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, and among the fastest-growing in the Houston Metro three years running.
View profile →Recognized for the Houston build of Clark's Oyster Bar — a finish-intensive restaurant project delivered with the coordination and schedule discipline hospitality requires.
View project →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 →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.