Mom’s Design Build continues to build on its rich legacy of Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award honors since it joined the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) in 2015.
At NARI Minnesota’s 2017 CotY Awards Gala at International Market Square in Minneapolis, Mom’s received CotY Awards in five categories. More than 300 NARI members and guests attended the dinner event, which recognizes Minnesota’s best remodeling and landscaping projects.
In 2015 Mom’s swept the CotY landscaping categories and in 2016 it expanded its landscaping titles to the residential exteriors categories. This year it added interior remodeling and commercial landscaping to its residential landscaping and exteriors wins.
RESIDENTIAL EXTERIORS UNDER $200,000 – GOLD
Our challenge was to create a porch atop an existing deck while retaining the original decking and deck framing. It needed to blend architecturally and provide a comfortable, sheltered environment off the kitchen for three-season use. It also had to embrace the view of the poolscape and the lake below.
“Lots of details in stone and wood trim show superior craftsmanship.”
— NARI judge
Senior Designer Becca Bastyr reduced weight with a Sunspace enclosure under the glass gable and used thin, real stone veneer around the fireplace. The booth maximizes seating for meals and games. And a vent hood permits year-round grilling when the windows are closed. The happy clients say sunsets are spectacular!
LANDSCAPE DESIGN/OUTDOOR LIVING OVER $60,000 – GOLD
This oasis had water but little else. So Senior Designer Becca Bastyr tucked a cozy kitchen/pool bar under the porch and created a limestone boulder bump out for a fire circle that overlooks the lake. She also replaced the outgrown trampoline with an elevated hot tub.
“Way to take an okay space and make it great!”
— NARI judge
Although required to retain the concrete pool deck, Mom’s surrounded it with decorative paving and distinctive plantings that tie the spaces together. The sheltered lounge area is right off the finished basement, so it is perfect for entertaining. The couple’s teen daughter now prefers to have friends over.
COMMERCIAL SPECIALTY – GOLD
The new observation deck at Concierge Apartments is as much about being seen as surveying resort beyond. The goal was to establish the amenities-rich community as a mecca for young professionals.
“This is a fabulous project from design through execution.”
— NARI judge
Senior Designer Heather Grossmann’s entry landscape plan leveraged the huge legacy oak with special lighting visible from the Twin Cities’ busiest highway off-ramp and the Best Buy headquarters across the street. She also drew attention with a branded, curbside patio with a colorful LED-lit fire bowl, living wall, and backlit Concierge key logo. The exotic hardwood deck has three sitting areas and a weatherized flat-screen TV.
BASEMENT OVER $100,000 – SILVER
Remodeling Director/Interior Designer Karie Zemlicka drew on Mom’s landscape heritage to unlock this Stillwater basement’s true potential. After scooping out some dirt behind the house, Mom’s replaced a window with a door and stone stairway to convert the long-time lookout to a true walkout.
“Beautifully finished. Love the
ceiling.”
ceiling.”
— NARI judge
Then Karie elevated the subterranean space with a luxurious entertainment suite and bathroom, complete with tray ceiling, thick quartz counters, three flat screen TVs and a wet bar. No more wet footprints from the pool to the main level powder room. And with extensive soundproofing, Dad can cheer on his beloved Vikes.
RESIDENTIAL KITCHEN $60,000 TO $100,000 – SILVER
With seven kids of their own and foster care and emergency nursery guests, these Shakopee clients had outsized requirements, a finite budget, and a tight schedule. The kitchen needed to feed their large family and suit adult gatherings (because you don’t get many invitations when you are a family of nine).
“Two access points to pantry is a great solution to reduce congestion in the kitchen while food preparation is in process.”
— NARI judge
Trust Remodeling Director/Interior Designer Karie Zemlicka to have just the remodeling recipe. First, she eliminated internal walls and designed a floor plan that kept kids out of the work triangle. Then she specified two of practically everything, including counter bars. The pass-thru window to the deck is especially smart.
