--- title: "Joseph Metzler — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joseph-metzler-pfvwus-pf~151005971 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~151005971.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Joseph Metzler" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/165375a80258bf5b_9407-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States" phone: "(612) 310-3843" website: http:// rating: 5 review_count: 5 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 109 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Joseph Metzler Original Houzz profile: [Joseph Metzler](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joseph-metzler-pfvwus-pf~151005971) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Minneapolis, MN - **Serves:** Minneapolis, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Coon Rapids, Minnetonka, Edina, Minnetonka Mills, Saint Louis Park, Maplewood, Richfield, Roseville, Inver Grove Heights, Brooklyn Center, Fridley, Shoreview, New Brighton, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Columbia Heights, Lino Lakes, West Saint Paul, South Saint Paul, Robbinsdale, Mounds View, Vadnais Heights, Saint Paul, Mendota Heights, North Saint Paul, Little Canada, Arden Hills, Saint Anthony, Spring Lake Park, Falcon Heights, North Oaks, Osseo, Lauderdale, Maple Plain, Hilltop, Lilydale, Sunfish Lake, Gem Lake, Medicine Lake, Mendota - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2017), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Historic Building Conservation - Basement Design - Deck Design - Laundry Room Design - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Minneapolis - Bloomington - Brooklyn Park - Eagan - Eden Prairie - Coon Rapids - Minnetonka - Edina - Minnetonka Mills - Saint Louis Park - Maplewood - Richfield - Roseville - Inver Grove Heights - Brooklyn Center - Fridley - Shoreview - New Brighton - Crystal - Golden Valley - New Hope - Columbia Heights - Lino Lakes - West Saint Paul - South Saint Paul - Robbinsdale - Mounds View - Vadnais Heights - Saint Paul - Mendota Heights - North Saint Paul - Little Canada - Arden Hills - Saint Anthony - Spring Lake Park - Falcon Heights - North Oaks - Osseo - Lauderdale - Maple Plain - Hilltop - Lilydale - Sunfish Lake - Gem Lake - Medicine Lake - Mendota ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Joseph Metzler | | Address | Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States | | Phone | (612) 310-3843 | | Website | http:// | | Followers on Houzz | 109 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=1438101&trk=nav\_responsive\_tab\_profile ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Joseph Metzler](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joseph-metzler-pfvwus-pf~151005971) - **Website:** http:// - **Phone:** (612) 310-3843 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Midwest Regional Chrysalis AwardNorth Central Regional COTY AwardMidwest Regional COTY AwardMN ROMA AwardMN COTY AwardSt. Paul Preservation AwardCustom Home Magazine Merit AwardMinneapolis Preservation AwardGreat American Home AwardsMinneapolis Preservation Award - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2017), for Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 5 reviews** ### All 5 reviews **★★★★★ — minn249, July 2014** > People are amazed to learn that parts of our house were added onto an existing 1957 Usonian-style home. Joe did a fabulous job of listening to our hopes and concerns for the project, which included a desire for architectural integrity and a "seamless" addition that included more floor space. Our updated home is now brighter and bigger, but it is just as authentic to its roots as ever. **★★★★★ — Heidi Jo, June 2014** > I would hire this company. Where can I find someone like this in Boise Idaho? Experience with Craftsman architecture? > heidi.lynne.jones@gmail.com **Comment from Joseph Metzler:** > Maybe I could still assist you. We work all over the country. I'm not currently registered in Idaho but because I'm NCARB certified it is a short process to become registered. **★★★★★ — jetmail, Dec. 2013** > We instantly loved our 1890 Harry Jones house and felt a responsibility to keep the restoration it sorely needed true to age and style. We interviewed several architects but Joe was the only one that clearly felt the same responsibility and had the sensitivity to historic buildings, the creativity to solve old house design problems and the expertise to seamlessly blend old with new. His design for the renovation was so successful that it won several awards (including one from the National Trust for Historic Preservation) and has been published in numerous books and periodicals. Visitors to our home are always surprised to learn that our new kitchen addition is not original to the house. Joe was able to solve design problems that we feared were unsolvable: opening up the kitchen to the rest of the house and eliminating “cook isolation”, relocating back-stairs so that a windowless wall could be opened to eastern sun light, improving traffic flow so that entertaining is a joy, introducing a half bath onto our first floor that of course looks original but never existed, designing a carriage house that complements the house and provides so much garden storage that it is the envy of the neighborhood. Not only was Joe accessible and easy to work with during construction, he has remained a trusted resource for design questions we continue to have; from the placement of exterior stone walls relative to the house