Discover the visionaries and artists behind the exceptional homes on this fall’s Artisan Home Tour. These builders and remodelers possess the remarkable ability to transform your desires and dreams into a tangible reality. With their expertise, they can seamlessly translate your daily living into a custom-designed home that perfectly reflects your tastes and style.
Meet the Builders
Chamberlain Homes
with Liza & Paul Cameron
How do you bring a client’s vision to life?
We work through a highly collaborative design and selection process and spend an extensive amount of time educating our clients on the build timeline, identifying priorities, and supporting our clients as they make decisions on their home. During this pre-build undertaking, we also build the budget components thoughtfully allocating funds to align with priorities. The result is a highly customized design focused on luxury and livability.
What inspires and influences your work?
Working closely with our clients and seeing their dream home become a reality is a paycheck for our soul. We embrace our client’s commitment to placing their own stamp on their home by pursuing unique design features and materials to create a highly customized forever home. With a special focus on layout and flow, we foster that feeling of style and comfort to forge luxury spaces for evolving and modern lifestyles.
What are the most important elements of a successful build team?
Integrity, knowledge, experience, quality communications, and structured and streamlined processes using open book-based decision-making allows us to work as a true builder-client team that delivers a beautifully designed and architected home at a reasonable value for our clients to enjoy. Read Chamberlain Homes’ full Q&A here>>
Charles Cudd Co.
with Jason Kruell, Charles Cudd, John Sonnek, & Rick Denman
What do you think are some of the most important elements of a successful build team?
For us, it’s listening to the client and responding with our experience and knowledge to deliver them their dream home.
What sets your company apart?
We design, build, and furnish homes for people who seek a home of artful composition and refinement, while still being a warm and comfortable place to live. We understand that our clients want to be gracefully led through a simplified, uniquely organized process that achieves a truly outstanding result.
Why do you think clients choose you as their builder?
We consistently deliver beautiful, architecturally designed and built homes within a seamless, enjoyable process for our customers. Our incredible team has worked together for many years and shares the same values and pursues the same great outcomes for every client.
What do you wish others knew about your company?
We are a complete architectural design-build firm. We provide exceptional service under one roof in a vastly simplified manner
while achieving outstanding results. Our talented and meticulous architects, architectural designers, interior designers, and top construction professionals deliver the experience that saves you the time, frustration, and risk of assembling your own disparate participants. Read Charles Cudd Co.’s full Q&A here>>
City Homes
with Rebecca Remick
What sets your company apart?
As a woman-owned business, we have a unique perspective on how a home really can enhance a family’s day-to-day living. Whether a new build or renovation, we work with you to truly understand how you live and what you love before we start designing. We are not just doing things better; we are doing things differently. Our team is constantly thinking of new ways to solve old problems so that you wake up every day loving your new home!
What inspires and influences your work?
There is inspiration all around us. Everywhere I go and everything I do gives me ideas to bring to my clients. I take pride in helping to continue their life story. When I meet a client, I want to know their story and help them in their journey of bringing their dreams to life and continuing on with the next chapter of their story.
What do you enjoy most about building custom homes?
We enjoy delivering the clients’ dreams as they uniquely unfold in their new homes. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing clients benefit from our work, giving them what they want, and making them happy. Read City Homes’ full Q&A here>>
Custom One Homes
with Todd Polifka
How did you get started in the building industry?
I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years. I got my start back when I was approached by a remodeling company to come and help with their operations. I worked with that company for a couple of years and fell in love with the industry. From that experience, I decided that I wanted to put a flag in the ground and create a career in the building industry. It’s been amazing since!
What inspires and influences your work?
Building a business that can be regarded as good as Disney or the Ritz Carlton when it comes to customer service. I’m inspired by multiple design styles. Custom One Homes is not locked into one specific style and that allows us to work with clients and various desires for their home. We do like cutting-edge style that can remain timeless in nature.
What do you enjoy most about building custom homes?
Being able to see a beautiful home come to fruition. We start with a blank piece of paper and build a story around your family to create your home. It takes many people to create a truly custom-built home. We enjoy that process and that’s where the compassion to understand the client’s story and the passion of the Custom One Homes team come into play! Read Custom One Homes’ full Q&A here>>
Gonyea Custom Homes
with Lauren Wynia, Mike Gleason, & Jon Connolly
What inspires and influences your work?
