W E L C O M E H O M E
A Cost To Not Knowing
How to Proceed?
By the time most families contact us, they have spent months, if not years, thinking about how to improve their home. Routinely, homeowners wait to contact us (or anyone, for that matter) because the questions surrounding their home improvement project seem too daunting or complex.
Overwhelmed, they delay a decision, give up entirely, or worse still, proceed with their project without answers,
> Not sure how to best proceed? Check out our Feasibility Study services
There can be a steep cost - both financial and emotional - to proceeding without a residential design expert, someone who has successfully and repeatedly navigated the process.
Not knowing how much things cost, what are the limits and opportunities inherent in your property, what your project will look like, can I live in my house during the project, and how long will it take to build are all knowable - if you partner with someone who knows how to find the answers.
By the time most families contact us, they have spent months, if not years, thinking about how to improve their home. Routinely, homeowners wait to contact us (or anyone, for that matter) because the questions surrounding their home improvement project seem too daunting or complex.
Overwhelmed, they delay a decision, give up entirely, or worse still, proceed with their project without answers,
> Not sure how to best proceed? Check out our Feasibility Study services
There can be a steep cost - both financial and emotional - to proceeding without a residential design expert, someone who has successfully and repeatedly navigated the process.
Not knowing how much things cost, what are the limits and opportunities inherent in your property, what your project will look like, can I live in my house during the project, and how long will it take to build are all knowable - if you partner with someone who knows how to find the answers.
W E L C O M E H O M E
Partner With A Residential Design Expert
If you needed heart surgery, would you be comfortable seeing a general practitioner? Or would you prefer a top cardiac specialist? We know which option we'd choose.
While what we do is not a life or death matter, the consequences of doing it poorly, or even wrong, can be significant.
For 15+ years, we've focused exclusively on altering and improving existing homes and new construction. We don't do commercial projects. We are residential specialists and focus exclusively on homes.
It's a well-earned expertise gained by designing hundreds of residential projects. We've learned how to skillfully address the shortcoming and pinch points that drive families nuts and we work tirelessly to create unique solutions for each project, neighborhood, and family.
For us, there is no better job in the world and nothing else we'd rather do.
While what we do is not a life or death matter, the consequences of doing it poorly, or even wrong, can be significant.
For 15+ years, we've focused exclusively on altering and improving existing homes and new construction. We don't do commercial projects. We are residential specialists and focus exclusively on homes.
It's a well-earned expertise gained by designing hundreds of residential projects. We've learned how to skillfully address the shortcoming and pinch points that drive families nuts and we work tirelessly to create unique solutions for each project, neighborhood, and family.
For us, there is no better job in the world and nothing else we'd rather do.
Tailored To You
David Lund Design is grounded in the belief that good residential design improves more than homes. It improves people's lives.
It allows families to remain in the neighborhood they love and live in a house that works - a house that supports their daily activates and patterns, while also bringing them joy and happiness.
Our design approach recognizes the uniqueness of each site, each home, and each family. We rigorously pursue site and building-specific solutions tailored to the needs of your family that are deeply personal and profoundly local.
We never do the same project twice,
> Wondering what it's like working with DLD? Check out our homeowner reviews
In the end you will be in a house that responds to your needs and reflects your preferences.
David Lund Design is grounded in the belief that good residential design improves more than homes. It improves people's lives.
It allows families to remain in the neighborhood they love and live in a house that works - a house that supports their daily activates and patterns, while also bringing them joy and happiness.
Our design approach recognizes the uniqueness of each site, each home, and each family. We rigorously pursue site and building-specific solutions tailored to the needs of your family that are deeply personal and profoundly local.
We never do the same project twice,
> Wondering what it's like working with DLD? Check out our homeowner reviews
In the end you will be in a house that responds to your needs and reflects your preferences.
Quick Links
A collection of design resources covering common topics in residential and interior design, construction, and project planning.
ARTICLES
+ CASE STUDIES
See the impact these unique projects had on the house and the families that undertook them.
> Case Study: Raze The Roof
> Case Study: Classic On The Creek
+ DESIGN & INTERIORS
Common questions concerning the design process
> What Is The Role of PreDesign?
> How Does The Interior Design Process Work?
+ PROJECT PLANNING
What to consider during your due diligence process
> What to Consider When Selecting A Residential Designer
> How Much Are Residential Design Fees?
