--- title: "Defined by Design — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/defined-by-design-pfvwus-pf~1763950451 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1763950451.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Defined by Design" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/6ff309640818dc5d_7203-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "4444 Morrison Rd., Unit 5, Denver, Colorado 80219, United States" latitude: 39.6956 longitude: -105.0341 phone: "(720) 583-3722" website: http://www.definedbydesign.builders rating: 4.9 review_count: 27 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 17 last_updated: 2026-08-13 --- # Defined by Design Original Houzz profile: [Defined by Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/defined-by-design-pfvwus-pf~1763950451) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Denver, CO - **Serves:** Denver, Indian Creek, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Southglenn, Ken Caryl, Englewood, Wheat Ridge, Columbine, Sherrelwood, Golden, Greenwood Village, Federal Heights, Lone Tree, Berkley, Applewood, Cherry Hills Village, Sheridan, West Pleasant View, Edgewater, Meridian, Glendale, Genesee, Acres Green, Columbine Valley, Bow Mar, Mountain View, North Washington, Morrison, East Pleasant View, Lakeside, Jefferson County - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (27 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2018–2024), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Family owned - References available Defined by Design is a design-build and remodeling firm serving the Denver Metro Area since 2011. We specialize in taking your vision and ideas and turning them into reality, and helping develop that vision when it may not be so clear! Whether it's a small project or large one, we believe that having a good design that takes into account cost, function, and appearance is the best path to long-term happiness with your project. As a small firm we are able to actually get to know our clients, their needs and desires, and provide a product that is uniquely adapted to their situation and space. ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - Bathroom Remodeling - General Contracting - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Extensions - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Deck Building - Basement Remodeling - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Garage Building - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Porch Design & Construction - Multigenerational Homes - Energy-Efficient Homes - House Framing - Attic Conversion - Tiny House Construction - Workshop Design & Construction - Shed Design & Construction ### Areas Served - Denver - Indian Creek - Aurora - Lakewood - Arvada - Westminster - Centennial - Highlands Ranch - Littleton - Southglenn - Ken Caryl - Englewood - Wheat Ridge - Columbine - Sherrelwood - Golden - Greenwood Village - Federal Heights - Lone Tree - Berkley - Applewood - Cherry Hills Village - Sheridan - West Pleasant View - Edgewater - Meridian - Glendale - Genesee - Acres Green - Columbine Valley - Bow Mar - Mountain View - North Washington - Morrison - East Pleasant View - Lakeside - Jefferson County ### Typical Job Cost $75,000 - 2 million Typical costs from Kitchen Remodel to New Custom Home/Full Renovation ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Defined by Design | | Address | 4444 Morrison Rd., Unit 5, Denver, Colorado 80219, United States | | Phone | (720) 583-3722 | | Website | http://www.definedbydesign.builders | | License Number | Multiple-Denver Metro | | Followers on Houzz | 17 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Defined by Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/defined-by-design-pfvwus-pf~1763950451) - **Website:** http://www.definedbydesign.builders - **Phone:** (720) 583-3722 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - BBB A+ Rating - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2018–2024), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 27 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 49.0 - Communication: 47.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Molly Rich, May 2023** > We feel so lucky to have been referred to Justin and his team by our neighbors. We had bad experiences meeting with other contractors, but Justin was professional, knowledgeable, and innovative. Defined by Design helped us completely remodel our kitchen and three bathrooms. We will be hiring them again in the future for more work. Justin was able to come up with innovative solutions for problems we faced with storage and spacing. He built on our ideas and made them even better! Justin built us our dream, and then some. The customization available was beyond what we could have imagined. We would recommend Justin and his team without hesitation **★★★★★ — Kelly Ensminger, Jan. 2023** > Justin was instrumental in the success of our basement finish. He took our ideas and drawings and brought them to life. He was on board with our plan to reuse original wood and windows from previous projects. He used the wood as a fireplace surround and the windows as part of cubbies and a divider between rooms. He created the most talked about space in our house, a "speakeasy" of sorts. His attention to detail was paramount to the finished product being as spectacular as is it. In addition to his skill his integrity is bar none. Highly recommend. **★★★★★ — HU-795220877, Nov. 2022** > We recently finished a large remodel with Defined by Design, gutting our entire main floor. They helped us through the design process, giving us direction as we needed and working with us when we changed our minds. The timeline we were