Our inspiration comes from our team’s passion for excellent design, well-thought out spaces, unique details, and outstanding craftsmanship. We are influenced by our client’s vision and ideas and are not locked into any specific style. We listen to their wants and needs to achieve their overall goals for their new custom home.
What sets your company apart?
Gonyea Custom Homes’ in-house architecture and design teams set us apart. For more than 30 years we have been bringing our clients’ visions of home to life. Every home we build is carefully thought out and collaborated on through each phase of the design and build process. Having our team in our office allows them all to be more connected from start to finish.
How do you bring a client’s vision to life?
Bringing a client’s vision to life requires a highly skilled and attentive team. We listen and communicate clearly to help set obtainable expectations. Our collaborative approach allows us to say connected through all facets of the design and build.
What do you enjoy most about building custom homes?
All of it! Building custom homes is more than just the sticks and bricks. It’s about building relationships with our clients and build
partners. We value the creative process on the front end, throughout the build, and through move-in to make sure our homes stand the test of time. Read Gonyea Custom Homes’ full Q&A here>>
Great Neighborhood Homes
with Margaret & Scott Busyn
How did you get started in the building industry?
We started Great Neighborhood Homes in Edina after seeing an emerging need for consumers looking to build new homes in established neighborhoods. Using the latest trends and building materials, we provide our clients with the new home of their dreams in their favorite old neighborhood.
What sets your company apart?
We are a boutique builder, building only a few unique homes each year. Our turnkey design-build process, in-house design team, and convenient 50th and France Edina design studio provide a simple and fun way for our clients to build their new home. We help our clients find awesome building sites, listen carefully to their vision, and manage the entire process from lot purchase, design, teardown of an existing older home, making design selections, construction, and service.
What do you enjoy most about building custom homes?
We really enjoy executing the unique vision and diverse ideas our clients bring to us. Clients have asked us to build kids’ secret play lofts, craft rooms, in-home breweries, golf simulators, athletic courts, wine rooms, built-in dog kennels, hide-away TVs, kitchen sculleries, all-season screen porches, and many other fun ideas. Our clients inspire us to deliver these ideas in unique ways to meet the needs of their families. Read Great Neighborhood Homes’ full Q&A here>>
Hartman Homes
with Mike Hartman
How do you bring a client’s vision to life?
When navigating the long list of decisions that come with building a custom home, the key is to start with
the exterior and then move inside to lighting. Lighting sets the tone of the home’s aesthetic.
What are the most important elements of a successful build team?
Communication, trusting relationships, systems, and organization are the keys to a successful team. Hartman Homes has sought out the best employees, subcontractors, and vendors in the industry and prides itself on the long-standing tenure of the team members.
Throughout the years, Hartman Homes has refined its operating and build systems to increase quality, efficiency, and communication between the customers and our entire team.
What do you enjoy most about building custom homes?
What is most rewarding is when our clients tell us that they chose Hartman Homes because they wanted a home that “stands out from the rest” or that “they would build again if they didn’t love their house so much.” Exceeding customer expectations is what Hartman Homes strives for with each build. Read Hartman Homes’ full Q&A here>>
JB Woodfitter Homes
with Jena (Kowalski) Sura & Adam Sura
What do you enjoy most about building custom homes?
We love seeing the excitement of the homeowners throughout the various stages of construction. In the end, nothing is more rewarding than turning the keys over to a satisfied client whose expectations we have exceeded. We spend a great deal of time with our clients, and in turn, strong relationships are formed. It may be the client’s home while they live there, but it will always be a JB Woodfitter home. We take great pride in the homes we construct
How would you describe your team’s approach to a new project?
Starting their new custom home project is very exciting for homeowners, and we strive to ensure it’s a smooth process. Trust and open communication between homeowners and our team is the start of a strong foundation for each new project. Each homeowner has their own unique expectations for their custom build. At JB Woodfitter, we strive to exceed all expectations every step of the way. At the initial meeting, we explain who JB Woodfitter is as a builder, our history, the construction process, and introduce our dedicated team assigned to this specific project. Building a custom home is a very personal process, and, in some cases, can extend past two to three years depending on land acquisition, architectural drawings, home size, and, if selected, exotic material imports. Building trust and establishing open communication is how we lay the groundwork for each project. Read JB Woodfitter Homes’ full profile here>>
Jyland Construction Management Co.
with Bob Carlson
How did you get started in the building industry?
I got started in the industry working for a prominent builder in the western suburbs in my early 20s. I enjoyed the building trade and was inspired to pursue it as my career. I still enjoy it today!