> How To Finance A Residential Project
> How Much Does A Residential Project Cost?
+ CONSTRUCTION
Common questions concerning the construction process
> When Is The Best Time To Select a Builder?
> How Is The Construction Process Structured?
> What is Construction Observation?
> Project Roles and Responsibilities
See the impact these unique projects had on the house and the families that undertook them.
> Case Study: Raze The Roof
> Case Study: Classic On The Creek
+ DESIGN & INTERIORS
Common questions concerning the design process
> What Is The Role of PreDesign?
> How Does The Interior Design Process Work?
+ PROJECT PLANNING
What to consider during your due diligence process
> What to Consider When Selecting A Residential Designer
> How Much Are Residential Design Fees?
> How To Finance A Residential Project
> How Much Does A Residential Project Cost?
+ CONSTRUCTION
Common questions concerning the construction process
> When Is The Best Time To Select a Builder?
> How Is The Construction Process Structured?
> What is Construction Observation?
> Project Roles and Responsibilities
sERVICES
DLD is a full-service residential design firm in Minneapolis, offering a complete suite of residential design services. Our design services are grouped into three design packages.
+ SERVICES
DLD is a full-service residential design firm, but you don't need to use all of our services. They can be tailored to align with your project and budget.
> Design & Construction
> Interior Design
> Project Planning
> Additional Services
+ DESIGN PACKAGES
We group design services into design packages - Feasibility Study, Essentials, Designer, and Premium. To learn more, check out the following resources.
> Design Packages Overview
> Design Package Selection Tool
> Design Services Overview PDF [Remodels & Additions]
> Design Services Overview PDF [New Construction]
DLD is a full-service residential design firm, but you don't need to use all of our services. They can be tailored to align with your project and budget.
> Design & Construction
> Interior Design
> Project Planning
> Additional Services
+ DESIGN PACKAGES
We group design services into design packages - Feasibility Study, Essentials, Designer, and Premium. To learn more, check out the following resources.
> Design Packages Overview
> Design Package Selection Tool
> Design Services Overview PDF [Remodels & Additions]
> Design Services Overview PDF [New Construction]
homeowner rEVIEWS
Past clients' talk about the impact their project has had on their home and what it's like working with DLD.
> Homeowner Reviews
> Homeowner Reviews
Featured Projects
+ UNDER CONSTRUCTION
COMING SOON: A past DLD project comes back to life with a transformative upper level addition now in full swing
> We're Going Up!
COMING SOON: A Linden Hills ADU takes full advantage of a new and exciting building type
> Maxing It Out
+ RECENTLY COMPLETED
An elegant southwest Minneapolis house adds a contemporary black and white kitchen and master bath
> Brookwood Beauty
COMING SOON: A Linden Hills 2-story addition overcomes poor soils and a challenging multi-level floor plan
> COMING SOON: Poor Soils, Rich Result
+ OF INTEREST
A 2-car garage with an upper level and attached storage shed completes a homeowners long-standing master plan
> We ADU, Do You?
COMING SOON: A past DLD project comes back to life with a transformative upper level addition now in full swing
> We're Going Up!
COMING SOON: A Linden Hills ADU takes full advantage of a new and exciting building type
> Maxing It Out
+ RECENTLY COMPLETED
An elegant southwest Minneapolis house adds a contemporary black and white kitchen and master bath
> Brookwood Beauty
COMING SOON: A Linden Hills 2-story addition overcomes poor soils and a challenging multi-level floor plan
> COMING SOON: Poor Soils, Rich Result
+ OF INTEREST
A 2-car garage with an upper level and attached storage shed completes a homeowners long-standing master plan
> We ADU, Do You?
Connect
Schedule any type of time in no time
PROJECT PLANNING
If a full project is currently too big a step, take a smaller one. Choose one of project planning services, which explore a potential project's viability quickly and economically without committing to a full project.
> Low Cost Consultation
> Feasibility Study
> Site Evaluation
> Low Cost Consultation
> Feasibility Study
> Site Evaluation
about dld
Our focus is on you, but we understand people may want to know a bit about us, as well.
