Award-Winning Remodeling Projects That Redefine What’s Possible

At Homework Remodels, we believe that remodeling is more than an upgrade—it’s an opportunity to transform a home into a refined expression of the people who live there. Over the years, we’ve partnered with homeowners across Phoenix and surrounding cities to reimagine kitchens, bathrooms, and whole homes with a level of craftsmanship and design excellence that consistently earns regional and national recognition. Our portfolio includes more than thirty award-winning remodeling projects, with multiple honors from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), including coveted Contractor of the Year (CotY), Remodeler of the Year (RotY), and Best of Show awards in the Greater Phoenix area and beyond.

What sets our projects apart isn’t just how they look—it’s the thoughtfulness behind every line, the ingenuity in solving unique design and construction challenges, and the craftsmanship that elevates the everyday. These awards are not popularity contests—they are judged by panels of industry experts who recognize innovation, creativity, and technical excellence. We are proud to say that our work competes with and stands out among the top-tier remodelers from across the Southwest United States.

Two of our most celebrated kitchen remodels—the Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Remodel, featured on HGTV’s TV Show, Bang For Your Buck, and our Historic Willo Kitchen Restoration, featured in Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine—highlight the essence of what we do best: preserve what matters most while building for how people want to live today.

Nationally Certified Professionals Leading the Way

Behind every Homework Remodels project is a leadership team with unmatched credentials and a deep commitment to professional excellence. We are proud to be led by nationally certified remodeling experts who have helped shape the standards of our industry.

Sheila Lanier, who leads our design team, is a Master Certified Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeler (MCKBR), a Universal Design Certified Professional, and a respected national judge for NARI award competitions. Her ability to balance design beauty with function, accessibility, and efficiency is a hallmark of our success.

Company founder Steve Shinn brings decades of hands-on expertise as a Master Certified Remodeler (MCR), Master Certified Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeler, Universal Design Certified Professional, and Green Certified Professional. He is also a member of NARI’s National Committee for Professional Testing and Remodeling Certifications, helping uphold the very standards by which excellence in our industry is judged.

Together, Sheila and Steve co-own Homework Remodels and our commercial remodeling sister company, ProConstructor. Their shared leadership ensures that every project reflects the highest standards of professional care, creativity, and construction integrity.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Remodel: Retro Roots with a Refined Edge

One of our standout kitchen projects is a Mid-Century Modern remodel that exemplifies our ability to honor a home’s architectural heritage while bringing it into the 21st century. Located in central Phoenix, this project began as a homeowner’s desire to preserve the soul of his vintage home without compromising on function or flair. The existing kitchen had good bones, but it lacked storage, natural flow, and the modern amenities today’s homeowners expect.

Our design team worked closely with the homeowner to retain the minimalist charm and linear aesthetic that define Mid-Century Modern style—while elevating every surface and component. Flat-panel cabinetry in warm walnut tones was custom-built to blend seamlessly with the rest of the home’s aesthetic. We added high-gloss, modern quartz countertops and a bold geometric backsplash that nods to the era’s iconic patterns while adding a contemporary edge.

Storage was a major challenge—and one we overcame with innovation. Rather than closing off the space with bulky cabinets, we utilized previously underused wall space, adding floor-to-ceiling cabinetry that maintains the open feel while maximizing storage. Modern lighting elements were layered in to enhance both function and ambience, including sleek under-cabinet lighting and recessed ceiling fixtures with dimmable controls.

This project didn’t just delight the homeowner—it won one of our Contractor of the Year Awards, thanks to the project’s successful marriage of historical integrity, modern utility, and aesthetic precision. Every detail was executed to the highest standards, including meticulous material selections and finish carpentry that aligned with the home’s existing mid-century vibe.

Historic Kitchen Remodel in the Willo Neighborhood: A Magazine-Worthy Transformation

In one of Phoenix’s most beloved historic districts, our team was honored to reimagine a kitchen in a 1930s bungalow nestled in the heart of the Willo Historic Neighborhood. This project was particularly meaningful to us, not only because it required careful preservation of historical elements, but also because it was featured in Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine, a testament to its standout design.

This kitchen, like many in older homes, was boxed in, outdated, and lacking in natural light. Yet it had great potential—and hidden charm that deserved to be revealed. Our approach began with honoring the home’s historic character. Rather than tearing down the past, we uncovered it. Original archways were preserved and subtly enhanced. A classic, vintage-style range became the centerpiece, framed by custom inset cabinetry painted in a soft, period-appropriate hue.

One of the greatest design challenges was integrating modern function without disrupting the flow or scale of the original architecture. We created a custom island that mimics a freestanding furniture piece—visually light, yet rich in functionality. The countertops were crafted from honed soapstone, offering a timeless surface that felt right at home in a historic setting. We also installed unique concrete Mexican tile flooring to match the kitchen’s updated color palette.

Lighting played a critical role in this remodel. We combined vintage-style pendants with modern recessed lighting to brighten the space without compromising the historic ambiance. The final design seamlessly blended heritage with innovation—and once completed, it quickly gained industry attention, including a NARI Best of Show Award and a feature spread in Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine.

Creativity, Craftsmanship, and Challenges—That’s What Wins Awards

Winning awards isn’t the goal—it’s the result of doing things right. Every NARI Contractor of the Year and Remodeler of the Year Award we’ve received speaks to something deeper: the trust of our clients, the skill of our team, and the courage to solve complex challenges creatively.

Our projects are evaluated by industry professionals on several criteria:

• Creative design solutions that solve functional problems
• Overcoming unique construction challenges, including structural changes, historic preservation, or spatial constraints
• High-quality craftsmanship, from framing to finish work
• Professional project documentation, including before-and-after photos and detailed project summaries

The competition features top remodeling companies from across the Southwest, including Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and parts of Texas and California. We are humbled to consistently stand among the best, not just locally, but regionally.

Whole-House Remodeling Projects with Lasting Impact

While our kitchen and bath remodels have earned plenty of praise, our whole-house renovations are where our design-build system truly shines. These projects often involve complex phasing, thoughtful spatial planning, and close collaboration with homeowners from concept to completion. From reworking layouts for modern living to integrating aging-in-place features, we craft each home to meet the evolving needs of the families who live there.

Several of our full-home remodels have won NARI CotY and RotY awards for their scale, coordination, and transformation value. One such project transformed a tired home plagued by deferred maintenance into a bright, welcoming residence filled with low-maintenance materials, open living areas, and revitalized curb appeal. Others have focused on historic homes where we’ve carefully blended new additions with original architecture, ensuring nothing feels out of place.

Proudly Serving the Phoenix Area and Surrounding Cities

Homework Remodels is based in Phoenix, AZ, and proudly serves homeowners throughout Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and other East Valley communities. Whether you’re restoring a historic property in the Willo or Encanto Palmcroft neighborhoods, reimagining a Mid-Century Modern ranch in Arcadia, or updating a kitchen in Paradise Valley, our award-winning design-build process is tailored to meet your vision.

Experience the Award-Winning Difference

When you choose Homework Remodels, you’re choosing a partner with nationally certified professionals, award-winning design excellence, and an unwavering commitment to doing things right. Our featured projects speak for themselves—but our greatest reward is helping homeowners fall in love with their homes again.

Explore our full gallery of featured projects and see for yourself why Homework Remodels is one of the most respected remodeling companies in the Valley. Whether you’re dreaming of a custom kitchen, a luxurious master bath, or a complete home transformation, we’re here to bring your vision to life—with creativity, care, and craftsmanship worthy of recognition.

Ready to start your own award-winning remodel?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover what’s possible.