How would you describe your team’s approach to a new project?
At Jyland, we use a hands-on full-team approach from start to finish. The early selection of architect, designer, and landscape architect benefits the homeowner’s building experience. Making all selections upfront allows for better execution of the project in a timely manner.
What sets your company apart?
My low volume, high quality, and creative design along with my detailed project management offer my homeowners a personal touch.
What inspires and influences your work?
Quality architecture, big glass, tailored space planning, and high-level finishes inspire me.
How do you bring a client’s vision to life?
With over 40 years of experience, we listen and strive to understand the owner’s vision. With the use of technology, we can walk through the home and bring their vision to life. Read Jyland Construction Management Co.’s full profile here>>
Landucci Homes
with Nathan Landucci
What sets your company apart?
We focus on high-end custom design and attention to detail with superior craftsmanship.
What inspires and influences your work?
We are influenced by working with clients to build their dream home and help them navigate their selections and the home’s design.
How would you describe your team’s approach to a new project?
Spending time with a new customer and understanding their wants and needs while having their budget in mind at every step of the design process is paramount.
How do you bring a client’s vision to life?
Our process starts with a thorough review of the client’s requirements. We spend time understanding what will make their home a dream home.
What are some of your favorite trends and styles in new construction?
We are committed to energy efficiency, using new products that add to the home’s performance, and incorporating products that are environmentally friendly and ethically sourced. Read Landucci Homes’ full profile here>>
Lecy Bros. Homes and Remodeling
with Roy Lecy, Andy Johnsrud, Mark Lecy, & Kevin Johnson
What sets your company apart?
We’re a small family-owned company celebrating 40 years in the building industry! Our experience and commitment to quality is supported by a team of over 30 full-time Lecy Bros. employees and a trusted cadre of subcontractors and suppliers who share our vision in building. This assures quality control, exceptional woodworking, and adherence to the schedule to complete each project on time. We strive to exceed our client’s expectations which have resulted in our high rate of new projects coming from referrals.
How do you bring a client’s vision to life?
We start by listening, gaining an understanding of the client’s lifestyle and their vision of the perfect home. We then do due diligence upfront to assure a smooth process and avoid unwanted surprises. Together the client and the design team develop plans that incorporate the client’s vision, the characteristics of the homesite, and the appropriate budget for the home – keeping their wants and needs at the forefront. Continuous communication throughout the process is essential. Our project team works closely with the clients throughout the entire process – from initial design to finishing details. Read Lecy Bros. Homes and Remodeling’s full Q&A here>>
MDS Remodeling
with Mitch Shepheard
How did you get started in the building industry?
Mitch started his apprenticeship with his father at age 15 where he was taught many valuable skills and acquired a great deal of knowledge. He has continued to hone his residential remodeling and custom homebuilding skills. We have expanded into commercial renovations and excel in creating beautiful hand-crafted interiors and exteriors.
What are the most important elements of a successful build team?
Successful building hinges on detail-oriented communication skills and a shared devotion to an agreed-upon outcome. We are lucky to employ our own seasoned carpenters and tradespeople that manage and produce quality work.
What do you enjoy most about building custom homes?
Much like planting a seed, watching a homeowner’s dream come true from conceptual drawings to creating a home from the ground up is a satisfaction like no other — especially when that home is customized exactly to a homeowner’s specifications.
What are some of your favorite trends and styles in new construction?
We are loving the trend towards sustainable, timeless construction. We love knowing we are helping clients create a legacy home. Read MDS Remodeling’s full profile here>>
Pillar Homes
with KC Chermak
How did you get started in the building industry?
I have always had a passion for architecture. This led me to harness that passion for others to enjoy. I take pride in converting design and architectural ideas into reality to shape the landscape of my home and enrich the lives of those I work with.
How would you describe your team’s approach to a new project?
Our approach is team-focused and creative – our goal is to develop a dream home through our communicative building process that aligns our clients’ perfect style with each unique site.
What sets your company apart?
The Pillar Homes team is dedicated to bringing our client’s vision and lifestyle trends to fruition. We are not tied to one style, but instead are deeply committed to our well-developed system of creating the best quality home for our clients and their needs.
What are the most important elements of a successful build team?
The building team needs to have a clear vision that matches the client, creativity that is integrated with building science, and most importantly open communication. We thrive on the desire to perfectly create our client’s passion. Read Pillar Homes’ full Q&A here>>
Ridge Construction
with Mark & Rob Michals
What sets your company apart?
