Ottawa’s housing industry has pulled down four awards at the 2025 OHBA Awards of Distinction, a prestigious annual gala organized by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, held this year in Blue Mountain, Ont.
The coveted awards recognize the province’s best in production and custom homes, renovations, room design, marketing and other categories. This year saw more than 400 entries (a drop from last year’s 560) competing for 50 trophies as well as several special awards. Ottawa was represented by 18 finalists.
Here’s who won what:
Amsted Design-Build
Amsted Design-Build won the 2025 Ontario Renovator of the Year award. That made the company a record-setting six-time winner at the provincial awards. Amsted has also won renovator of the year a remarkable 11 times at the Ottawa Housing Design Awards, another record.
“We are truly honoured to be named Renovator of the Year for the third year in a row,” says Amsted’s Stephanie Haw. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s drive for excellence and unwavering dedication to their craft. At Amsted, we believe every project is an opportunity to create a lasting impact, not only through award-winning design and construction but also by improving the lives of the families we work with.
“This achievement motivates us to continue raising the bar — pushing boundaries in innovation, craftsmanship and community — while staying true to the values that have guided us for over three decades. We are deeply grateful to our talented team, our partners and especially our clients who place their trust in us to bring their vision to life.”
The company led the Ottawa pack of finalists for this year’s provincial Awards of Distinction with a total of six renovation and new-home projects.
RND Construction
Ironspot Modern by RND Construction with Simmonds Architecture captured this year’s trophy for custom home, 3,001-5,000 square feet.
The net zero ready split level spotlights mid-century design, floor-to-ceiling and clerestory windows, walnut and iron-grey millwork, and strong visual connections between the interior and exterior (the latter a hallmark of Simmonds designs).
The home, which was also a finalist in the OHBA’s low-rise green building category, won two trophies at the 2024 Ottawa Housing Design Awards and was a finalist in this year’s national awards.
“It was nice winning in the custom home category,” says RND president, Roy Nandram. “It is also impressive winning in Ontario. This home was designed by Simmonds Architecture and built for a past client — it was our second home for that client.
“It is certified net zero ready with modern architecture inside and outside. I like this home because it blends really well on the streetscape and does not look like a brand new home.”
RND was also a finalist in the category of new-home kitchen/low-rise home, 2,501 square feet and more.
MORE: 2024 Ottawa Housing Design Awards
Minto
The 2024 Minto dream home, the top prize in the annual CHEO Dream of a Lifetime lottery, won two trophies at the 2025 OHBA Awards of Distinction: production home, two to three storeys, 2,501 square feet and more; and, new home kitchen in a new low-rise home, 2,501 square feet and more. The latter trophy was won with Laurysen Kitchens, which contributed cabinetry in the kitchen and elsewhere.
The 5,000-plus-square-foot home, dubbed The Oasis for its design focus on health, wellness and sophistication, is in Minto’s Mahogany development in Manotick. The interior, designed by Tanner Vine Interiors, boasts a cavalcade of special features, from a third-floor loft done up as a yoga studio with a vaulted ceiling and white shiplap on most of the walls to a kitchen with a massive 13-foot island, and a spa and elaborate rec room in the basement.
Minto’s dream home was also a finalist, with Laurysen, for new-home bathroom at this year’s OHBA awards.
The home won two trophies at the 2025 national housing awards.
MORE: 2025 National Housing Awards
Another local company, Lagois Design-Build-Renovate, was also named a finalist for this year’s Ontario awards, capturing four nominations, including Renovator of the Year and three for its South of the Mountain project, which is also in the running for this year’s All Things Home People’s Choice Award in the Ottawa Housing Design Awards.
