This year we are celebrating 30 Years of House of the Year! Over the next few months we are going to be shining a light on some of the people who have played a massive part in the competition. Keep an eye out on our channels as our members share some of their best memories as a builder.

SHAW Builders - 2015

"My first job when I left school was with a bricklayer. My boss wanted me to work with him in Australia, but I decided to stay so I got a job with a builder. 43 years later and I am still going, 18 of those running my own business.

We were accepted as a Master Builders member in 2007 and persuaded to enter in that year’s House of the Year competition. We entered two properties and were awarded two golds, a category win, a kitchen award and the 2007 Regional Supreme Award. Excited and nervous, we were in awe of the other entries and didn’t expect to win. It was fantastic.

2015 was our most memorable year in the Competition. We had progressed to the Nationals many times over the years, always hoping for a category win. Never did we think we would come away with a National Craftsmanship and Supreme Award – that was the best of the best.

To receive the craftsmanship award on this home is the award we strived for (and always strive for). Many hours were put into getting everything perfect. Once finished, I would check everything and then check everything again and again. I remember saying to the judges “there is nothing more I could do to improve the finish – I am my worst critique, but I had confidence my finishing was perfect." - David Shaw, Shaw Builders