The past year was an exciting one in a market where success is hard-earned. Those who succeeded:
Construction firm of the year - Váhostav. The Žilina-based firm beats stiff competition thanks to the VÚB tower and dams in Žilina and Čuňovo.
Honorable mentions - Hutné Stavby is benefiting from VSŽ's ambitions, including a new hockey stadium. Highway projects boosted Doprastav's work by 50 percent. Hydrostav's sales increased 27 percent, thanks in part to Mochovce. Banské Stavby scored big with a German tunnel project.
Real estate agency of the year - HB Reavis. Ambition, sweat, and a bit of luck allowed Reavis to fill up their Bratislava Business Center months before opening day.
Honorable mentions - Spiller Farmer and Iuris. Spiller Farmer earned a partnership with Healey & Baker that is potentially market-altering. Iuris filled up Kondomínium Bôrik, one of Bratislava's most attractive residential projects, at a notable pace and price.
Architects of the year - Ryawa. This up-and-coming firm in Banská Bystrica beat out bigger rivals with its designs for Banka Slovakia's two buildings in the central Slovak city.
Honorable mention - CD Team. These veterans made their mark once again, with TV Markíza's headquarters. New building of the year -TV Markíza headquarters. Working on pressure-packed deadlines, the pioneering station broke new ground with its studios in the suburban district of Záhorská Bystrica. Honorable mentions - VÚB Tower and Bratislava Business Center. VÚB almost hit its target of erecting a 24-floor building in a year. The capital's newest skyscraper should open in the coming weeks. Public reconstruction of the year - Presidential Palace. Delayed due to political funding squabbles, Slovakia's CEO finally moved into his stately office on Hodžovo námestie.
Honorable mentions - The German and British Embassies were relocated to nicely redone buildings in Old Town.
Private reconstruction of the year - Perlička Centrum. In a year that saw projects like the Hotel Carlton and Stará Tržnica continue to be mired in bureaucracy, Brodesseur opened this beautifully-reconstructed building in the heart of Old Town as a small, but impressive shopping center.