to the right scale for interior lights. Our family has lived in this house for over 25 years now and it is hard to describe the impact the design has had on our lives, from the lifetime of holiday memories celebrated in generous rooms to the daily beauty of sunlight moving across old wood. We feel very fortunate to have had Joe’s guidance in caring for this treasure. **★★★★★ — carolandre, Oct. 2013** > Our experience working with Joe Metzler on our South Minneapolis home kitchen project was as positive as could be. > > We purchased the house, a 1923 American Foursquare, back in 1992. The house showed some typical wear and tear and had gone through more than a few questionable "updates" - including, but not limited to, the stucco having been painted with white latex that was now blistering and a trim color we could only surmise to be "fried egg yellow." Aesthetics aside, "the bones" of the structure were in remarkable shape. We fell in love with it - faults and all. > > When house-hunting the things we had wanted in our home were: > > 1\) a nice kitchen (Andre is really, really, good cook) > 2\) a fireplace > 3\) natural woodwork > > We soon discovered (as most young couples ultimately do) that getting all those things would have meant purchasing a home out of our price range. So, we agreed that as time went on, we would address what the home lacked; a fireplace, a decent kitchen, traditional storm windows, and an exterior that looked more faithful to its heritage. > > The woodwork was in pretty good shape. Only the upstairs trim had been painted and, by expending a little elbow grease and a lot of Summer evenings, we eventually brought all of it back to its original look. > > But, the fact remained that the kitchen, once poorly updated in the 70's, was failing rapidly. The fireplace we had so often longed for, was still not a reality. And, added to this was a new desire - we really wanted a first floor bathroom. We considered moving, but quickly came to the consensus that we really just loved the place. > > Enter, Joe Metzler… > > Joe shared our vision of maintaining an original look with modern updates, and created a space and look that was beyond our expectations. He worked with us meticulously, thoughtfully and patiently (we started and stopped the project a couple of different times due to life circumstances). And, despite the variables thrown his way, he maintained a sense of humor and perspective. > > We decided to turn our old kitchen into a 3/4-bath (that's how small it was), and we added a 12' x 21' space onto the back of the house - which became our new kitchen. We talked about trying to incorporate a fireplace into the design. Then dropped the idea. Then revived it again. And from those lengthy discussions, Joe designed a gorgeous Inglenook with a gas fireplace that we use from early fall to summer (which in Minnesota, accounts for a good portion of the year)! It's a cozy, comfortable space - that seats four, or, two - stretched out - reading, knitting, playing guitar and having a glass of wine… or two. It's also a favorite spot for the dog as he sprawls out in front of the fire across our feet or nuzzles into us on the bench. We all spend a lot of time in the 'nook. It's an integral part of the kitchen space without being "in the way" of the prep and cooking zones. > > Using beautiful natural materials like oak, soapstone, and handmade ceramic tiles, high-end appliances, and a subcontractor who's cabinetry work is second-to-none, Joe designed the space in our home that we use daily, spend most of our time in, and in which we simply love to hang out. > > The process Joe uses is informative, educational, friendly, straight-forward and very clearly laid out. No misunderstandings. Joe's approach is thoughtful, and if problems arise - he's about finding solutions. When we ran into a surprising issue with an inspector, Joe (and the contractor as well) focused on getting answers and went above-and-beyond to help us make an adjustment to the plan work. > > We love Joe's style - both in terms of building design, and his work approach. He is open, honest, friendly, and very patient with people who don't speak "architect." > > We would, without hesitation, recommend Joe Metzler, and would hire him again in a second to work on any other project that would require an architect's deft hand and keen eye. **★★★★★ — salbr5009, Oct. 2013** > Our experience with Joe was above our expectations. > > We started with a somewhat complicated and specific request for an addition to our ranch house including a partial second floor and a terrace along the entire back of the house leading to a lap pool. The existing home also needed an almost complete overhaul down to the studs. We also requested the home to be energy efficient. The house is in Michigan so that was another wrinkle. > > Joe came up with a wonderfully creative design which gives us enough space but is in keeping with “the not so big house” concept and retains the mid-century character. His expertise in energy conservation delivered as our house was amazingly cool all summer long without AC. Our home is beautiful and comfortable. > > Renovations can be stressful, but dealing with Joe is not. He was flexible in offering us as little or as much architectural service as we wanted. He was easily available for meetings, last minute phone calls as issues arose and was very helpful in giving us options for low vs higher budget options for windows, stone work, cabinets, appliances, and such. ## Selected projects - [Rosehill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rosehill-pj-vj~582369) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: Rosehill steps down from the top of a wooded hill with a total of 4 levels. A walk-out terrace level and tuck-under garage is located below the main level and a partial sub-basement with a “rough play” room under the garage is located below the terrace level. There is a private yard off the terrace level and an upper terrace above the garage with each having wooded views. The home’s design is influenced by the English and American Arts and Crafts Movements. LEED for Homes certification is expect… - [DeWitt Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dewitt-lake-house-pj-vj~334776) - Location: Maple Plain Township, WI - Photos: 12 - Description: All major interior spaces are arranged to take advantage of wooded lake views. In addition to the strong visual connection to the outdoors, the first two levels provide easy access to outdoor spaces including a cantilevered terrace with a treehouse feel. There is also a French balcony from the master suite on the top floor. The exterior provides a contrast to the natural surroundings through form and some industrial materials, while also incorporating natural materials. Project done while a prin… - [Crafthouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crafthouse-pj-vj~335524) - Location: Mound, MN - Photos: 13 - Description: This formerly nondescript 1970s split-level was transformed inside and out to reflect the Arts and Crafts aesthetic. Rooflines were modified and a new entrance porch replaced an uninviting entrance. Windows and siding were also replaced. On the main level, ceilings were dropped in the entrance and hall. A tent ceiling was created to define the living and dining areas, and a coffered art glass ceiling over the kitchen filters light from an existing skylight. Piers were used to provide privacy fro… - [Shavlik House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shavlik-house-pj-vj~1083880) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This new “old” home is designed to fit in with the historic homes in the neighborhood. The central two-story great room with views to White Bear Lake provides a perfect setting for entertaining. However there are plenty of cozy and intimate spaces for hanging out or for a family member to curl up and read a book. The home includes an elevator and accessible bath connected to a main level bedroom to accommodate the owners into old age. Additional architectural features include a double barrel vau… - [Nickels / Byrd Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nickels-byrd-residence-pj-vj~335516) - Location: Plymouth, MN - Photos: 3 - Description: A landmark but deteriorated 1949 International Style home suffered from small rooms, a minimally functional kitchen and bathrooms and dated finishes. The existing main level was expanded to create a master suite and additional space for the kitchen, laundry, dining room and a grand piano. Upstairs, the space was also reworked to create a family room and bedroom suite. All major spaces have lake views. Most finishes were updated in a way that was sensitive to the original house. Project done whil… - [Liepke Addition / Remodeling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/liepke-addition-remodeling-pj-vj~334783) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 10 - Description: A two-story addition now connects this 1915 Prairie Style home with the formerly detached garage. The addition incorporates a new kitchen, casual dining area, entry hall, rebuilt pantry, half bath and new stair hall on the main level. The kitchen/casual dining area is the centerpiece of the addition. A decorative ceiling treatment unifies the room while cabinets and a change in level define functional areas in the Prairie School tradition. The front porch was also converted to year-round use wit… - [Konstan House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/konstan-house-pj-vj~346668) - Location: St. Paul, MN - Photos: 4 - Description: Located in St. Paul’s Historic Hill Heritage Preservation District, this new home replaces a concrete block residence from the 1950s that didn’t fit the district’s period of significance. On the main level, the street side of the house has a traditional arrangement of a center entry hall flanked by a living room and dining room. However, the rear half of the main level opens up inside, as well as to the outside terrace through the use of extensive glazing and French doors. Project done while a p… - [Kirkman Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kirkman-master-bath-pj-vj~334815) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 5 - Description: A main floor master suite was created in a unique Sears bungalow by reconfiguring three existing bedrooms and a small bath. The enlarged bathroom was reorganized by creating alcoves for tub, shower and toilet off of a central space. Paneling reflecting the character of the living and dining rooms was combined with custom tile. Project done while a principal with SALA Architects, Inc. - [Taylor Addition & Carriage House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/taylor-addition-and-carriage-house-pj-vj~334821) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 6 - Description: A deteriorating addition to this historic home originally designed by Harry Wild Jones was replaced with a slightly larger addition. Downstairs is a new kitchen, breakfast room and half bath. Upstairs, a laundry room, exercise room and covered porch were added. The