The Best in American Living Awards program honors designers, builders, founders and members who have significantly influenced the residential design and construction field through their success in their professions. We would not be here, experiencing our lives in the way we do, if these individuals had not envisioned and executed the design improvements we have enjoyed over the last 30+ years.
Congratulations to the 2015 Best in American Living Awards Hall of Fame Class, and thank you for your continued contributions to the residential building industry and design excellence.
James Sattler
Jim’s design experience began in the early 1980’s as part of a family tradition since 1950. Jim has had many roles in the industry, including his service on the Board of Directors at his Local Chapter of the Home Builders Association, past President for the Home Builders Association of Iowa, and on the NAHB Executive Board.
Jim has served as a strong advocate and supporter of the BALA program for more than 25 years via his leadership roles as chair of NAHB’s Design and Land Development Committees, member of NAHB’s Budget and Association Planning Committees and the Executive Board, and through participating in the development of the BALA Strategic Plan in 2009.
Jim has also served in local government and is a lifelong volunteer of Habitat for Humanity projects. In 2009, Jim Sattler Custom Homes was the sponsored builder and developer of 13 homes using 600 AmeriCorps volunteers. Jim Sattler Custom Homes was also the 2014 Company sponsor and builder for an NAHB Blitz home build and will be the sponsor again in 2016.
Victor Mirontschuk
An innovator and influential advocate for higher density housing, Victor Mirontschuk combines planning and architecture to design environments that promote social interaction and create community. His innovations have established new standards across the country.
From his smaller residential designs in the late 70’s to the more recent Harbor Point in Stamford, Conn., currently one of the nation’s largest active redevelopments, Victor has consistently realized his belief that the purpose of architecture is the planning and design of projects to improve the quality of life and result in communities of social and economic diversity.
Deeply committed to advancing architecture and architects, Victor advocates for involvement in and education about raising the standards of residential design. For more than 30 years, he has been greatly involved with NAHB, BALA, AIA, ULI and his alma aater, the University of Arkansas’ School of Architecture, with a mission to forge relationships between architects, developers and builders.
Since founding his firm in 1976, he serves as the President and Chairman of EDI International, overseeing operations in New York, Texas and California.
Herbert V. Kohler, Jr.
Mr. Kohler has served as CEO since 1972 after working as a laborer or technician in every division of the Kohler company as a teen.
Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies and is a global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; premier furniture, cabinetry, and tile; and owner/operator of two of the world’s finest five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations. Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., was elected as the Executive Chairman in April, 2015, after serving as Chairman and CEO since 1972. During his 43-year span as CEO, he built the company into a global organization focused on products and services leading to a better way of living, including a corporate commitment to environmental sustainability.
Mr. Kohler holds more than 200 design and utility patents for plumbing products, and his overall achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including National Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing. In addition to his induction into the BALA Hall of Fame, he was inducted into the National Housing Hall of Fame in 1993.
