Celebrating Excellence: SMA Honored With Two HOBI Award Wins

Great homes come from great collaboration. At Steven Mueller Architects, we approach every new residential project with intention. We work with leading builders and interior designers to create homes that are beautifully designed, functional, and built to last. 

This shared commitment to quality and partnership was recognized at this year’s HOBI Awards. We’re honored to have received the state’s most prestigious housing award in two categories this year.

Outstanding Custom Home (10,000–15,000 SF)

Traditional Shingle Style Residence

Designed by Steven Mueller, AIA, and built by Niko Nakos of Quibus LLC, this 12,000-square-foot mid-country residence reflects a modern interpretation of classic New England architecture. Thoughtful design played a key role in development. Extensive landscaping along the east side of the driveway provides the required privacy while offering a special and unanticipated experience as you arrive at the front entry. 

The exterior showcases hallmark Shingle Style architectural elements, including a gable roof with long slopes, stone chimney masses, hipped-roof dormers, wood shingle siding, a wood shingle roof, and multi-light sash windows. Inside, the home transitions into a refined transitional style, with more contemporary details. The open floor plan supported the owners’ frequent entertaining, with generous gathering areas designed to host.

Photography by Kirt Washington.

Best Custom Home (6,000–7,000 SF)

Coastal Modern Style Residence

The Coastal Modern Style is the most recently completed project at SMA–designed by Steven Mueller, AIA, and built by The Shanahan Group LLC. The residence sits on a one-acre site in Riverside overlooking Long Island Sound. 

The architectural concept began with the client’s desire to capture panoramic water views. The dramatic cliffside topography shaped an architectural approach that integrates the home into the landscape, creating multiple terraces and retaining walls that step gracefully toward the water. 

The exterior draws inspiration from both traditional and transitional forms, blending slate gable roofs with a 45-degree pitch, stone chimney masses, and standing-seam metal dormers. Inside, the home transitions seamlessly into a welcoming interior. Vaulted ceilings, custom cabinetry, and finely crafted millwork define the spaces. It’s ideal for family living and entertaining.

For Sean and Richard Shanahan, the Principals of The Shanahan Group LLC, the recent HOBI Award holds special meaning. “Earning a HOBI Award is an incredible honor that underscores our passion for quality, innovation, and superior craftsmanship. 

Every project we undertake reflects our promise to deliver exceptional team-driven results, and this recognition inspires us to continue pushing the standards of building excellence.”

Photography by Tim Lee.

Celebrating Partnership & Looking Ahead To 2026

A heartfelt thank-you to the judges and the HBRA of Connecticut for the recognition. We’re honored to collaborate with such dedicated partners and look forward to designing homes across Greenwich, CT in 2026.