> Homeowner Reviews
> Our Approach
> Our Team
> Homeowner Reviews
> Our Approach
> Our Team
F U L L C I R C L E
Returning To Home
We've been designing and improving homes for a long time (15+ years). We’ve designed hundreds of projects, and heard lots of stories. We know the Twin Cities, its neighborhoods, its houses, and the desires and preferences of the families that inhabit them.
And we've noticed a pattern.
Pattern Repeat
Nearly every project goes through this familiar 6-step sequence:
This process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, but it happens with a high degree of predictability and regularity with the rate of progress being the only variable.
And we've noticed a pattern.
Pattern Repeat
Nearly every project goes through this familiar 6-step sequence:
- Conclude current house doesn't work
- Consider remodeling project
- Explore “moving up” within neighborhood
- Realize "moving up" is expensive and still requires remodeling the new property
- Return to idea of remodeling current home
- Contact a residential design professional
This process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, but it happens with a high degree of predictability and regularity with the rate of progress being the only variable.
E D U C A T E & I N F O R M
Meet People Where They Are
Once a family has decided to pursue, or at least consider, a new residential design project, there are three stages through which they commonly progress.
What You Need When You Need It
To help people move through these stages, we've designed our website with a focus on education, creating rich and in-depth content tailored for each stage of the due diligence process.
> Stage 1 - General Inquiry
We've learned, for example, that over 85% of Twin Citians considering a home improvement project - those in Stage 1 in their due diligence process - are looking to fill gaps in knowledge with basic data, knowledge, and insight - and maybe a bit of inspiration.
> See our articles covering a wide range of frequently asked questions
Early on, most people are not ready to commit to any type of design service or meet with a design professional. But they do want helpful information on residential design and construction topics.
To address this need, we've designed our website as a resource with in-depth project histories, revealing case studies, and long-form articles on popular topics such as what to consider when selecting a residential designer, the interior design process, design fees, construction financing options, and when to select a builder.
- General Inquiry - acquiring general information on residential design, costs, and construction
- Specific Inquiry - acquiring project-specific information
- Evaluation - evaluating potential residential design partners
What You Need When You Need It
To help people move through these stages, we've designed our website with a focus on education, creating rich and in-depth content tailored for each stage of the due diligence process.
> Stage 1 - General Inquiry
We've learned, for example, that over 85% of Twin Citians considering a home improvement project - those in Stage 1 in their due diligence process - are looking to fill gaps in knowledge with basic data, knowledge, and insight - and maybe a bit of inspiration.
> See our articles covering a wide range of frequently asked questions
Early on, most people are not ready to commit to any type of design service or meet with a design professional. But they do want helpful information on residential design and construction topics.
To address this need, we've designed our website as a resource with in-depth project histories, revealing case studies, and long-form articles on popular topics such as what to consider when selecting a residential designer, the interior design process, design fees, construction financing options, and when to select a builder.
> Stage 2 - Specific Inquiry
Another 10%+ are further along in their project journey and are ready to take their search to the next level by meeting with a design professional. They may not be ready to proceed with their project just yet, but they want answers to specific questions about their project from a local, residential design specialist.
> Schedule a Discovery Call to address any question you may have related to your project
> Stage 3 - Evaluation
And finally, about 5% of people [closer to 2 or 3% actually] are ready to select a residential design firm and begin the process of building or improving their home.
> Schedule an Initial Meeting to review your project and receive a design proposal
Should you request a design proposal, we offer design packages, which allow you to customize our residential design services to fit your project and budget.
Fully 95%+ of people considering a project are not yet ready to commit to doing a project.
That's why we've chosen to educate and not advertise.
Our mission is to become a trusted partner and a resource as you work your way through your project considerations.
Another 10%+ are further along in their project journey and are ready to take their search to the next level by meeting with a design professional. They may not be ready to proceed with their project just yet, but they want answers to specific questions about their project from a local, residential design specialist.
> Schedule a Discovery Call to address any question you may have related to your project
> Stage 3 - Evaluation
And finally, about 5% of people [closer to 2 or 3% actually] are ready to select a residential design firm and begin the process of building or improving their home.
> Schedule an Initial Meeting to review your project and receive a design proposal
Should you request a design proposal, we offer design packages, which allow you to customize our residential design services to fit your project and budget.
Fully 95%+ of people considering a project are not yet ready to commit to doing a project.
That's why we've chosen to educate and not advertise.
