Highlands has been recognized for company growth, project excellence, and community involvement. This page collects external recognition for the firm, its co-founders, and the people they serve.
Awards and rankings recognizing Highlands as a company, our project work, and our co-founders.
Highlands recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list.
View profile →Named a finalist for the Houston build of Clark's Oyster Bar — an adaptive reuse of a former gas station and auto repair shop in Montrose, delivered with the finish detail and schedule discipline hospitality requires.
View project →2026 Finalist, Retail / Restaurant / Hotel / Hospitality. Highlands built the Lil' Koffeteria space within the QUAD at 1410 Brittmoore; the finalist recognition went to the QUAD redevelopment.
View Lil' Koffeteria →Ranked #37 on HBJ's 2026 list of Houston's Top Minority-Owned Businesses, recognized as a "commercial general contractor specializing in adaptive reuse and ground-up projects."
View list →Assem Mourad recognized as one of Houston's Most Admired CEOs for his leadership at Highlands.
Read profile →Shaz Butte recognized as one of Houston's top business leaders under 40.
Read profile →Amenity center built by Highlands at Jordan Ranch in Fulshear — later recognized as GHBA Community Amenity Center of the Year (Developer). Award presented to the developer, Johnson Development.
View project →Highlands Construction supports HAWC's Leadership Campaign — backing the center's mission of ending violence in Houston.
View sponsors →Selected coverage of Highlands, our co-founders, and the work we do across Houston and Texas.
Feature on Shaz Butte's CORE Mentorship Program and its impact on the next generation of construction, architecture, engineering, and real estate professionals in Houston.
Read article →Inc. 5000 honoree profile recognizing Highlands as a commercial general contractor skilled in high-end hospitality, retail, office, and industrial projects.
View profile →HBJ's 40 Under 40 feature on Shaz Butte, recognizing his role as co-founder of Highlands Construction and his work with the CORE Mentorship Program and HAWC.
Read profile →HBJ's Most Admired CEO honoree profile on Assem Mourad, co-founder of Highlands Construction.
Read profile →Highlands Construction ranked #37 on HBJ's 2026 Houston Top Minority-Owned Businesses list, recognized as a "commercial general contractor specializing in adaptive reuse and ground-up projects."
Read list →For media, awards, or speaking inquiries, reach Shaz directly.