Size! We are a small company. Rob and Mark are not only owners, but also project managers. This allows each build to get special management attention from an owner.
How would you describe your team’s approach to a new project?
I’d describe our approach as a collaborative process between homeowner, architect, and builder. Getting this team established early in the design process leads to a successful build.
How do you bring a client’s vision to life?
It all starts with great design. We have really good working relationships with several top architects.
What are the most important elements of a successful build team?
The most important element of a successful build is having the right people on the team. We’ve spent the last 15 years vetting the best suppliers, craftsmen, and mechanics that not only perform the highest quality work but are reliable and a good value
What do you enjoy most about building custom homes?
Our favorite part of building a custom home is the creativity and collaboration of working with talented designers. No two projects are alike. Read Ridge Construction’s full Q&A here>>
Meet the Remodelers
Ispiri Design Build
with Jason Fabio
What are the most important elements of a successful remodeling team?
The elements of a successful remodeling team are desire, attention to detail, experience, and teamwork. We take pride in attracting the best talent in our industry who are driven by their desire to be the best. Being the best comes from years of dedication and experience. Also, we have an amazing culture of teamwork and communication that fosters the best outcome for our clients. Communication and collaboration are the cornerstone of our design success. Finally, our attention to detail allows us to deliver an exceptional client experience.
How did you get started in remodeling?
I went into remodeling because I wanted to make a difference in our industry. Traditionally, it had been an industry that had a terrible reputation for lack of ethics and integrity. We’ve all heard the stories of the contractor that gets your down payment and then is never seen again. At Ispiri, we are passionate about changing that perception. We work hard every day to bring an ethical and honest approach to the remodeling industry. We look forward to creating a professional experience for our clients that will hopefully raise the bar for our entire industry. Read Ispiri Design | Build’s full Q&A here>>
Lake Country Builders
with Renee Aldecocea, Patrick Jacobson, & Rob Aldecocea
What do you enjoy most about remodeling and building custom homes?
We enjoy being able to transform a family’s life and make spaces functional for our clients. Remodeling and building homes is not just about updating aesthetics or adding value to a property, it is about improving lives by creating a space that meets their needs
and reflects their personality. When you remodel a home, you have the power to create a comfortable and functional environment that supports the family’s daily activities and enhances their overall well-being.
What sets your company apart?
47 years of passion for carpentry and customer service, our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, our expansion into new
markets, and our on-staff carpentry crew set us apart. Lake Country Builders is a successful remodeling and building company because we have a clear focus on providing our customers with the best possible experience. We are committed to quality, customer service, and innovation; these are the values that have helped us build a successful business for over four decades. Read Lake Country Builders’ full Q&A here>>
Mark D. Williams Custom Homes
with Mark Williams
What inspires and influences your work?
We are inspired by the incredible talents in Minnesota which we believe to be among the world’s best! We see the work on all the social platforms and are inspired to keep improving our craft as the talent has never been easier to see than it is today.
What sets your company apart?
We pride ourselves on creating not only an extraordinarily finished home — warm, welcoming spaces where memories are made — but a seamless building journey too. Whatever style of home you dream of building, the Mark D. Williams team will collaborate with architects and designers of your choice, or we can bring our trusted partners in to guide you through the personalized process of creating a home with individual character that feels distinctly you. We make a house feel like home.
What do you enjoy most about remodeling custom homes?
Creating the teamwork that makes the dream work! We love to collaborate with architects, interior designers, trade partners, and the client! Put them all together and it is artwork in action! Read Mark D. Williams Custom Homes’ full Q&A here>>
Revision
with John Daly and Sven Gustafson
What sets your company apart?
There are two things that make us stand out from others: our process and approach to a renovation project and our team’s and trade partners’ energy and enthusiasm that bring a great project together.
How would you describe your team’s approach to a new project?
Cutting-edge innovation and strong attention to detail set us apart. At Revision, we strive to make each stage of the building experience rewarding and enjoyable for our clients. We believe our success is attributed to our constant focus on fundamental values: integrity, character, competency, and creativity.
How do you bring a client’s vision to life?
We remodel such a wide variety of ages of homes and architectural styles. Every project is its own prototype, and we work to respect that in our projects. No two projects are ever alike!
What do you wish others knew about your company?
