Awards & Press
2026
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2025
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"Thoughtful design choices made this Olympic Valley residence a cozy, contemporary delight - The Nordic feel is present throughout the entire home. For the exterior, Kurt Reinkens, principal architect at MWA, Inc., used cedar siding and painted steel to establish a sleek and sophisticated feel. He aimed to maximize the site’s potential by offering broad, sweeping views of the surrounding ridges."
2023
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This gem is tucked into the forest on Tahoe's West Shore. Privacy and natural light play together with generous windows, open flowing plan, and a floating stair. Rustic materials on the exterior camouflage it in the trees while clean bright finishes in the interior create a modern oasis.
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This building not only offers a commercial space but also includes a residential element that provides 3 new housing units in the heart of Truckee. Benches at various locations allow people of the community to stop, rest and gather allowing for a function beyond what is housed within the building. The many rooflines, forms, and exterior materials invite people to take a look and experience what is possible with innovative and thoughtful commercial design that is not just a box.
2023 Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards- Market Research
2020 CATT New Commercial
Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards - Market Research
2021
CATT Award - New Commercial ConstructionCATT Award - Residential Remodel
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A mix of rustic and contemporary elements give the home a balance of old and new creating a luxury mountain home with a fresh approach to a timeless Tahoe design. This home is relaxed and includes design details to accommodate guests while offering an amazing Tahoe experience. Grouping the social spaces in the central core gives the home an easy and casual feel to meet the client’s goals and offer a large entertaining hub. The layout and design of the home accentuate the incredible lake views with a warm and inviting interior.
2021 Tahoe Quarterly- Mountain Home Awards
2020- CATT Award- New residential
Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards - A Fresh Approach to Traditional Tahoe
2020
CATT Award - New CommercialCATT Award - New Residential
Houzz - “Best of Service” and "Best of Design" awards
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Merit Award: Outdoor Space - "Soaking in Serenity"
2019
CATT Award - Residential Remodel Project of the YearHouzz - “Best of Service” award
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Craftsmanship - "Art and Architecture"
2018
“Curve Appeal” – Tahoe Quarterly - Spring 2018CATT Award - New Commercial
CATT Award - Sustainable Building Methods
Houzz - “Best of Design” award
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Merit Award: “Timeless”
2017
Houzz - “Best of Customer Service” awardMartis Camp Residence - featured in a sales video (July 15th)
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National Association of Home Builders - Best in American Living Award (BALA): One-of-a-Kind Custom or Spec Home 6,001 – 8,000 sq. ft
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - – Merit Award: Remodel – “Resplendent Remodel”
2016
BuildDirect - "The 15 Best Architects in Reno and Tahoe"CATT Award - Residential Project of the Year
CATT Award - Residential Remodel Project of the Year
CATT Award - Professional of the Year
Houzz - "Best of Design" and "Best of Service" awards
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This 7400 SF residence set on a Lakefront property near Zephyr Cove on Lake Tahoe's south shore is a testament to modern architecture with a Tahoe twist. The client challenged us to eliminate all use of wood and stone on the outside of the building which lead to some creative uses of metal for siding, exposed structure, and even roof fascias. Using durable materials and principles of sustainable and universal design.
2016 Tahoe Quarterly - Lakefront Award
2015 CATT Award- Sustainable Building Methods Project of the Year
Schaffer's Mill Residence - featured in an episode of TAHOMES Remodeled & Custom Homes (March 30th)
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Lakefront Award - "Off the Hizzle"
Truckee Residence - featured in an episode of TAHOMES Remodeled & Custom Homes (March 7th)
2015
CATT Award - Sustainable Building Methods Project of the YearCertificate of Special Congressional - Recognition of 2015 Sustainable Building Methods Project of the Year
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Eco-Friendly Award - "Eco Estate"
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The Lake Tahoe area is a beautiful place to live and play, but it also presents severe challenges for local architects and builders especially if the homeowner is striving for the best in energy efficiency and durability while still looking for a classic mountain design.
2015 Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Eco Estate
2013 CATT Award - Sustainable Building Methods Project of the Year
2013
CATT Award - Sustainable Building Methods Project of the Year |
RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS:
- SOLAR PV: 3.5kW photovoltaic array (20)-175 Watt panels
- SOLAR THERMAL: (3)Heliodyne Flat Plate collectors w/238 gallon, dual-stage storage tank and 200 kBTU/HR backup boiler.
- GROUND SOURCE HEAT PUMP: (9)-300ft deep wells with dual pumps providing both heating and cooling.
- PASSIVE SOLAR: 9% South Glazing Ratio, <3% at East & West
- Thermal Mass: Interior stonework and 1-1/2" gypcrete floors.
