Three design professionals and three area students were crowned the winners of the Quad City Area REALTORS (QCAR) first-ever Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Design Contest.
The contest, designed to raise awareness of ADUs, also celebrates creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking housing solutions in the Quad Cities, organizers said.
“We believe ADUs are not just another housing option – they’re a powerful tool to advance equity, affordability, community, and intergenerational living,” Sharon Smith, CEO of the Bettendorf-based association, said in a news release Tuesday, Oct. 28.
The real estate association launched the contest after being selected to receive a 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant. QCAR was one of 383 organizations chosen from a pool of 3,450 nationwide applicants, representing all 50 states.
The awards were presented Wednesday, Oct. 22, during an awards ceremony at QCAR’s offices at 1900 State St., in downtown Bettendorf.
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The contest drew a total of 10 entries including seven in the professional category and three student submissions. Here’s a look at the contest winners:
Student Division
- 1st Place – “Close to Home” by Colton Foglesong, Iowa State University student, $2,500 prize. The Quad Cities native, who is studying architecture, was inspired by his grandparents’ wish to remain in their home. His design balanced accessibility, warmth, and local architectural character, QCAR said.
- 2nd Place – “Grandma’s ADU” by Eloise Brisch, Clinton High School, Clinton, Iowa, $1,000. “I wanted to design an ADU that captured my grandma’s needs and passions, including an art room since she’s an artist,” Eloise shared.
- 3rd Place – “Haven ADU” by Logan Van Daele, Bettendorf High School, $750.
Logan’s design stood out for its thoughtful landscaping and integration with the primary residence, QCAR said.
Professional Division
- 1st Place – “Clearway Cottage” by Casey Elder & Jasmine Horne, Hazelwood Homes, $4,000 prize. With more than 30 years in home design, Ms. Elder saw the contest as a chance to explore smaller, accessible housing models. Her design emphasized efficient use of space and abundant storage.
- 2nd Place – “The Nook” by Bridget Liske, Haven Real Estate, $2,000. A Realtor and home designer with more than 12 years of experience, Ms. Liske highlighted her favorite feature: a glass-ceiling breakfast nook offering natural light and a cozy retreat.
- 3rd Place – “Garage to Getaway” by Taryn Kobernat, Keller Williams, $1,000.
To see the winning designs and floor plans, visit www.QCAR.Realtor.
Raising awareness
Through this initiative, QCAR had several goals focused around both raising the profile of ADUs and advancing affordable housing alternatives. It is urging homeowners, city leaders, lenders, developers, and advocates to be part of the ADU conversation.
In the release, QCAR said it initiated the design contest to:
- Seize the legislative moment. With Iowa’s new ADU-friendly state framework and Illinois policy discussions underway, now is the time to catalyze ADU development in the Quad Cities. This grant allows QCAR to accelerate local awareness and adoption.
- Create demonstration models. Many people struggle to visualize living in a 1,000-square-foot. The contest provided tangible examples of what’s possible – turning design concepts into real inspiration for future homeowners and builders.
“If you’re a homeowner – talk to us. If you’re a policymaker – ask questions. If you’re a builder or lender – imagine how ADUs can fit your model,” Becca Poirier, QCAR Marketing & Communications, said. “Together, we can make housing more accessible, flexible, and community-focused in the Quad Cities.”
Across the bistate Quad Cities region, QCAR represents more than 900 members and advocates for private property rights, promotes homeownership, and leads community-focused initiatives that support housing innovation and smart growth.
State recognition
The new design contest also captured the attention of statewide industry leaders.
“Iowa REALTORS commends the Quad City REALTORS for their leadership and creativity in promoting Accessory Dwelling Units through this contest,” Gavin Blair, CEO of Iowa REALTORS, said in QCAR’s release. “Your efforts highlight how REALTORS can expand housing options, support smart growth, and help communities thrive.”
Added Travis Bushaw, the 2025 Iowa REALTORS president, “It excites me to see local innovation driving statewide conversations about housing solutions. This initiative showcases how collaboration among REALTORS, local leaders, and homeowners can spark real progress in addressing Iowa’s housing needs.”
Ms. Smith said QCAR is continuing to emphasize the broad potential of ADUs to strengthen communities. She said her organization recognizes that ADUs can increase housing supply as well as provide affordable rental or family housing options. The alternative also provides options for multi-generational living allowing older adults to age in place and stay close to loved ones. In addition, ADUs have an economic impact by supporting local contractors, suppliers, and tradespeople.
