Every year, the Master Builder Awards recognize the builders who go above and beyond—not just to erect structures, but to bring ideas to life with innovation, grit, and design excellence. From public service buildings to wineries and industrial campuses, this year’s winning projects show the breadth and brilliance possible when purpose-driven design meets steel-based construction.

The 2023 winners reflect diverse sectors and communities, but they share one common thread: a commitment to building smarter, better, and bolder. Let’s celebrate the 19 remarkable projects—and the visionary builders—who earned this year’s top honors.

Master Builder of the Year & Best of Manufacturing & Production

Great Northern Distilling | Wanta & Son, Inc.
Wanta & Son, Inc. brought modern vision and precision to life in this award-winning distillery project. Built using a lean-to primary frame, the facility includes two distinct buildings clad in Polar White and Slate Gray panels—PBU in a vertical application for Building A and PBD in a horizontal application for Building B. A striking black Double-Lok® roof caps both structures, offering a clean industrial finish that stands out against the Wisconsin skyline.

Inside, large open spaces support production, bottling, and hospitality needs without interruption—thanks to steel framing designed for longevity. Expansive glass installations bring in natural light and frame the distilling process for visitors, reinforcing the brand’s transparency and modern craft ethos. Designed to last a lifetime, this build is an architectural statement rooted in tradition yet engineered for the future.

Best of Office

Shared Harvest Foodbank | Conger Construction Group
To support its growing mission, Shared Harvest Foodbank partnered with Conger Construction Group to create a purpose-built 14,400 sq. ft. facility. Featuring a Clear Span, Single Slope frame with tapered columns, the building combines a 9,000 sq. ft. loading dock with 5,400 sq. ft. of office and training space. Hawaiian Blue PBR wall panels and a Galvalume Double-Lok® roof bring both vibrant visual appeal and functional durability to the design.

This new structure is more than an upgrade—it’s a platform for growth. The clear workflow from dock to office enhances daily operations, while the single-slope design streamlines drainage and complements the building’s bold profile. Every detail was engineered with scalability in mind, helping the foodbank deliver more meals, faster, across the region.

Best of Agriculture

Royal Vista Ranch | B&B Welding Inc.
Set against the wide skies of Oklahoma, Royal Vista Ranch’s new stallion barn was designed for long-term performance with low maintenance in mind. Built with a Clear Span, Double-Slope frame and Straight Columns, the structure eliminates interior obstructions for wide-open, easily navigable space. The exterior features AVP wall panels in Burnished Slate and Desert Sand, complemented by a Desert Sand PBR roof, all wrapped around a full liner insulation system for year-round temperature control.

The design includes 10-foot structural canopies—with no support posts—providing shaded exterior zones that are ideal for daily care routines. This thoughtful mix of functionality and form supports both animal welfare and operational efficiency. By pairing strong steel framing with warm, earth-toned finishes, B&B Welding Inc. delivered a facility that’s as enduring as it is elegant.

Best of Recreational

Wright City Wellness Center | Stout Construction
Located in Southern Oklahoma just outside Broken Bow, the Wright City Wellness Center is a 10,000 sq. ft. facility that delivers wellness access to the Choctaw Nation and surrounding community. Designed with a Clear Span, Double-Slope frame and Tapered Columns, the building combines versatility and structural integrity. It features FW-120 wall panels in Polar White and a BattenLok® HS/SuperLok® roof system in Spruce—a refreshing, clean color palette that evokes both energy and calm.

Inside, visitors have access to a full suite of amenities, including a CrossFit zone, weight room, locker and shower facilities, and a laundry room—all housed under one uninterrupted roofline. The steel structure allows for large open areas, accommodating diverse fitness needs with minimal interior framing. With its bright exterior and high-performance design, the wellness center serves as both a health hub and a point of community pride.

Best of Small Warehouse

Utility Trailer | TerraTech Engineering and Construction Services
This warehouse expansion was built to match—and exceed—the efficiency of a 2018 project on the same site. With a Clear Span, Double-Slope frame and Tapered Columns, the 145-foot-wide design maximizes usable interior space. Ash Gray PBR wall panels and a Galvalume PBR roof maintain consistency with the original facility while offering strength, flexibility, and weather resistance.

The true highlight of the build is its integration of four independent underhung crane systems, spaced evenly across the floor and extending the full length of the building. These systems were only made possible by the column-free interior—a key advantage of steel framing. With a focus on streamlined production and overhead mobility, the design ensures smooth operations and enhanced productivity.

Best of Large Warehouse

Garton 4 Rankin Warehouse | Ross Construction Group, LLC
Spanning an impressive 100,000 sq. ft., this large-scale warehouse was engineered with long bay purlins and a Clear Span, Double-Slope frame using Tapered Columns—offering a high-performance layout for industrial storage and logistics. The exterior is finished with Ash Gray panels for both walls and roofing, using the PBR profile for a cohesive and durable envelope.

In addition to storage space, the building includes an interior office infill area, offering built-in flexibility for tenants and operators. The modern panel accents provide clean lines and an updated visual identity, making the warehouse just as impressive aesthetically as it is functionally. This build proves that large doesn’t have to mean generic—every detail serves a purpose.

