2025 FMB Northern Counties Master Builder Awards
Meet the 2025 FMB Northern Counties winners
ASJ Construction Ltd, Medium Renovation Project
This full house renovation aimed to modernise a property from the 1800s with an open-plan living area, new bathrooms, and restored original features, necessitating significant structural work and a garage conversion. Key highlights include underfloor heating, micro cement finishes, a bespoke kitchen with a vaulted ceiling featuring a king post truss, and smart electric systems. Excellent client communication was maintained throughout the build via WhatsApp with daily updates and proactive neighbour engagement. The client praised the team's professionalism and problem-solving abilities, and the incredible craftsmanship on display throughout the project make it a worthy award winner.
ASJ Construction Ltd, Kitchen Project
ASJ Construction Ltd’s attention to detail, problem solving approach delivered the wow factor their clients with this winning kitchen build. When discrepancies between the architect’s plan and structural engineer’s calculations appeared, they were able to steer the project back on track smoothly, incorporating a structural column into the housing of the range cooker and creating a focal point that’s full of traditional character. The kitchen was finished with quality materials and features that aim to delight, including a luxurious banquette dining booth, a bar cabinet and a hidden door leading seamlessly to a concealed pantry/utility room, complete with a dog washing station.
I J Curry & Son Limited, Small Renovation Project
I J Curry & Son Limited expertly carried out a complex renovation of a Victorian home, skilfully preserving and enhancing its original character. The team carefully sourced matching materials from the garden walls to construct a raised roof, ensuring seamless integration. Existing oak flooring was protected and extended using specially cut boards, while original beams were treated and reinforced with new supporting oak. Despite the project's challenges, the team demonstrated adaptability and maintained clear communication throughout. Their dedication to craftsmanship and collaboration resulted in a beautifully restored home that met the client’s vision while honouring the property’s historical charm.
Nick Curry and Gary Pimblett of I J Curry & Son Limited
Nominated by a client for the Outstanding Builder of the Year award, Nick Curry and Gary Pimblett from I J Curry Builders have been praised for the quality of their building work and professionalism. During a previous renovation, Gary allowed the client to undertake tasks and was sensitive to the fact that they continued to live with pets in the building, while Nick employed new apprentices on the project to help them develop their skills in the industry. These builders achieved great results while keeping their clients happy through open communication and adapted to client needs. The judges praised the example that Nick and Gary have set for the building profession.
I J Curry & Son Limited, Bathroom Project
This project involved remodelling two holiday apartments into a single home and creating a spacious new en-suite bathroom in a former roof void for the second-floor master bedroom suite.
The team successfully addressed challenges which included irregular angles in the roof structure for the en-suite and the need to install RSJs to support a bath without disturbing the kitchen ceiling below. They managed client relationships by having a dedicated point of contact who discussed ideas, explained options, and kept the clients informed throughout the process. The client testimonial emphasises I J Curry & Son 's ability to enhance the home's character and deliver an outstanding result.
I J Curry & Son Limited, Sustainable Building Award
J Curry & Son Limited delivered a sustainable renovation which embodies the principle of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’. Renovating holiday apartments in a period Victorian building in Ullswater, the team took a sustainable approach to preserve the character of the building – including reusing materials reclaimed from local garden walls to match the Lakeland stone, repurposing oak beams, doors and architrave, and even reusing an old sideboard in a feature nook. The completed project reconfigured the layout and raised the roofline to create more space, bedrooms, ensuites and a useful new bootroom. The owners praised the respectful approach of the team: 'They worked hard to offer cost effective solutions, listened to our views and were able to provide ideas that enhanced the character of our home.'
J Staley (Stonework) Limited, Large Renovation Project
The goal of this project was to transform a cramped, outdated holiday cottage into a spacious, energy-efficient home while preserving its period charm. A full ba ck-to-stone renovation was completed, along with a carefully designed L-shaped extension that doubled the property’s size. The result is a beautiful blend of light-filled modern living and retained historical character, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency. Despite challenges posed by adverse weather and the cottage’s remote location, the team delivered exceptional craftsmanship throughout. Their dedication and skill brought the client’s vision to life, creating a stunning and timeless home for generations to enjoy.
Dylan Alderson of R & B H Alderson Limited, Apprentice of the Year
Dylan has achieved his Level 1 apprenticeship in carpentry and joinery. Currently employed at Alderson Building Services, Dylan has taken on his new role with confidence, enthusiasm and drive. Despite struggling during his time at school and having no career plan until visiting New College Durham, he achieved the required GCSE examination results to join the Apprenticeship Programme. Dylan works hard to build a positive relationship with clients, always making them feel comfortable. The team have been impressed with his joinery skills for his young age, and he’s been a true credit to the business.
R & B H Alderson Limited, Business of the Year
R & B H Alderson Limited, a century-old family business, prioritises customer satisfaction through high-quality workmanship and meticulous project management, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery, and attention to detail. Proud achievements include their longevity, skilled workforce with long tenures, and a bespoke joinery workshop offering unique capabilities for historic building preservation. Overcoming industry changes through the years has meant the company embraces new safety policies, ensures intergenerational knowledge transfer through apprenticeships, and maintains a strong professional reputation. Healthy client relationships are maintained through community engagement measures such as sponsoring local causes, and prioritising employee wellbeing with comprehensive support measures.
Meet the 2025 Northern Counties judges
Christine Thornley
Christine Thornley
Christine is a Chartered Architect with her own practice Grove Studio Architecture based in Teesside. In her career she has worked and led commercial, domestic and infrastructure projects in the UK and abroad although her own practice now focuses on the domestic market.
She is currently in her second term as Chair for the Royal Institute of British Architects - Teesside and is an active member of the RIBA NE regional council. As Chair she has championed better regional connections within the industry & education, providing support, information and events for members, students, other professionals and the public. Christine has a reputation for focussing on better communication within the industry and as a disabled architect has a personal interest in improved accessibility.
Maria Coulter
Maria Coulter
With a career spanning over 30 years in the industry as a Quantity Surveyor, Project Manager and Risk Manager, Maria’s interest in personal development led her to become a qualified Personal and Business Coach in 2012.
Maria is passionate about bringing positive, lasting change to the industry and launched Construction Coach in 2014 working with SME’s and micro-businesses to build stronger, more profitable and happier businesses.
Maria’s ethos is all about the ‘Construction Revolution’ which is encouraging the industry to move away from the ‘race to the bottom’ on cost and the boom and bust culture that runs through it. This is reflected in her Federation of Master Builders Coaching Programme which is now on it’s 3rd cohort.
To influence change Maria has been a Non-Executive Director on the Construction Industry Council national board, former Chair of the CIC EDI Committee and current member of the Construction Leadership Council working groups, Skills for a Modernised Industry and Repair, Maintenance and Improvement.
Paul Young
Paul Young
A Chartered Construction Manager, Paul Young has been in operational management roles with major UK contractors for over 38 years. He is a Fellow and Trustee of the CIOB, the respected professional body representing 50,000 members around the globe.
In his role as Head of Operational Excellence at Equans, Paul has been working with colleagues to ensure compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022 including help co-author a Building Safety Act Awareness course.
This, through working closely with CIOB Academy has now been taken by several thousand individuals and been incorporated into contractor, consultant and client internal training platforms. This was also the course the CIC provided in their report to Government on the industry’s action on ‘Building Safety’ training, and issued the day before the Grenfell Inquiry Report in September 2024. All with the aim to promote better learning, collaboration and to help improve the culture in the industry with respect to Building Safety.
Paul is a keen advocate of the digital transition help to improve construction quality outcomes, along with business improvement and productivity measures.
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