Improving Twin Cities neighborhoods, one house at a time.

Susan Denk, White Crane Founder & Owner“Almost every homeowner who calls White Crane says: ‘We love our neighborhood, but our home isn’t working for us. Can you help?’”

White Crane Design:Build is an award-winning firm that specializes in residential remodeling. We’re known for rejuvenating the charming older homes that are found throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul, with an expert combination of quality craftsmanship and creative solutions.

Discover the difference of a woman-led team.

Our founder, Susan Denk, started White Crane in 2002. Since then she’s built a reputation as one of the best design-build firms in the state. She’s also instilled a high level of attention and care into the entire White Crane process. “As a woman growing up in a non-traditional business, I had to be more sensitized to what people were thinking and feeling,” says Susan. “A woman in this industry is going to learn how to be a super communicator.”

What is a design : build company?

A design-build company handles everything for you—from the first design concepts to the last construction finishes. When you hire White Crane, you don’t have to manage any part of the remodel process on your own. We have designers, project managers, carpenters, and trade partners all as part of our team, and we work closely together to guide you through the entire remodeling process. You won’t need to hire an architect, you won’t have to hire subcontractors, you won’t even have to manage the project. Learn more about our talented designers and our streamlined process at the link below.

Meet our design team.

Our designers are experienced experts who will be with you from the start to the finish of your project. They’ll learn about you and your home, they’ll get to know your needs and lifestyle, and they’ll create a design that adds both beauty and function to your home. Once you’ve got a design you love, your designer will continue to work with you and your White Crane project manager throughout the construction phase, until your project is completed.

Nicole Slaminski-Hawes

Senior Designer

Nicole loves getting to know her clients and learning how they use their current spaces. This helps her design creative... Read More
Jean Strohmyer

Senior Designer

Jean thrives off of collaborating with her homeowners to create the perfect plan to fit their needs and overall goals. Seeing her projects come to life... Read More
Karie Zemlicka

Senior Designer

Karie believes in guiding every client through cost-effective and character-enhancing solutions that honor her clients’ investments in their homes. Her collection of accolades reflects.... Read More
Hunter Ann Hilber

Designer

Hunter believes that creating the best designs for her clients means considering their unique needs alongside the distinct character and charm of older homes.... Read More
Samantha Crosse

Designer

Samantha enjoys working with clients to understand their goals, each home’s unique possibilities, and how good design can bring a home to life.... Read More
Brittany Vogel

Sales & Design Manager

Brittany believes a project's success is tied to collaboration- that thoughtful design considers the ideas and experiences of homeowners and tradespeople alongside.... Read More

Meet our build team.

Our project managers will guide and manage every detail of your project, from the moment your design is complete until the last piece of trim has been dusted and shined. You’ll have daily contact and communication with your project manager, as they make sure everything is taken care of on your behalf. 

Gene Kiecker, Project Manager

“I love working with clients and our design team and also enjoy creative problem solving on site.”

Sergii Pidlisnyi, Project Manager

“I like to be busy. As a PM, I’m always trying to find the best way to communicate and understand people.”

Chris Dunt, Project Manager

“I enjoy building relationships with clients and solving the unique challenges that arise in home remodeling.”

Not sure where to begin?

We’re here to help! Check out our planning resources below, or reach out to us here.

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