It's been a banner year for Brian Messana and Toby O'Rorke. In addition to winning this BOY Award, they celebrated the 10th anniversary of their firm and toasted the recent acquisition of a pair of clients who were entirely open to experimentation: themselves. They'd started by restoring their house to its Dutch-style 18th-century simplicity—installing wide planks of reclaimed white pine while maintaining existing flooring, stripping original ceiling beams, and cladding the exterior in cedar. Then, to gain 1,200 square feet for a total of 2,500, the partners attached an equally rectilinear yet thoroughly contemporary addition with a Cor-Ten steel facade, limestone floors, and a kitchen with walnut and stainless-steel cabinetry inspired by Donald Judd.

Town House, New York

DESIGN Victoria Hagan Interiors; Peter Pennoyer Architects.

STANDOUT With oak treads and a mahogany railing, an elegant new spiral staircase connects five floors.

House, Palo Alto, California

DESIGN Steven Ehrlich Architects.

STANDOUT Indoors and out flow together seamlessly, thanks to a "pinwheel" plan and four courtyards.

Austintonian, Atlanta

DESIGN Architröpolis Corporation.

STANDOUT Music and film executive Dallas Austin's living area overlooks a concrete terrace and an infinity pool.