Newquist
Owner, Larry Newquist Building & Remodeling (CT)

Larry Newquist brings more than 25 years of experience working on major construction and woodworking projects. A third-generation craftsman, he learned cabinetry and woodworking from his father, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who was also a builder. Larry’s lifelong dedication to craftsmanship and quality continues to shape his work and perspective on design and construction today.

Lee Reid
Chief Executive, Payne|Bouchier (MA)

Lee Reid began her journey with Payne|Bouchier over 18 years ago on the site side and has steadily grown into her leadership position. Lee brings a rich and varied background to her work—she earned her degree from the School of Natural Science at Hampshire College in Western Massachusetts and previously worked in film. She has also taught Earth Science and Biology and spent time in the publishing industry. At Payne|Bouchier, Lee is the steady hand that keeps operations running smoothly, bringing compassion, clarity, and humanity to her role and to those around her.

John Rod
Owner, John Rod & Company (NJ)

With a background in Sales and Marketing, John Rod is an accomplished, national award-winning marketer recognized by his peers for creativity in digital marketing, advertising campaigns, branding, website development and other digital marketing services.

Justin Ross, CAPS
Owner, Design Doctors Construction (WA)

Justin Ross established Design Doctors Construction (a proud Veteran-owned company) in 2008. Design Doctors Construction specializes in providing top-quality kitchen and bathroom remodeling and large-scale interior renovations to the Portland Metro area.

Jessica Steeves, NCIDQ
Regional V.P. Sales, Northeast, Builders Design (MD)

Jessica is the Regional Vice President managing sales in the Northeast for Builders Design. She has extensive design, trend and merchandising knowledge. Her experience includes managing a design department with more than 40 designers, acting as designer for a 40,000 sq. ft showroom and as a high-volume inventory merchandise buyer for five stores. She is a Certified Professional Interior Designer.

Brynn Wilson
Sales Development Coordinator, Hook Agency, MN

With over five years of experience in home services marketing and a background rooted in the custom home building and lumber industry, Brynn brings a unique blend of industry knowledge and marketing expertise. At Hook Agency, she works with home service businesses to craft PPC and SEO campaigns, as well as custom designed and developed websites.

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