Project Guru Designs Named NARI Regional CotY Winner

Walnut Creek, California, February 2023—The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) named Project Guru Designs in Walnut Creek, CA, 2023 Region 7 Southwest’s Regional Contractor of the Year (CotY) winner in the Entire House Under $250,000 category in its’ annual awards competition.

Johanne Poulin, owner and principal designer of Project Guru Designs, created the blueprint and brought together the renovation team to achieve this beautiful transformation. The client’s many issues with the existing home: poor lighting, mismatched and dated materials, poor functionality, and lack of storage, were tackled while crafting each space. This project scope included a complete overhaul of the kitchen space and adjacent dining room, adding a walk-in pantry and smaller powder room within the footprint of the existing powder room, a complete upstairs hall bath redesign, added hallway built-in storage, and closet organization, as well as improvements to the entry exterior. A midcentury modern esthetic with a touch of industrial vibe informed the overall design, using a high contrast neutral palette to feature the colorful art collection, whimsical wallpaper and dining room mural. Storage was maximized where possible. Lighting was redesigned throughout to high lumen LED with wireless control. In the kitchen, removing a small window created space for a stunning wall of tall custom book-matched walnut cabinetry featuring the new built-in refrigerator, wine column, tall pantry and re-purposed double wall oven. High gloss-white cabinets and porcelain countertops and extra-large satin brass cabinet pulls, completed the space while all cabinets were packed with storage access solutions, including game-changing drawers at the cooktop work area, and full depth storage with roll out trays on the seating side of the island. The island waterfall porcelain feature was complemented with a full-wall high book-matched splash feature at the main sink, while the island prep sink was fed with a countertop pot filler also serving the cooktop. Upstairs, the hall bath walled shower was replaced with an all-new glass-walled spacious shower paired with a graphic floor and wall-mounted vanity, and lighted recessed medicine cabinet to maximize the visual space. Outside, the new vertical wood slat wall treatment was extended to the underside of the existing balcony, managing the drainage to improve function and curb appeal. The porch tile was updated to a complementary color. See the full project video on the Project Guru Designs website’s portfolio page. www.yourprojectguru.com/portfolio

Each year, NARI presents CotY Awards to members who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling projects. The CotY Awards are the highest form of recognition by industry leaders and peers. NARI received nearly 455 entries from across the United States representing over $134 million in remodeling projects.

“This year’s submissions were outstanding, making the job of our esteemed judges very difficult,” said Tracy Wright, Senior Director, Member Engagement and Governance at NARI. The judging panel representing industry experts, selected winners based on problem solving, functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation, and degree of difficulty.

The CotY Awards allow us to celebrate our members who are committed to design, best practices, integrity, high standards, and professionalism. NARI will honor all Regional Winners and announce the National Winners March 10, 2023. Visit nari.org for more information.

About NARI
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry, or NARI, provides residential remodelers with tools that enable them to perform at a higher level. NARI members’ annual sales are nearly three times the industry average because of the knowledge, network and support that they receive. In addition,
NARI connects homeowners with its professional members so consumers have a positive remodeling experience with a professional, qualified remodeler. NARI connects homeowners with its professional members so consumers have a positive remodeling experience with a professional, qualified remodeler.

About Project Guru Designs
We're a full-service design firm with a passion for functional spaces centered on the individual needs of each client.
We strive to understand the client's unique style and present them with custom options to create spaces that serve their needs for years to come. We offer a full range of design services, from color consultations to design build solutions.
We use 2020 computerized technology and 3D rendering that allows clients to step into their spaces and ensure that every piece fits perfectly before construction begins. Our clients are busy professionals whose personal time is at a premium, who are seeking an intelligent, integrated, personalized approach.