given was very accurate, which was really important to us, including how long it would take and when they could start. We stayed in budget for our project and didn’t hit any major roadblocks. If we did have issues during the construction phase, they were corrected. We lived in the house through the renovation and felt that our space was respected and felt space with the workers in our home. We are very pleased with the work and our house looks amazing. **★★★★★ — Everett Volk, Nov. 2022** > Defined by Design built a significant addition onto our 1926 bungalow in the Park Hill neighborhood in Denver. We had a superb experience with Defined by Design and its owner Justin Phelps, and would unreservedly recommend them to anyone looking for a custom home builder. The project was completed within a reasonable timeframe and very close to our original budget. I offer the following comments on our experience: > > Plan Design and Engineering > Justin’s plan design work is first class. Our architect assumed our foundation was solid. However, the excavation crew discovered a section with only an 18” deep foundation. Justin worked with the structural engineer to redesign the project, including a new roof line, new load-bearing elements and reconfigured interior wall. Justin successfully took this new design back through the permitting process without a hitch. The new design gave us an open, inviting space that the whole family loves. > > Project Planning and Budget > Justin offered a detailed initial bid that formed the basis for our budget. Justin closely tracked expenses and ensured no surprises. We came in roughly $30K over budget due to additional concrete costs to address the foundation, plus COVID-related increases in copper and lumber prices. After our cabinet company backed out, Justin also built custom cabinets within the amount budgeted in the allowances. The project did take several months longer than we expected, but Justin was up-front about timing, and communicated with us throughout the build. In the end, the project timeline was on par with other folks we know who undertook similar projects. > > Design Sensibility > Justin brings a fantastic design sensibility to his work. Thanks to him, our kitchen now includes amazing walnut and stone countertops, a coffee bar, exposed beams, and a salvaged brick veneer wall. Justin also designed and built a wonderful custom oak bathroom vanity. In short, Justin has a remarkable eye for detail, a keen design sensibility, an excellent imagination, and the ability to bring his ideas to fruition. The end result is both excellent and unique. > > Work Quality > The Defined by Design has a core crew of highly skilled craftsmen who are meticulous and take pride in their work, which is superb. Our cabinets, countertops, and trim work is outstanding. Additionally, Justin has fantastically skilled mason and stucco guys. Overall, the quality of the work on our house is unparalleled. We were somewhat disappointed in the work originally completed by his plaster and paint contractors, who were somewhat careless and paid little attention to detail. However, Justin's core crew ended up coming back and fixing most of the plaster issues, and my wife and I have done some touch-up painting, so the end result is great, albeit with extra work. > > Summary > We highly recommend Defined by Design and are certain you will end up with an amazing final project. **★★★★★ — jan248060, July 2022** > Defined by Design remodeled my kitchen. I am very pleased with the re-do. We struggled briefly with Covid. Through it all everyone was professional and maintained their high level of excellence. > Justin designed the unique back splash. It was created with tiles from 3 different colors. All who have seen it are impressed. My son made me a cutting board that I wanted to include in the kitchen. This was accomplished by constructing a custom roll out cabinet with the cutting board set into the top. To finish the kitchen the countertop is a waterfall pattern made of quartz. My prize. > Justin did the design and his folks carried them out. I definitely recommend Defined by Design and Justin Phelps quite highly. **★★★★★ — HU-436933960, Dec. 2021** > I recommend Defined By Design very highly. We worked with Justin and his team in the late fall of 2020 through the start of 2021. Our request was smaller than many of his projects and not clear cut but Justin swooped in and saved the day. He went the extra mile of researching and creating a less expensive and faster solution for the bathroom ADA problems we were facing. His team was easy to work with, especially Lance the manager of the project. Our hope is to do more extensive work on the apartment and we would want to contract with Justin and Defined by Design for sure. **★★★★★ — tidalforce, Aug. 2021** > Diamond in the Rough > There are just too many good things to say about Justin and his crew, but I will attempt to do some degree of justice with this review. We were looking to move and interested in houses that needed a little bit of work. Prior to purchasing a home I contacted 8-10 different contractors and Justin was the only one to return my call which already speaks volumes. I showed him the listings for a few of the houses we were interested in and he walked me through what could potentially be done along with a ballpark estimate. I’m not sure any other contractor would have taken the time to do this with a potential client. We were a bit hesitant to hire Justin as at the time he only had a few reviews online, but we were able to contact some of his references which gave glowing reviews. One reviewer was the son of a contractor and said his father was impressed with the work that Justin completed. > > The