A Victoria contractor known for building high-end homes and for integrity in his business dealings has been awarded the highest honour by the Victoria Residential Builders Association.
Rob Parsons is this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to the housing industry over nearly three decades in the capital region.
“I’m very honoured,” said Parsons, president of R. Parsons Construction Ltd. “I’ve always had a team approach to any project, and I’ve had great people working for me who have pride in what we do.”
Parsons, a native New Zealander who started in construction in 1972, has been contracting and building in Canada since 1992, building dozens of grand homes, primarily in Victoria and the Gulf Islands.
His peers say Parsons builds each home as if it were his own, with attention to detail, and prides himself on listening to clients and bringing in projects on time and on budget.
“He’s one of those guys who has built an entire career on referrals of satisfied customers,” said Casey Edge, executive director of the Victoria Residential Builders Association. “This dedication has also earned him VRBA’s Award for honesty and integrity.”
The lifetime achievement award was part of the VRBA’s 29th annual CARE Awards, which were celebrated online for the first time this year because of the pandemic.
The virtual event showcased 37 categories.
Mike Geric Construction was a multiple winner, taking home the Green Builder of the Year Award, the Environmental Achievement Award for sustainable construction and the award for Excellence in Housing Affordability.
Murray Frank of Building it Right won the Bill Wansbrough Memorial Award for leadership in research and education, and the Building Better Futures Community Award went to FortisBC for its investment and advocacy in renewable energy and carbon capture technology.
The Project of the Year Single Family Award went to M. Knight Construction, Zebra Group and Jenny Martin Design for a home called Maison de Lee.
The Project of the Year Multi-Family Award winner was Abstract Developments for its Black and White condominium project on Cook Street at Fort.
The popular People’s Choice Award was won by Made to Last Custom Homes for Mountaincalm.
Other 2020 CARE Awards Gold Winners:
• Best Single Family Detached Custom Home under $1,000,000
Kahlon Developments and Adapt Design - Jade
• Best Entry Level Market Home
GableCraft Homes - Shelton
• Best Single Family Detached Spec Home
Patriot Homes and Adapt Design - Ridge
• Best Single Family Detached Home $1 million - $2 million
M. Knight Construction, Zebra Group and Jenny Martin Design - Maison de Lee
• Best Single Family Detached Home over $2 million
Rannala Freeborn Construction - Vista Moderna
• Best Subdivision
GableCraft Homes - Royal Bay Phase 2
• Best Multi-Family / Townhouse Project
GableCraft Homes - West Commons
• Best Condominium Unit
Abstract Developments - Black and White
• Best Outdoor Space
Patriot Homes - Escape
• Best New Home Design
Zebra Group and Jenny Martin Design - Maison de Lee
• Best Innovative Feature
Mike Geric Construction - Travino Gardens
• Best Residential Renovation or Restoration
MacMinn Contracting - Ross Bay
• Best Traditional Kitchen under 250 square feet
Coast Prestige Homes, Jenny Martin Design and Thomas Philips Woodworking - Uplands Gates
• Best Traditional Kitchen over 250 square feet
M. Knight Construction, Thomas Philips Woodworking and Jenny Martin Design - Maison de Lee
• Best Contemporary Kitchen under 250 square feet
Thomas Philips Woodworking - Waters Edge
• Best Contemporary Kitchen over 250 square feet
Highline Construction, Jenny Martin Design and Thomas Philips Woodworking - Eventide
• Best Traditional Bathroom
Philco Construction - The Gables
• Best Contemporary Bathroom
MacMinn Contracting - Ross Bay
• Best Master Suite
M. Knight Construction, Thomas Philips Woodworking and Jenny Martin Design - Maison de Lee
• Best Interior - Residential under 2,500 square feet
MacMinn Contracting - Ross Bay
• Best Interior - Residential over 2,500 square feet
M. Knight Construction, Zebra Group and Jenny Martin Design - Maison de Lee
• Best Custom Millwork
M. Knight Construction, Thomas Philips Woodworking and Jenny Martin Design - Maison de Lee
• Best Commercial Project
Verity Construction - Westhills Stadium
• Best Condominium Project or Mixed-Use Development
Abstract Developments - Black and White
• Best Customer Service
Verity Construction
• Best Sales Centre / Show Home
GableCraft Homes - HomeStore
• Best Website
Mike Geric Construction - Travino Gardens
• Best Heritage Project
MacMinn Contracting - Ross Bay
• Award for Environmental Achievement
Mike Geric Construction - Travino Gardens
• Green Builder of the Year
Mike Geric Construction
• Project of Project of the Year - Multi-Family
Abstract Developments - Black and White
• Project of the Year - Single Family
M. Knight Construction, Zebra Group and Jenny Martin Design - Maison de Lee
• People’s Choice Award
Made to Last Custom Homes - Mountaincalm