new carriage house mimics the form of the residence and provides an upstairs workshop with on-grade access from the rear. Project done while at SALA Architects, Inc. - [Stainless steel meets traditional Craftsman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stainless-steel-meets-traditional-craftsman-pj-vj~1240591) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: In their third remodel with us, this young family wanted to update their craftsman bungalow kitchen. The existing kitchen already opened up into the dining room from one of our previous renovations. However, the kitchen still lacked adequate counter space and attractive, functional storage. This project started with an aesthetic compromise– he wanted a stainless steel kitchen, she wanted a more traditional style. The final result has modern lines and smooth surfaces, combined with natural variat… - [Isles Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/isles-transformation-pj-vj~1480629) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Lakeside Georgian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-georgian-pj-vj~303945) - Location: White Bear Lake, MN - Photos: 13 - [Prairie School Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prairie-school-kitchen-pj-vj~1256123) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: This kitchen remodel and rear addition is part of what used to be a wonderful old prairie school house. The existing contemporary kitchen with white melamine cabinets was not fitting to the house’s original charm. The new kitchen features quarter sawn white oak cabinets which draw from the original trim and cabinetry throughout the rest of the house. The beautiful art glass panel on the window over the sink was hand made by the homeowner. - [City View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/city-view-pj-vj~2321195) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 8 - Description: Project done while a principal with SALA Architects, Inc. - [West Isles Colonial - Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis, MN](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-isles-colonial-lake-of-the-isles-minneapolis-mn-pj-vj~50951) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 10 - Description: Winner of a 2011 ROMA, 2011 Chrysalis and 2010 COTY Award, this formidable 2010 Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase home originally lacked a connected kitchen/family space, family dining area and mudroom. Additionally, the family hoped to remodel the kitchen, kid’s bath and laundry room as well as create a home gym and new bedroom for their infant daughter. Working with local architect Joseph G. Metzler, an extensive, three-story colonial addition was created on a site that lacked accessibility… [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joseph-metzler-pfvwus-pf~151005971) ## Ideabooks - [Back Carlson](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/132545449/list/back-carlson) — 5 ideas - [Main FLoor Bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103561766/list/main-floor-bath) — 1 idea - [cove at range hood](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/80630041/list/cove-at-range-hood) — 3 ideas - [Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74586282/list/bedroom) — 10 ideas - [Office](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74588167/list/office) — 1 idea - [Dining Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66490206/list/dining-room) — 13 ideas - [Guy/Prosser](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51691285/list/guy-prosser) — 7 ideas - [My West Isles Project](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19367216/list/my-west-isles-project) — 8 ideas - [Nickels / Byrd Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19365978/list/nickels-byrd-residence) — 3 ideas [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jgmetzler) ## Community Q&A **Q: Who is the manufacturer of the tiles?** *(in Photo Questions)* None. A: Tiles were custom made by North Prairie TIleworks (http://www.handmadetile.com). **Q: What is the sink counter top?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: As I recall it was polished granite. Honed soapstone would also work nicely. **Q: measurements of doorways etc** *(in Photo Questions)* I have an existing bathroom and i'd like to remodel to similar dimensions. what are these? A: We designed both and they were build by a custom cabinet maker. **Q: lighting** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello - I love this fixture. Can you tell me where you purchased it? A: I'm so sorry but since it has been over 20 years I no longer remember or can find the info. It's possible I can't find it because that fixture may actually be antique. However there is something similar at <https://brasslightgallery.com/lighting/mounting-sconces-mirror-great-solution-tight-space>. **Q: Wonderful exterior colors!** *(in Photo Questions)* Any way to know what they were? A: Colors were selected during construction and I haven't been able to locate a record of what they were. I can tell you that Sherwin Williams Duration paint was used on the trim and Sherwin Williams Woodscapes stain was used on the shingle siding. You might be able to identify the colors by looking at those samples. **Q: fire place** *(in Photo Questions)* what material is the fire place made of A: It is custom tile made by North Prairie Tileworks (http://www.houzz.com/pro/northprairie/north-prairie-tileworks-inc). --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*