Best of Maintenance

VRE Lifecycle Overhaul & Upgrade Facility | Bob Breeding General Contractors, LLC
Built within an active rail yard in Fredericksburg, Virginia, this 33,500 sq. ft. facility serves the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), which transports more than 6,000 commuters daily. The Clear Span, Double-Slope frame uses Straight Columns and Lean-To sections to meet complex design requirements. Walls are clad in insulated Metl-Span CF Mesa panels in Almond, while the Snow White Double-Lok® roof ensures energy efficiency and long-term weather performance.

Tight site constraints—just five feet from live rail lines—meant construction had to be precisely coordinated with ongoing train operations. Despite these challenges, the team successfully delivered a facility equipped to handle lifecycle upgrades and overhauls for VRE’s commuter fleet. This build balances technical precision with logistical complexity, making it a standout in public infrastructure construction.

Best of Large Government

Clay County Resource Recovery Campus | Construction Engineers
This 49,769 sq. ft. government facility is a powerhouse of functionality, consisting of eight interconnected buildings engineered for high-impact waste management. Using a combination of Clear Span, Double-Slope and Multi-Span frames with Tapered Columns and Lean-To configurations, the structure accommodates a wide range of municipal operations. Slate Gray PBR wall panels paired with a Tundra-colored SuperLok® roof give the complex a rugged, unified appearance ready for heavy-duty use.

With design elements including elevated tipping floors, drive-through bays for tractor-trailers, public drop-off areas, and dedicated hazardous materials handling, this site is built for throughput and safety. Extensive site improvements complement the steel structures, reinforcing the county’s commitment to environmental responsibility through smart, scalable infrastructure.

Best of Small Government

Wickenburg Fire Station | JEBCO Construction Companies
Serving the town of Wickenburg, Arizona, this fire station balances budget-conscious design with lasting impact. Built with a Clear Span, Double-Slope frame and Tapered Columns, the 7,500 sq. ft. facility uses PBR wall panels in Desert Sand and a matching Rustic C-Panel roof in a warm Rustic hue—evoking the natural tones of the surrounding landscape.

Inside, a steel-framed mezzanine and stud-wall interior layout support multiple uses, including office space, living quarters, and apparatus bays. Exterior elements like driveways, perimeter fencing, and gated access provide the functionality a working firehouse demands. The station’s rustic charm and efficient design make it a civic anchor for the growing community.

Best of Small Commercial

Lot 8 | TJK Design Build
Located in one of Madison, Wisconsin’s busiest development corridors, Lot 8 is a standout example of modern commercial architecture designed with versatility in mind. Using a Multi-Span, Single Slope frame with Straight Columns, the structure is clad in AVP wall panels in Coal Black for a bold and contemporary finish. A Galvalume Double-Lok® roof ensures weather durability while adding architectural interest.

The 22,300 sq. ft. roof spans a commercial space designed for multiple tenants, with clean lines and natural light flooding through generously sized front-facing windows. The streamlined exterior and efficient interior layout make this building ideal for retail, office, or showroom purposes—providing modern functionality in a compact footprint.

Best of Large Commercial – Tie

PDEC Headquarters Shop & Warehouse | HS Williams Company Inc.
This multifunctional complex blends beauty and utility across 134,555 sq. ft. of covered space. With a mix of Lean-To and Multi-Span, Double-Slope frames with Tapered Columns, the building’s layout accommodates shop, warehouse, and support operations under one roof. The exterior features Tundra-colored PBR wall panels with a Snow White DLK (Double-Lok®) roof, providing crisp contrast and strong visual lines.

The design team added wainscot detailing and elevation variations to elevate the aesthetic beyond typical industrial builds. While the goal was functionality, the result is a facility that also serves as a statement piece for the organization—designed to impress without sacrificing efficiency.

Sandlapper Industrial Park | Brantley Construction Company, LLC
This expansive industrial park includes 15 coordinated buildings, all designed to support warehousing, distribution, and commercial office use. Built with Clear Span, Single-Slope frames using Tapered Columns, the structures use PBR wall panels in Hawaiian Blue and PBR Galvalume roofing to create a vibrant yet professional identity.

Spanning 150,000 sq. ft. of wall coverage and over 200,000 sq. ft. of roof area, the consistent envelope across the campus allows for easy expansion, maintenance, and tenant turnover. This build demonstrates the power of repetition and thoughtful planning in high-volume commercial environments.

Best of Aviation

Gateway Executive Airpark – Hangar A | Sun State Builders
The first of a three-hangar complex at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, this aviation facility was purpose-built to accommodate corporate jets with high clearances and uninterrupted interior space. Utilizing a Multi-Span, Double-Slope frame with a combination of Straight and Tapered Columns, the structure was designed for maximum flexibility. Architectural Flat wall panels in Polar White and Regal Gray provide a clean, professional exterior, while Galvalume-Plus Double-Lok® roofing adds durability and all-weather performance.

