An independent jury of executives from various sectors of the construction industry spent several weeks evaluating project submissions. The jurors, who are all active and experienced members of the local building community, focused on those projects that exhibited strong teamwork; overcame significant challenges; adopted innovative approaches; executed exceptional design and craftsmanship; and maintained safe sites. Jurors were allowed to recognize one Best Project per category and multiple awards of merit. They abstained from voting on any projects with which they were affiliated or had a conflict of interest.

FRIEND

Director of Safety

Turner Construction Co.

Safety manager for Turner's mid-Atlantic regional office in Washington, D.C., Friend has 19 years of industry experience, including 14.5 years with the company. Responsible for regional project safety and training, his expertise also includes planning, coordinating and promoting programs to reduce accidents, injuries and financial losses on jobsites. Friend also is a liaison between Turner projects and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

GEHR

Senior Vice President

Parsons Brinckerhoff

Gehr is responsible for strengthening PB's highways portfolio in the Americas by managing marketing and business development activities, fostering collaboration across the firm and exploring potential opportunities with industry partners. Gehr also manages the ALLTECH business unit, which provides toll collection, operations, and management services on toll projects. Before joining the firm, he held several executive positions at the Virginia Dept. of Transportation, including serving as commonwealth transportation commissioner.

RUBIN

Director of Project Development

Harkins Builders

Rubin leads Harkins Builders' efforts to secure new business, with a focus on negotiated contracts in the mid-Atlantic region. He has experience in a wide range of product types including affordable housing, senior living, mixed-use, market-rate multifamily, student housing, historic renovation and commercial office. Rubin has worked on more than 10,000 housing units during his 21-year career.

STABLOW

Senior Vice President

Donohoe Construction Co.

Stablow has more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry, including the past 12 years with Donohoe Construction. He is responsible for oversight and coordination of business development, preconstruction, estimating and contracts departments. Prior to joining the firm, Stablow was vice president of construction for HCR Manor Care. He also serves on the board of directors of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Metropolitan Washington.

STUBB

Principal and Design Director

Gensler

As design director in Gensler's Baltimore office, Stubb leads several practice areas, including commercial office buildings, education and culture and planning. A multifaceted designer, he helped build an interdisciplinary studio to partner with clients to deliver thoughtful, award-winning projects. Stubb has been a principal at Gensler, which has about 4,500 employees, since 1999.

TURCONI

President

PJ Dick Inc.

Turconi oversees all of Pittsburgh-based contractor PJ Dick's operations. A 32-year veteran of commercial construction, he began his career with Turner Construction Co. Turconi joined PJ Dick in 2003 as executive vice president and was promoted to president in 2013. Since joining the company, he has led it to steadily increased sales; PJ Dick now ranks at No. 87 on ENR's list of the Top 400 Contractors.