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<< Previous   of   Next >> (click to enlarge) Photo by Sam Van Fleet  (click to enlarge) (click to enlarge) Photo by Chermak Construction  (click to enlarge) Photo by Albee Interior Design  (click to enlarge)   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Mike Benbow, Business Editor benbow@heraldnet.com   Published: Sunday, July 6, 2008 Designs recognized by the Master Builders Assocation of King and Snohomish Counties By Mike Benbow Herald Writer Three area remodelers were honored recently as recipients of The Rex Awards from the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. The association presented awards to 15 remodeling designers and contractors at an event in Renton. Local winners included Estate Homes of Mill Creek, Albee Interior Design in aBothell and Chermak Construction Inc. of Edmonds, which won two awards. Here's a look at their awards, the companies and their work: Chermak Construction Owned by Howard Chermak, the company was established 28 years ago and is a full-service remodeler that designs and builds its projects. "We do anything from $1 million projects to handyman work," said the company's Sarah Cole. The company was honored in the tenant improvement/landlord remodel and the interior design categories. The first project was the exterior of a commercial building that had moisture problems in its stucco exterior. The second project involved remodeling a kitchen and bath area. "They do a lot of entertaining and eat out a lot," Cole said. So instead of placing a new kitchen island at cooking height, it was at bar height to be more accommodating for wine tasting party. The island included bamboo flooring, maple cabinets and a "black beauty" colored granite countertop. Albee Interior Design Owner Wendy Albee, who started the firm about seven years ago, said she paired with a member of the builders association remodeling council on a project that won her an award in the interior design category. She said the home, located in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood, was completely remodeled. The award was for the kitchen and dining area. Albee said the owner wanted "a French country" look. She reworked the room layout to add "breathing room" and usher in more light. The kitchen, Albee added, was a particular challenge because it had limited space. The owner "wanted the whole family to be able to come during the holidays," Albee said. So they dealt with the issue by selecting a modest-size dining table that could be expanded significantly with two extensions. Albee said the owner had "a lot of good ideas" and she enjoyed working on what became "really a partnership." Estate Homes Started by Ken Cornett 30 years ago, the company handles all of its projects. "We take them from beginning idea to the end," said Carol Trusz. "We build them, too." The company was lauded for a project providing existing or additional square footage in the $300,000 to $600,000 category. The design was from Craig Carney, the company's head designer. This project involved a Magnolia home built in the 1930s with red brick. The home's master suite was revitalized with an elegant master bath. A second-floor addition included vaulted bay windows in the children's bedrooms.

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