To meet the operational demands of executive aviation, the design includes two massive horizontal rolling door systems—one stretching over 102 feet wide, the other at 82 feet. The hangar also features insulated wall systems integrated directly into the framing of the door openings, ensuring a secure, climate-controlled environment. It’s a build that proves how precision engineering can deliver both performance and polish.

Best of Restaurant

Spencer Manor Winery | Alexander Construction
This 8,514 sq. ft. tasting room and production space was designed to reflect the elegance and simplicity of a boutique winery. Constructed with a Clear Span, Single-Slope frame and Straight Columns, the structure is clad in Slate Gray wall panels and topped with a Galvalume roof—creating a timeless, neutral palette that allows the landscape and brand experience to shine.

The single-slope design not only supports efficient water runoff but also gives the building a clean, modern profile that enhances the visitor experience. Inside, open interiors allow for seamless transitions between production, storage, and guest-facing areas. Whether hosting tastings or bottling the latest vintage, Spencer Manor Winery now has a facility that’s every bit as refined as its product.

Best of Education

Galvin Daycare | IDS Construction Solutions, LLC
This 10,700 sq. ft. daycare was designed with children’s safety, comfort, and creativity in mind. Built with a Clear Span, Double-Slope frame and Tapered Columns, the facility features white Board & Batten wall panels paired with a Coal Black SuperLok® roof for a charming, residential feel. The team installed 24-inch on-center horizontal girts to support drywall and create flexible, finished interior spaces.

At the heart of the design is a clerestory that floods the central play area with natural light, promoting energy efficiency and a welcoming environment. Overhangs were added to both the gables and sidewalls to give the structure a softer silhouette, blending the durability of steel with the warmth of a home-like atmosphere. It’s a thoughtfully designed space where learning and laughter come naturally.

Best of Storage

Black River Electric Cooperative | Sargent Construction Company
After a devastating tornado, Black River Electric Cooperative rebuilt its facility—this time with enhanced resilience and modern performance. Using a Multi-Span, Double-Slope frame with Straight Columns, the new structure features Almond-colored PBR wall panels and a BattenLok® HS roof in Copper Metallic. A full cavity Energy Saver insulation system was also installed to improve thermal efficiency throughout the building.

Engineers designed the rebuild to fit over an existing mezzanine and foundation, integrating new steel framing without disrupting the original structural footprint. The expansion also accommodates updated equipment and safety protocols. From its elevated design to its metallic finish, this facility stands as a testament to recovery, strength, and forward-thinking construction.

Best of Automotive

ET Quality RV | Rosser Enterprises, Inc.
Positioned on a highly visible 18-acre lot along Highway 99, this state-of-the-art RV facility reflects the vision of its self-made owner, Emilio Torch. Built with a Clear Span, Double-Slope frame and Tapered Columns, the structure features Charcoal Gray PBR wall panels and a Galvalume Double-Lok® roof—chosen for both performance and long-term reliability. Bold red trim along the gables and gutters adds curb appeal and visual identity that stands out to passing drivers.

The facility was a collaborative effort between the owner, architect, general contractor, and builder to create something unique in the region. The clear-span design allows for wide-open interior space to display RV inventory while maintaining flexibility for growth. This build isn’t just functional—it’s a local landmark that celebrates entrepreneurial grit and modern construction excellence.

Best of Health Related

Marshall County Health Department | AHRS Construction, Inc.
Following irreparable storm damage to the original facility, AHRS Construction delivered a resilient replacement with thoughtful features and modern design. The new building uses a Clear Span, Single-Slope frame with Straight Columns and is topped with a Polar White Double-Lok® roof. The perimeter walls are a mix of steel framing and brickwork, combining aesthetic permanence with structural integrity.

Built to serve the community’s health needs, the layout includes exam rooms, office space, labs, a storm shelter, and an internal safe room. Parapet walls on three sides and ADA-compliant entrances enhance accessibility, while natural gas backup generators and high-efficiency HVAC systems ensure continuity of care in any condition. It’s a healthcare hub designed not just to heal, but to protect.

Best of Retail

Denver Mattress Co. – Grand Island | Precision Contractors
With nearly 12,500 sq. ft. of retail space, this showroom was designed for flow, light, and comfort. Using a Clear Span, Double-Slope frame with Tapered Columns, the structure is topped with a Pacific Blue BattenLok® roof, which adds a vibrant yet calming visual identity. EFIS exterior walls keep the energy profile efficient while creating a clean, inviting façade for shoppers.

Inside, a clerestory design introduces abundant natural light, reducing energy consumption and enhancing the open-air shopping experience. HVAC duct socks were used to streamline construction and provide uniform airflow throughout the showroom. A Denver skyline mural anchors the interior, bringing brand storytelling into the physical space. The result is a retail center that’s equal parts style and strategy.

Final Thoughts

The 2023 Master Builder Awards highlight how today’s builders are pushing beyond standard design—delivering thoughtful, future-ready spaces with precision and passion. Whether serving communities, supporting industries, or elevating customer experiences, these award-winning projects show that steel structures can be as inspiring as they are enduring. Congratulations to all of the winners—you’re setting the standard for what building can be.