2013 - Tahoe Quarterly Legacy Award- All in the family
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Legacy Award - "All In The Family"
2012
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Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Historic Remodel - "Riverfront Red"
2011
"Design is in the Details," - Mountain Living - Nov/Dec 2011"Mountain Surf and Valley" - Marin Magazine - OCT 2011 - Featuring the residence at Martis Camp lot 176
"Valhalla Masterpiece," - Reno Magazine - Aug. 2011 - Martis Camp Lot 29
Lahontan - Lot 110
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Runner Up - Martis Camp Lot 77/78
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Merit Award-Unique Vision - "Bringing the Alps Home" - Martis Camp Lot 29
2010
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Commercial Project-The RockTahoe Quarterly Home Awards - Merit Award - 968 Park Hotel
Tahoe Quarterly Home Awards Grand Design - Martis Camp 113
2009
Professional of the Year by Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe (CATT) - read bioTRPA "Best in the Basin" Commercial Re-Build - Ski Run Center
2008
"Best Large Home Theater Overall" CEDIA Electronic Lifestyle AwardsCATT Award - Commercial Project of the Year: "The Rock"
Tahoe Quarterly Magazine readership: People's Choice - Architectural Firm
2007
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"As a couple, we, like many, are similar and different. My husband is practical, traditional and focused. I am creative, more risk oriented and flexible. MWA listened carefully to our ideas, our architectural style preferences and to our lifestyle needs. They guided us regarding realistic expectations for our project. Kristi combines rare creativity and practical management skills. She knows when to lead and when to step back and listen." - owner
2007- Mountain Home Award- Outstanding Achievement
Public Works Project of the Year "Round-a-Bout" at Brockway Road and Martis Drive by CATT
Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards
Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards - "Perfect Process"
Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards - "Best Commercial"
2006
"Gold Award" in "Best Homes of the Year" - Electronic House magazine"Ski's Mountain Home Trophy" - Ski Magazine
Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards - "Mountain Modern" award
2005
"The Rock in Truckee A SD Case Study" is profiled in Building Vibrant Communities: - A Commercial and Mixed Use Handbook by Sierra Business CouncilTahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards - "Outstanding"
Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards - "Outdoor Spaces"
2004-1995
1995 People's Favorite - Town of Truckee Visual Preference Survey Porter Simon Building in historic downtown.2000 "Best Custom Home" - The Builders Association of Northern Nevada
2001 “House of Wine” - Ski Magazine Oct. 2001
2002 Peoples Choice Truckee Tahoe Airport Terminal Building Competition
2004 Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Awards - "Best Great Room" Merit Award
In 2003, we decided to fulfill a shared life’s dream and build a house together. As a couple, we, like many, are similar and different. My husband is practical, traditional and focused. I am creative, more risk oriented and flexible. We sought architectural partners who could relate to and manage our differences, as well as guide us, since we were new to building.
We found our architects in Kurt Reinkens, Managing Partner and Kristi Thompson, Architect at MBA. They listened carefully to our ideas, our architectural style preferences and to our lifestyle needs. They guided us regarding realistic expectations for our project. Then, they jointly conceived of and designed the prototype of our dream home.
At that juncture, project leadership, plans, and working drawings fell to Kristi.
For the 18 months it took to build our home, she ably interfaced with our builder, countless subcontractors and other interior, and landscape designers. She was aware of her role, patient, responsive and strong. She listened when appropriate, kept us informed and guided, when appropriate. She impressed us with her quiet interpersonal strength and was kind and sensitive when the job (as building a house always does) took its toll on our nerves.
I particularly appreciated her kindness in helping me with the project during a year when we both lost our fathers find our teenage son posed some challenges. She also encouraged his involvement in the design of “his” spaces.
Kristi combines rare creativity and practical management skills. She knows when to lead and when to step back and listen. She is also a fine person.
She is very talented. We recommend her highly.
-- Tom and Cathy Van Berkem
We found our architects in Kurt Reinkens, Managing Partner and Kristi Thompson, Architect at MBA. They listened carefully to our ideas, our architectural style preferences and to our lifestyle needs. They guided us regarding realistic expectations for our project. Then, they jointly conceived of and designed the prototype of our dream home.
At that juncture, project leadership, plans, and working drawings fell to Kristi.
For the 18 months it took to build our home, she ably interfaced with our builder, countless subcontractors and other interior, and landscape designers. She was aware of her role, patient, responsive and strong. She listened when appropriate, kept us informed and guided, when appropriate. She impressed us with her quiet interpersonal strength and was kind and sensitive when the job (as building a house always does) took its toll on our nerves.
I particularly appreciated her kindness in helping me with the project during a year when we both lost our fathers find our teenage son posed some challenges. She also encouraged his involvement in the design of “his” spaces.
Kristi combines rare creativity and practical management skills. She knows when to lead and when to step back and listen. She is also a fine person.
She is very talented. We recommend her highly.
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