Our mission is to become a trusted partner and a resource as you work your way through your project considerations.
L O V E W H E R E Y O U L I V E
It's your neighborhood, stay in it
Head And Heart
So, what is it that routinely leads homeowners to choose improving over moving?
From our experience, there are two forces that play out (and win out) every time - one of the head and one of the heart. Just like with other large-life decisions, emotions lead and logic reinforces.
> BLEND AWARD: Check out one of our BLEND Award winning projects
First and foremost, it’s the emotional pull homeowners feel to remain in their neighborhood, connected to their schools, their neighbors, their local businesses, their community. They love where they live, just not the house they live in.
Then there’s the math.
So, what is it that routinely leads homeowners to choose improving over moving?
From our experience, there are two forces that play out (and win out) every time - one of the head and one of the heart. Just like with other large-life decisions, emotions lead and logic reinforces.
> BLEND AWARD: Check out one of our BLEND Award winning projects
First and foremost, it’s the emotional pull homeowners feel to remain in their neighborhood, connected to their schools, their neighbors, their local businesses, their community. They love where they live, just not the house they live in.
Then there’s the math.
"Moving up" within a good neighborhood - whether Kenwood, Mac Groveland, Linden Hills, or East Harriet - means paying a premium for a new, larger house. But it’s often far from a dream house,
Instead, there's commonly a significant project attached - the kitchen, for example, may be too small or outdated, there may be no mudroom, family room or master suite, or the basement is unfinished (it might even be all of them).
These are the updated spaces people want in their home, and they are commonly the spaces older homes don't have.
> Have a question you want to address with us? Give us a call
To get the desired house routinely requires a substantial remodeling project on top of the initial house purchase. In the end, the total cost is more expensive than simply staying and improving their current situation.
That’s when we get the call.
Instead, there's commonly a significant project attached - the kitchen, for example, may be too small or outdated, there may be no mudroom, family room or master suite, or the basement is unfinished (it might even be all of them).
These are the updated spaces people want in their home, and they are commonly the spaces older homes don't have.
> Have a question you want to address with us? Give us a call
To get the desired house routinely requires a substantial remodeling project on top of the initial house purchase. In the end, the total cost is more expensive than simply staying and improving their current situation.
That’s when we get the call.
J O Y A N D H A P P I N E S S
Happy house, happy life
A home, even a single space that you love, can create happiness, joy, and a powerful sense of place. It's what we love about residential design - its power to transform and improve.
Feeling good about where you live, deriving joy and happiness from your house, is what we deliver on all of our projects and it's what we'll deliver on yours.
How You Benefit
Choosing DLD will get you the best project for your money, as we will recommend trustworthy and experienced builders, guide your investment, protect your interests during construction, and save you time and money with detailed and complete drawings sets.
> What to Consider When Selecting a Designer
And the best part?
Feeling good about where you live, deriving joy and happiness from your house, is what we deliver on all of our projects and it's what we'll deliver on yours.
How You Benefit
Choosing DLD will get you the best project for your money, as we will recommend trustworthy and experienced builders, guide your investment, protect your interests during construction, and save you time and money with detailed and complete drawings sets.
> What to Consider When Selecting a Designer
And the best part?
The money you spend on your project, both for design fee and construction is still yours, It's simply transferred from your bank account to your home's equity and improved lifestyle. You get it all back and more when you sell, and, in the meantime, you get to enjoy (and live in) your increasing wealth as it grows in value.
Our Commitment
We will work with you to design beautiful spaces that uplift you and shift your daily patterns. We seek to activate rooms that have been rarely, if ever, used. We design projects that dramatically improve your home and allow you to stay in the neighborhood you love.
It’s what we love about residential design, and it’s what we love about what we do.
We are residential design experts. Making homes work is what we do every day, on every project. We bring an unwavering passion and focus to each project.
Why?
Because the results matter - to you, and to us.
Our Commitment
We will work with you to design beautiful spaces that uplift you and shift your daily patterns. We seek to activate rooms that have been rarely, if ever, used. We design projects that dramatically improve your home and allow you to stay in the neighborhood you love.
It’s what we love about residential design, and it’s what we love about what we do.
We are residential design experts. Making homes work is what we do every day, on every project. We bring an unwavering passion and focus to each project.
Why?
Because the results matter - to you, and to us.