About Us
Remodeling Homes since 2002
White Crane Design:Build is an award-winning Minneapolis firm specializing in residential remodeling. We are a diverse team of industry experts which values great design, superior craftsmanship and exceeding client expectations. Though every project is different, we approach each one in the same way: pairing these values with our expertise. This results in meaningful living spaces that bring harmony to your home.




Leadership
Susan Denk, founder and owner of White Crane, has built a team of top designers, project managers, carpenters and trade partners who value great design, superior craftsmanship and exceeding client expectations. Our team is dedicated to excellence and professionalism, and values being helpful, caring, supportive, responsive, and accountable to our clients. We are creative thinkers who are solution-driven.

Susan Denk,
OWNER
“Harmony in my home means lots of laughter, contentment, creativity, and love.”
Susan has over 35 years of diversified construction industry experience, both as the owner of White Crane and as an employee of one of the country’s largest general contracting and services companies. Susan moved to Minneapolis from San Antonio in 1998 and lives in the Browndale neighborhood with her partner and their four-legged friend Oso. She holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. from Miami University.
Community service is important to Susan. She is a past board chair of the YWCA. Minneapolis, and, in 2014, completed a $20 million capital campaign as a campaign co-chair. Susan is on the Board of Trustees and serves as the Board Chair of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, whose vision is a world of equal opportunity where women and girls – and all people – hold the power to create and to live safe, prosperous lives.
Our Process
We’re committed to not only ensuring that you’re happy with the end result, but that our process is an enjoyable experience for you every step of the way. Here’s a summary of the White Crane Design:Build process.

01 First Call
It all starts with a phone call. We want to hear about your project, timeline, and budget.

02 Home Consultation
This complimentary meeting will be held at your home. We’ll discuss your project vision, needs, goals, and design preferences. We’ll also take measurements and photos of your existing space to aid in the estimation process.

03 Design Budget Presentation
Next, you’ll come to our office to see a preliminary design concept and to review ballpark pricing. We’ll present a Design Agreement for you to consider that details the scope of work and design fees for your project.

04 Design Development
During this phase, we’ll meet as necessary to develop drawings, discuss specifications and choose materials and finishes. Your designer will help ensure everything works well together.

05 Construction Agreement Presentation
After design development, we’ll schedule a meeting at your home with our time-tested trade partners, who will review your existing conditions and project scope. Generally, we’re able to share final pricing within 2 weeks. At this time, we will present a construction contract.

06 Pre-construction & Construction
We’ll schedule an on-site pre-construction meeting, finalize the project schedule, order materials, and obtain permits. During construction, weekly meetings with you, the project manager and designer will ensure that everyone is on the same page. The end result, Harmony by Design.
Testimonials
Our passion for design and craftsmanship got us into this business. Happy clients keep us passionate about doing what we do.
"From the first meeting to the final walkthrough their team was great."
John & Cindy, Rosemount Master Suite Remodel
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"Susan has a great team at White Crane and we can't recommend them enough."
Natalie & Michael, Minneapolis Kitchen Remodel
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"We expected a lot from them and they strived to meet our every need."
Ryan & Angela, Minneapolis Lower Level Remodel
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"We could not be happier with our new kitchen."
Kita, Minneapolis Kitchen Remodel
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"We have received so many compliments from friends and neighbors!"
Meghan, St.Paul Kitchen Remodel
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“Thanks for making our dreams come true."
Stephanie, Minneapolis Kitchen Remodel
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Awards & Recognition
Our greatest reward is to enhance our clients’ lives by bringing harmony to their homes. Receiving recognition from these leading organizations makes what we do for our clients even more rewarding.
2018
White Crane included in Remodeling Magazine's Remodeling 550
2017
Angie’s List Super Service Award
2017
Best of Houzz.com Customer Service
WSJ "Living Rooms With Lofty Perches" By: Amy Gamerman
2016
COTY National Winner Residential Historical Renovation or Restoration Under $250,000
Angie’s List Super Service Award
2015
Angie’s List Super Service Award
2014
Angie’s List Super Service Award
Best of Houzz.com Customer Satisfaction
COTY Silver Winner Residential Bath Over $60,000
2013
Angie’s List Super Service Award ...
Best of Houzz.com Design
COTY AWARD Honorable Mention Residential Kitchen $60,001 – $75,000
2012
Angie’s List Super Service Award ...
ROMA Winner Kitchen Over 300 Square Feet
Best of Houzz.com Design ...
2011
COTY Award Winner Residential Kitchen Over $120,000
2010
Angie’s List Super Service Award ...
Nokomis East Neighborhood Association Outstanding Community Support Award ...
2009
Angie’s List Super Service Award ...
COTY Award Winner Residential Kitchen Over $60,000 MNGREENSTAR Bronze Remodel III ...
2008
Angie’s List Super Service Award ...
COTY Award Honorable Mention Residential Bath $30,000 & Under
2006
Angie’s List Super Service Award ...
COTY Award Best Newcomer ...
COTY Award Winner Entire House Over $500,000
2004
National Association of Women Business Owners Innovative Award – Susan Denk ...