The Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) were a standing ovation during the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS). The Best in American Living Awards honored the very best in residential design — from breathtaking custom homes to forward-thinking multifamily communities and standout remodeling projects. These awards don’t just recognize buildings and celebrate the people who design them.
What Makes BALA So Prestigious?
BALA is widely considered the building industry’s premier residential design awards program. It spotlights projects that push boundaries in:
- Architectural design
- Interior innovation
- Community planning
- Remodeling and adaptive reuse
The program highlights work that blends beauty with function, proving that great design isn’t just seen, it’s experienced. During IBS 2026, NAHB announced the winners of the 2025 Best in American Living Awards, recognizing dozens of standout projects across the country and beyond.
A Snapshot of This Year’s Winners
The 2025 BALA Awards included:
- 66 Gold Award winners
- 159 Silver Award winners
Together, these projects represent the cutting edge of residential living, where thoughtful design meets real-world livability.
From high-rise student housing to mixed-use communities, the winning projects illustrated a wide range of innovation. For example, one firm earned recognition for both a Gold-winning student housing development and a Silver-winning mixed-use community — highlighting the diversity and creativity celebrated by BALA.
Design Trends Emerging from BALA 2026
Beyond the awards themselves, BALA offers a glimpse into where residential design is headed next. This year’s winners revealed several standout trends shaping the future of housing:
- Nature-inspired living: Homes that blur the line between indoors and outdoors
- Flexible spaces: Rooms designed to adapt to work, wellness and everyday life
- Richer color palettes: A shift toward warm neutrals and deeper exterior tones
- Dimensional details: Architectural elements like beams, arches and statement ceilings
These trends reflect a growing desire for homes that feel personal, functional and deeply connected to how people actually live.
Why BALA Matters
BALA is about recognition and influence.
Winning projects often set the tone for future design, inspire builders and architects and provide a benchmark for excellence across the industry. For many professionals, a BALA win is both a milestone and a marketing powerhouse, offering long-term credibility and visibility.
Explore the Award-Winning Designs
Want a closer look at the homes and communities that defined design excellence this year?
Be sure to check out the BALA Award Winners book, where you can explore the full collection of winning projects, see stunning visuals and get inspired by the ideas shaping the future of residential living.
Photo Credit: SF Photo Agency