(Photo: Duane Tinkey) Rusty Green was honored during the inaugural dsm Home Design Professional of the Year at the dsm Home Design Awards ceremony on Feb. 26 at the Krause Gateway Center. The award spotlights an individual who exemplifies innovation, craftsmanship and leadership in the home design i ndustry in Central Iowa. As CEO of Compelling Homes, Green has spent more than 30 years shaping spaces and, in many cases, the lives within them. With a foundation in carpentry and a gold medal from the National Craft Olympics early in his career, Green brings both precision and imagination to every project. But what truly sets him apart is how he listens. Clients describe his work as deeply personal, the result of careful attention to how families actually live day to day. One homeowner put it simply: “If you are searching for unmatched design talent, flawless craftsmanship, and extraordinary people to work with, look no further.” Another wrote: “People think we’re nuts when we say we actually enjoyed a remodel project — but with Rusty, the experience set a new standard for customer service across any industry.” That rare combination of creativity and care shows up in every detail, from reimagined floor plans to custom features that feel both surprising and intuitive. And his peers agree. Green’s work has earned multiple “I Wish I Would Have Thought of That” awards from the Home Builders Association, a fitting tribute to his inventive approach. Beyond his projects, Green is a mentor, a community builder, and the founder of Cars Coffee Des Moines, which has grown into a major local event supporting scholarships for students pursuing careers in automotive trade programs. As one colleague wrote, “His influence reaches far beyond individual projects, shaping the broader narrative of home design in our region.” Green’s own design philosophy says it best: Design is personal. Function creates freedom. Craftsmanship matters. Through his work, Green continues to help people live better — with comfort, clarity and joy. ...read more read less