Revision is the premier boutique remodeler in the Twin Cities area specializing in design and renovation. Our team’s unmatched vision and experience reawaken existing spaces to complement your home. At Revision, our craftsmen bring your dreams to reality. Read Revision’s full Q&A here>>
Vujovich Design Build
with Ed Roskowinski, Lori Balestri, & Chris McGuire
What sets your company apart?
We are known as THE neighborhood remodeler. Our clients often hear about Vujovich through their friends, neighbors, and co-workers who honestly tell them about their trusted relationship with the Vujovich team. Your home is part of your identity and your family history. We care deeply about our clients and their experience with us. After a remodel, we are honored to be part of your family’s history too!
What inspires and influences your work?
Our clients and their houses inspire us every day! Each home has its own character and history — just like the family who lives there. The first layer comes from the bones and era of the home with the next layer being what the clients desire aesthetically. It’s a personalized journey that is very satisfying for our clients — and for us!
What do you enjoy most about remodeling homes?
There’s a high level of reward in remodeling homes that people treasure so much that they want to stay and improve the layout and aesthetics rather than move. It’s all about bringing new life and function back to a home for how a modern family lives while honoring
the home’s original integrity. Seeing how clients — who often become long-standing friends — are so delighted after remodeling is amazing! It’s what keeps us in this remodeling profession since 1977. Read Vujovich Design Build’s full Q&A here>>
wb builders
with Tim Brandvold, Scot Waggoner, & Ronda Brandvol
How do you bring a client’s vision to life?
We work together with our clients through conversation, inspiration, and a very skillful, talented team of artisans.
What inspires and influences your work?
We are inspired to create homes through the eyes of each client. We are motivated by style and design, an amazing team, and creating quality work!
How did you get started in the remodeling industry?
Scot started in the business as a childhood pastime, and Tim grew up in the business. We’re both passionate about design and long-term partnerships that are established with our clients throughout the building process.
How would you describe your team’s approach to a new project?
We like to sit down and have a conversation to understand a client’s needs and wants, brainstorm work scope and budget, and work together to create and produce a great product with an exceptional experience.
What do you enjoy most about remodeling homes?
There is nothing quite like seeing a project come to fruition and the positive bonds it creates. Read wb builders’ full Q&A here>>
Our Fall Sponsors
Marvin Design Gallery by Shaw/Stewart
Make Your Vision a Reality
Envision your custom design with best-in-class products at the Marvin Design Gallery: A Window and Door Showroom by Shaw/Stewart.
Premier Showroom:
Two of the most established and well-respected companies in Minnesota are here to meet your window and door needs. When you combine the legacy of Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co. with the craftsmanship of Marvin, you get Minnesota’s premier showroom.
Since 1886:
Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co. has been providing quality products and creative custom solutions to its customers since 1886. They serve luxury homebuilders and remodelers as well as commercial contractors in the Twin Cities area.
Quality Products:
As a homebuyer or remodeling customer, you can depend on Shaw/Stewart to be the trusted source to provide your builder or remodeler with quality products, responsive service, and creative solutions for your project.
Professional Support:
When you’re ready to select windows and doors, join your contractor on a visit to the Marvin Design Gallery and confer with their professional design staff. You’ll see the latest offerings from Marvin and feel the difference in quality, design, and craftsmanship.
All of the window and door displays are set in realistic vignettes, designed to help you imagine the possibilities for your own home.
Marvin
Built for How You Live
At Marvin, we are driven to imagine and create better ways of living. With every window and door we make, we strive to bring more natural light and more fresh air into homes, and to create deeper connections to the natural world. Crafted with exceptional skill, our products deliver quality you can see, touch, and feel, beauty that brings joy, and performance that stands the test of time. We put people at the center of everything we do by designing for how people live and work and imagining new ways our products can contribute to happier and healthier homes.
Cambria
The Finest Countertop Makers in the World
Cambria’s American-made quartz designs provide the perfect surface for your lavishly lived-in lifestyle. For over 20 years, our family-owned company has blurred the line between ingenuity and obsession with every stunning new design in our innovative palette.
We process our own exceptionally pure white quartz in our state-of-the-art Minnesota manufacturing facility, where we leverage its superior clarity and natural hardness into quartz surfaces with unparalleled vibrancy, exceptional strength, and unrivaled performance — guaranteed.
Cambria quartz designs resist scratches and chips, and they never require sealing. They are also nonabsorbent, so spills won’t become stains. All this is backed by our transferable Full Lifetime Warranty and US-based Customer Care team to help you entertain more and worry less.
