New Jersey Outdoor Projects Win Design Awards
Two home renovation projects in New Jersey earned national recognition at the 2026 Master Design Awards.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Outdoor living projects in Tabernacle and Sewell have secured gold and silver honors in the 2026 Master Design Awards. Both renovations were completed by builder Sean Collinsgru.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the rising quality of outdoor residential spaces in the state. These projects showcase how creative design can maximize functionality within specific budget constraints.
The Tabernacle project spans 550 square feet, while the Sewell deck grew from 400 to 713 square feet. Both designs competed in the Master Design Awards category capped at $200,000.
The players
Sean Collinsgru
He is the builder responsible for both the Tabernacle and Sewell renovation projects.
Qualified Remodeler
It is the magazine that presents the annual Master Design Awards for home improvement projects.
The details
Sean Collinsgru utilized Deckorators products to complete both award-winning renovations. The Tabernacle project, titled Year of the Front Yard, achieved a gold award, while the Glass House project in Sewell received silver.
Timeline
Construction on the Sewell project lasted from November 2025 through March 2026.
The Master Design Awards were hosted by Qualified Remodeler magazine in 2026.
Culture Shift
These winning designs contribute to the 48th iteration of the Master Design Awards, an event that documents decades of evolution in American outdoor living standards. The focus on high-end materials and structural expansion reflects a long-term shift toward treating backyards as functional home extensions.
Homeowners in the area can use these winning projects as a reference for material choices and spatial planning when budgeting for their own renovations. Understanding the $200,000 category cap helps set realistic expectations for project scope and investment requirements.
The takeaway
Well-executed outdoor renovations require a clear balance between square footage expansion and budget management. Homeowners planning similar upgrades should prioritize durable materials and professional design to ensure their projects meet high aesthetic standards.
Further reading
Explore more Home Renovation trends and award-winning designs across the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJ.
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