ABLAZE Design Group has been recognized with a 2026 National Remodeler of the Year Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), honoring the firm’s award-winning kitchen project completed for the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens.
Selected among top remodeling projects from across the United States, the recognition celebrates excellence in design, functionality, craftsmanship, innovation, and problem-solving within the remodeling industry.
The nationally recognized project transformed a historic 1895 estate kitchen into a highly functional lifestyle-driven space that blended quiet luxury, wellness-focused design, and modern performance while respecting the architectural integrity of the home. The renovation included a dramatic main kitchen, hidden larder, fully equipped scullery, double powder room, and a four-story elevator integration, all completed under an accelerated timeline and within the constraints of a historically significant property.
“We are incredibly honored by this recognition,” said George Markoutsas, CEO and Creative Director of ABLAZE Design Group. “For us, great design is never just about aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that truly improve how families live, gather, function, and experience their homes every day.”
The project incorporated custom cabinetry, integrated professional-grade appliances, layered lighting, biophilic design principles, and highly detailed craftsmanship throughout. Despite structural challenges, existing masonry limitations, and the complexities of remodeling a home built in the late 1800s, the final result balanced timeless architecture with modern luxury and livability.
While the award reflects national industry recognition, ABLAZE Design Group believes its true significance is what it represents for homeowners seeking confidence in the remodeling process.
“This recognition validates the level of care, creativity, and execution we bring to every project,” Markoutsas added. “Homeowners want to know they are trusting their homes to a team capable of solving complex challenges while delivering an exceptional experience and final result.”
Based in Highwood, Illinois, ABLAZE Design Group is a luxury design-build firm specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, whole-home renovations, and lifestyle-focused residential design throughout Chicago’s North Shore and beyond.
To learn more about the nationally recognized project or ABLAZE Design Group, visit www.ablazedesigngroup.com.
Ava Markoutsas
ABLAZE Design Group
info@ablazedesigngroup.com
www.ablazedesigngroup.com
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