Award Winners

The 2024 Winners

Celebrating excellence in surfacing design, fabrication, and leadership. Congratulations to this year's outstanding recipients!

Project-Based Awards

Recognizing outstanding craftsmanship and innovation in completed surfacing projects.

Commercial Excellence in Projects Under $100k

Winner: Gecko Solid Surface Solutions

Project Name: RWE

This project showcases expert solid surface thermoforming on the facades of multiple desks, featuring compound radii on the corners and a full 180-degree wraparound at the end of the signature blue desk. Custom colors were developed to perfectly complement the adjacent quartz countertops, resulting in a cohesive and striking commercial installation.

Commercial Excellence in Projects Over $100k

Winner: Ellis Page Company

Project Name: Tysons Trillium

This Senior Living Amenities project featured 18 custom quartz columns with integrated lighting, a piano lounge countertop wrapping around a grand piano, and multiple credenzas, desks, and wall features. The scope included five full desk wraps, two hair salons, and a total of 72 slabs of material. Successful multi-trade coordination ensured structural integrity, precise lighting integration, and flawless installation while maintaining the project's refined design intent.

Residential Excellence in Projects Under $20k

Winner: Alpha Granite

Project Name: Geometric Fireplace

A striking geometric fireplace feature, this project required precise templating of existing conditions, meticulous fabrication and assembly in the shop, and safe transportation and installation of the piece on-site in one section.

Residential Excellence in Projects Over $20k

Winner: Surface Providers

Project Name: Not Your Average Countertops

This standout kitchen project combined precise digital templating with Proliner and slab layout using Slabsmith for optimal vein matching. The team utilized advanced fabrication equipment, dust control systems, and material handling tools to ensure accuracy and safety. Custom EVO light panels were fabricated, installed, and wired ahead of the countertop install, which was completed using a no-lift system for efficiency and protection. 

Sustainable Project of the Year

Winner: The Countertop Factory Midwest

Project Name: Green Rose Dispensary

Green Rose Dispensary set out to create a showroom defined by both bold design and sustainability. TCF Midwest delivered with custom kiosk tables featuring intricate mitered and waterfall edges, and a 40-foot transaction counter with a seamless mitered drop. Using Gilasi recycled glass surfaces polished on both sides, the team created illuminated light boxes and sophisticated panels that met the project's aesthetic and eco-friendly goals. 

Individual & Legacy Awards

Honoring industry professionals and organizations for outstanding leadership, service, and long-term contributions.

Fabricator of the Year

Winner: Nate Kolenski, Block Tops

About: Nate Kolenski has been a dedicated member of the surfacing industry for over 30 years. Over the past year and a half, he has emerged as a leading voice for fabricators in addressing the silicosis crisis in California. Nate has represented the industry's interests before CalOSHA, the California Department of Public Health, state legislators, and other government agencies and industry associations, advocating tirelessly to protect the health, safety, and future of the fabrication community.

Hall of Fame Inductee

Winner: Michael A. Banks

About: Dr. Michael A. Banks has had a distinguished career in the surfaces industry, contributing significantly to the advancement of solid surface materials and the development of global standards. With expertise in material chemistry, product performance, and code compliance, he played a pivotal role in creating foundational standards such as ISFA 2-01, ANSI/ICPA SS-1, and NSF’s first PCR for solid surfaces. Known for his data-driven, ethical approach, Mike has earned widespread respect for his leadership, collaborative spirit, and long-standing commitment to raising the bar for product quality, safety, and industry credibility.  

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