Somewhere in the US is an architect who won't take Sandra Bullock lightly.

The actress was awarded nearly $7 million by a jury in a long-awaited verdict that pitted her against M B 'Benny' Daneshjou, the architect and builder of her lakefront home in Texas. The judge reached a decision after four days of deliberations.

Daneshjou sued Bullock in June 2001, claiming she owed his company money for designing and building her home.

The actress promptly filed a counter suit, claiming the construction work was defective and that there were underhanded billing practices involved.

Bullock's attorney John Chamblee said it was never about money, but about 'doing the right thing.'

Daneshjou believes the jury's mind was tainted after two other disgruntled customers were brought in. He said the case had killed his business.

The architect intends to appeal the case. This story may continue.

Photograph: Getty Images