The City of Piedmont’s Planning & Building Department hosted its 29th annual Design Awards on Wednesday, May 14, honoring four of PIedmont’s most ambitious home projects. The event, taking place at Piedmont Community Hall, also hosted its second year of Sustainability Awards, a separate category honoring homeowners in Piedmont who have dedicated their houses to zero-waste, carbon-neutral, and sustainable designs.
Light appetizers and refreshments were served before the awards presentation.
“I think everyone here in this room really plays a role in this gorgeous built environment that we live in and the place we call home in Piedmont,” said Mayor Betsy Andersen. “I’m glad to be here tonight to honor all of you and appreciate you and thank you so much for a gorgeous community.”
• Excellence in Comprehensive Remodel with Integrate Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
The first award went to homeowners David Lee and Lisha Liang of 224 Greenbank Avenue. Architect Steven Shirley and contractors Jose Pena and Jose Jimenez were also honored.
• Excellent Second Story Addition
Homeowners Kevin Ma and Liana Wu of 47 York Drive were honored along with architect Ethan Anderson and contractor Silvio Dobrovat.
• Excellence in Historically Consistent Renovations
The homeowners of 205 Crocker Avenue were honored, along with designer Robin Pennell, designer Chelsea Sachs, designer Alexis Davis Millar, contractor Doug Wolfe, contractor Julie De Bourbon, contractor Michael Waxman, and landscaper John Vasquez.
• Excellence in Stylistic and Functional Design
This award was presented to the homeowners of 65 Oakmont Avenue, who were unable to attend the ceremony. The award was accepted by architect Edward W. Buchanan and contractor Scott Cameron
Following the Design Awards, the Sustainability Awards were presented as a separate category. Because of the number of contractors involved in each project, the homeowners were the main honorees.
• Excellence in Sustainable Home Design and Construction
The award was presented to James Glauber and Tracy Lieu of 38 Estrella Avenue, who began their transition to clean energy in 2021 when they installed their first set of solar panels. Since then, they’ve expanded their solar PV system, added battery storage, and systematically replaced traditional gas appliances with electric alternatives. Beyond embracing electrification on his own property, Glauber has made a mission of helping others electrify, hosting informational tours and advising neighbors in his capacity as an Electrify America certified home electrification coach.
• Excellence in Sustainable Home Design and Construction
The award was presented to Susan Miller-Davis and Jonathan Davis of 139 Lake Avenue. Early adopters of the sustainable design movement, Miller-Davis and Davis began incorporating green features into their home in 2011. Their property now boasts enhanced insulation, Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers, and an all-electric ADU equipped with mini-split heating, an induction cooktop, and a heat pump washer-dryer unit.
“I will always remember the anniversary of the Design Awards because we got married in 1996,” said Miller-Davis.
• Excellence in Sustainable Home Design and Construction
The award was presented to Zander Dryer and Did Kuo of 355 Sea View Avenue. After two years of work, Dryer and Kuo are nearing completion on a comprehensive sustainable renovation of their mid 20th-Century home. HVAC heat pumps, an induction cooktop, energy efficient lighting, and EPA EnergyStar certified windows all contribute to a reduced carbon footprint without sacrificing personal comfort.
To be eligible for the annual Design & Sustainability Awards, a project must conform to Piedmont’s design and planning guidelines and the project must have been completed in the previous calendar year.