Client Testimonials & Success


We take great pride in our work, and it shows.

Explore our client testimonials and case studies below, and see what people say about us.

Stunning Home Remodel

After relocating from New York City, Kirsten and her family purchased a classic fixer-upper with plans to transform the kitchen, mudroom, and 2.5 bathrooms—including creating a seamless connection between their primary bedroom and a new ensuite bath. While other contractors encouraged them to rush the renovation before move-in, Phil offered a different approach: live in the home first to truly understand how they wanted it to function. That guidance made all the difference.

From initial inspiration to final finishes, Wise Design brought Kirsten’s vision to life with clean, respectful demolition, thoughtful product recommendations, and a full-service team that delivered craftsmanship and care at every step. “We would highly recommend Wise Design for a project like this—we trusted Phil throughout the process and admire the quality of the work.”

“Whether it was a design element or architectural decision, Phil drew on all of his knowledge to guide us to the right decision with a lot of attention to detail.”

— Kristen

“Wise Design did a great job on the custom nature of this bar and the attention to detail.

We came up with a lot of really good ideas that make this a unique showpiece that everybody in my house comments on.”

— Michael

Custom Home Bar

As a cocktail enthusiast, Michael wanted a bar that was more than functional—it needed to be a standout feature in his home. Tasked with transforming a compact basement corner into a fully equipped bar, the Wise Design team embraced the challenge with custom solutions and creative ingenuity. The design phase became a highlight of the process, as Michael collaborated closely with Phil and the team to craft a one-of-a-kind space tailored to his passion. Despite this being his first remodel, he was surprised at how seamless and clean the entire experience was, even while living in the home.

Wise Design delivered clever, space-saving features—from a custom rollout section tailored to his liquor collection to layered lighting that highlights the stunning Patagonia granite. The result is both a functional bar and a conversation-worthy centerpiece.

Fresh, Open Kitchen

This renovation completely redefined how this young family lives and entertains. Wise Design helped turn a closed-off 100-year-old home into a bright, open space tailored for modern living. “Not only is this a new kitchen—it has really transformed our entire living space on the main level.” From day one, the design process was collaborative and thorough, with Phil and the team guiding decisions while ensuring the final choices truly reflected the family’s vision.

Thoughtful design, clean workmanship, and friendly communication made the experience smooth—even while the family was temporarily out of the home. The new kitchen now features a functional peninsula, custom cabinetry they love, and a layout that finally supports both daily family life and effortless entertaining.

Not only is this a new kitchen—it has really transformed our entire living space on the main level. We have no regrets and everything is exactly the way we wanted it.”

“The staff at Wise Design are excellent. They all are very knowledgeable and professional.

Even the contractors they used were all professional, all very friendly… made friends with my neighbors! We couldn’t ask for more.”

— Mike & Gina

Explore this home in virtual walk through!

View Matterport →

Full Scale Upgrades

What began as a modest kitchen renovation for Mike and Gina evolved into a full-scale upgrade that dramatically improved both form and function throughout their home. A small bump-out created space for an open, airy kitchen, while additional updates included a compact yet efficient mudroom, a stylish new powder room, and practical improvements like a new roof and gutters. Each addition was carefully integrated to enhance the home’s everyday livability without disrupting its original charm.

Our full-service design-build process made it easy to adapt as the project evolved. From custom cabinetry and hardware selections to smart layout refinements, every detail was thoughtfully considered to reflect the couple’s style and needs. The finished space is as beautiful as it is practical—a cohesive blend of elegance, comfort, and smart upgrades that elevate daily life.

  • Kitchen remodel with navy blue cabinets and brass accents

    Making the Most Out of Small Spaces

    After months of interviewing different home remodelers, I chose Wise Design & Remodel because of Phil’s experience with making the most out of small spaces. He also knew the importance and history of my home to preserve some of the meaningful things while designing a space for my family. The best part of working with Wise was the communication and the hands-on nature of Phil and his team to make sure the vision is being properly conveyed in the actual build.

    - Michael, 2024

  • Basement bar remodel with built in wine cabinet and wet bar

    High Quality

    Phil and his team did an outstanding job on our basement remodel project. The exercise room, complete with custom sauna, is amazing!! Furthermore, the custom wet bar with a built in wine rack is spectacular! Phil's attention to detail and his honest opinion regarding value added options was much appreciated. Very high quality craftsmanship! We won't work with anyone else after this!

    - Matt, 2023

  • Craftsman kitchen remodel

    Patient and Collaborative Approach

    We needed major updates to our space but wanted to honor the Craftsman charm (with a touch of Prairie School) in our beautiful old 1914 home. Phil's patient and collaborative approach paid off in the creation of a design plan that perfectly complements our home and creates new functionality, but without compromising the vintage aesthetics of the space.

    - Dominic, 2023

  • Kitchen remodel with emerald green cabinets and original built in oak cabinets

    Outstanding Work!

    Wise Design & Remodel recently redesigned and remodeled our kitchen and dining room, and I can't say enough about how great Phil and his team are. From the first phone call through construction and close-out, they were incredibly attentive. Phil’s expertise really shines through—he turned our inefficient, quirky kitchen into a spacious, functional, and beautifully updated space. The transformation has improved our entire home. This was our first major remodel, and Phil anticipated potential issues while keeping us informed throughout. The project stayed on budget and on schedule, and the management software made it easy to track everything. After this experience, I can’t imagine trusting anyone else for a remodel.

    - Wes, 2021

  • Kitchen remodel in Edina with walnut cabinets and contrasting white glossy cabinets

    Creative, Accountable, Efficient and Client-Oriented

    We had an excellent experience with Wise Design. The project re-imagined our kitchen, creating a dramatic transformation of our main floor that also enhanced the functionality and style of our entryway, living room, and the transition to the lower level. Philip and team are creative, accountable, efficient, and client-oriented to design and build the best remodel for our space. The craftsmanship and attention to detail was excellent. We now have a unique kitchen and dining area that works within our original home footprint. The result is a refreshed, striking home that we can thrive in as a family.

    -Michelle, 2023

  • Minnehaha Creek kitchen remodel with espresso and white cabinets and breakfast nook

    Easy to Collaborate With

    We worked with Wise in 2022 to remodel our kitchen and had a great experience. Phil and team were easy to collaborate with, responsive to our needs, and always clearly articulated changes and tradeoffs. They also handled unforeseen issues due to the nature of working with an older home with grace and skill. We're grateful to have had them by our side throughout this process and there was always a high sense of trust. The end result is exactly what we envisioned and I almost don't want to recommend them since we have too many other projects ;)

    Elisa, 2022

See more reviews on Houzz