By Chief Architect has monthly contests for customers to show off their work. People with various backgrounds and styles compete in the following categories: Kitchen/Bath and Interior, Residential, and Remodel/Addition. Please help us congratulate the winners!
Kitchen, Bath, and Interiors-June
1st Place: Lauren De La Garza
Lauren De La Garza is the Project Manager and Assistant General Manager at River Ridge Improvements, a residential remodeling and construction company in St. Joseph, Missouri. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Missouri Western State University and a Master of Science in Construction Management from the University of Oklahoma.
Lauren’s background in both design and construction gives her a unique perspective that bridges aesthetics, functionality, and buildability. She is passionate about residential homebuilding, space planning, and creating functional home designs that reflect the way people actually live. As a wife and mother, she understands the importance of thoughtful, practical spaces that support everyday family life.
Lauren believes that listening carefully to clients is the foundation of good design. Her long-term dream is to help design and build beautiful, functional homes that are attainable for the average family. She enjoys connecting with others who share a passion for residential design, construction, and making quality homes more accessible.
2nd Place: Amanda Brossman
“As a Designer at KBE Design Build in Brownstown, PA, I specialize in custom home renovations with a strong focus on delivering a personalized client experience. I am passionate about transforming living spaces into designs that are both beautiful and functional.
My approach is collaborative and client-centered, ensuring that each project reflects the unique needs, lifestyle, and personality of the homeowners. I believe that successful design comes from understanding my clients’ vision and guiding them through the process with clear communication and thoughtful solutions.
I studied Kitchen and Bath Design at Century College, an NKBA-affiliated program, where I was first introduced to Chief Architect. Since then, I have developed a passion for using the software to create detailed drawings and realistic renderings that bring design concepts to life. I enjoy helping clients visualize their future spaces, making the renovation process more engaging, informed, and exciting from concept through completion.”
3rd Place: Gabrial Hicks
Gabrial Hicks is a construction and architectural design professional with 29 years of experience across residential, commercial, and industrial projects. His background includes work as a union journeyman carpenter on large commercial projects, construction manager for high-end residential and commercial developments, and design professional for a wide range of building types. Gabrial is also a member of the American Institute of Building Designers. His hands-on field experience, combined with his design background, gives him a practical and well-rounded perspective on how thoughtful design and quality construction come together.
Remodel/Addition-May
1st Place: Doug Forbes
Doug Forbes, C.D., is a seasoned draftsman and designer with a wealth of experience in the Design-Build Construction industry. He began his career in residential contracting in San Antonio, Texas and is a certified architectural drafter through the ADDA. Doug is also a member of the American Institute of Building Designers and holds a residential building contractor license. As a dual resident of the United States and Mexico, Doug brings a unique perspective to his work, blending his expertise in wood framing with knowledge of CMU/CBS structures and diverse design concepts from various cultures.
2nd Place: Geny Miron & Megan Phanenhour
3rd Place: John Bzdel
Residential-April
1st Place: Chloe Cronk
As a designer at Pacific Home Source since 2016, I create thoughtful residential designs using Chief Architect, building detailed plans that guide projects from concept through construction and help bring each client’s vision to life. I enjoy the balance between creativity and problem-solving that this work offers. Whether navigating site constraints or refining layouts, my focus is always on practical, well-considered solutions that support how homeowners live, while maintaining a strong visual presence.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and my dog, as well as working on hands-on creative projects and exploring different mediums. Building things myself keeps me inspired and carries over into everything I design.
2nd Place: Cailyn Poschner
Cailyn Poschner is the creative powerhouse of Habitat Design Co. She seamlessly combines her environmental passion with a profound love for design, resulting in a distinctive skill set that she applies to all her projects. Equipped with a BCIN designer accreditation, LEED GA certification, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Advanced Technology, Cailyn’s primary focus is the creation of spaces that balance functionality, beauty, and sustainability.
3rd Place: Scott Phillips
Kitchen,Bath, and Interiors-March
1st Place: Leslie Ann Gali
“I am a Design Draftsman at Quest Cabinetry & Design in Bozeman, MT. I am known for my thoughtful, balanced leadership and my commitment to continuous improvement. I approach my work with a mindset of refinement, consistently raising standards through attention to detail and incremental progress. Passionate about transforming creative ideas into functional, meaningful spaces, I believe interior design is ultimately about enhancing how people live—an ethos reflected in the words of Albert Hadley, who emphasized designing for real life over passing trends.
Outside of work, I love exploring the outdoors with my dogs, Dolly and Trixie, as well as with family and friends—whether kayaking, hiking, camping, or off-roading. I also enjoy baking and cooking up new treats, catching live concerts, and sharing meaningful time with loved ones. Every adventure and experience keeps life exciting and full.
Grounded in faith and driven by curiosity, I embrace life fully—seeking growth, adventure, and meaningful experiences at every turn. As it is written, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23).”
2nd Place: Christine Gauthier
Christine Gauthier leads the design department at Custom Built Design & Remodeling, guiding a talented team of designers who collaborate closely with homeowners to bring each project to life. She studied Architecture at the University of Michigan and has worked at several design-build firms across the country. For over 12 years, Christine has specialized in custom homes, full home renovations, and landscape design. She has always had a passion for architecture and enjoys designing thoughtful, timeless spaces, putting her heart into each project she works on.
4 comments