work Justin and his team performed was incredible. He worked with us on the design and provided input when appropriate. His years of experience helped us to avoid several pitfalls. The most amazing thing about him was his ability to see downstream effects. There were several times when we asked him to do something, and while he never denied the request, he did make us aware of how our request would negatively affect something we never even thought about. This guidance is a rare trait amongst contractors and we were grateful to have his insight. I would highly recommend Justin and plan on using him for future projects. **★★★★★ — Cathy Mccray, July 2021** > It was a pleasure working with Justin! We chose Defined By Design based on the work he did for our neighbor. He is professional, creative, and personable. While we had a vision for our interior remodel, we appreciated the guidance and input when it came to choosing items such as flooring, doors, carpet, countertops, etc. > > Justin's workers were also a pleasure to have in our home. They were friendly, and hard-working, and always cleaned up the work areas at the end of the day. The craftsmanship on the new stair railings and fireplace mantel is excellent. > > The completed remodel is gorgeous and has exceeded our expectations! **★★★★★ — HU-234719153, Jan. 2021** > We are very happy with the work completed by Defined by Design. Justin (owner) is very professional and listens to your requests and will also provide suggestions. He has an eye for design and his team is top notch. The bathroom and kitchen remodel has transformed our place. We expected a few hiccups. There a was bit of a delay on some items arriving on time (not an issues from Defined by Design). Justin was great about following up and making sure we were updated through out the process. **★★★★★ — roni, Oct. 2020** > After getting bids from 15 companies, I chose Justin for my project. He was, by far, the most professional, and detailed in his explanation of the task at hand and the cost associated with each part of the job. He explained each step from the permitting costs and timelines to completion. In addition to great communication, his bid was very competitive. Watching the work, we were impressed with the technical expertise each worker showed. They were all very careful in their respective jobs. I highly recommend working with Defined by Design and Justin. I look forward to collaborating with them again on my next project. Many thanks! **★★★★★ — Kimberly Outinen, Oct. 2020** > We just finished our first home renovation - the kitchen & living room - with Defined by Design and couldn't be happier. When selecting a contractor, Justin stood out as being the most prepared and trustworthy, and we felt the most comfortable with him. I gave Justin the designs I put together and he filled in the details - he even showed up with samples and an estimate for exactly what I was looking for. He talked us out of some things that weren't necessary and had really creative ideas that we would have never thought of. They got started very quickly and we loved the crew that was working on our house (shoutout to Joe & Lance!). Justin was a huge support when making selections for the projects - he had vendors for everything and even came with us to pick things out. They were so detailed in every project - especially the tile work in the kitchen. We found a few unexpected hiccups, as you plan to in every project, but overall Justin's estimate was extremely accurate and we didn't have any unexpected expenses come up that he hadn't brought up in the beginning. They stuck closely to the timeline given, there was just one custom project that took some extra time to figure out how to complete - our custom mantel with a shelf that drops down when we want the sound bar on for the TV. I would highly recommend, and have already referred, Defined by Design to anybody looking to renovate their home! **★★★★★ — Wayne Roo, Oct. 2020** > Justin took on the job of completely gutting and remodeling our condo’s bathroom. He and his team were great to work with, experienced/professional and delivered fabulous results. He suggested a number of ideas that truly enhanced the overall design and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Beautiful work! We have already asked Justin to help us with a big project on our new home. We trust him to be a great ally and produce the results we hope for! > > Wayne & Erica. ## Selected projects - [Homestead Farm II update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/homestead-farm-ii-update-pj-vj~6046090) - Location: Centennial, Colorado - Photos: 12 - Description: This home had a narrow and meandering layout that the owners wanted opened up for the purpose of hosting and adding light to the space. The finished basement kept us from opening the wall completely without a post, so we embraced the area and built a fully custom floating Walnut shelving feature with pass-through bar top there. There is built-in seating at the dining area and several new windows to let in light, a coffer ceiling with a wood finish and custom LED up lighting around the perimeter.… - [Hidden Lake Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hidden-lake-renovation-pj-vj~6339165) - Location: Westminster, CO - Photos: 6 - [King's Point Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/king-s-point-update-pj-vj~6339175) - Location: Centennial, CO - Photos: 9 - [Virginia Vale Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/virginia-vale-kitchen-pj-vj~3064455) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 8 - [Townhome Kitchen and Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/townhome-kitchen-and-master-bath-pj-vj~5856684) - Location: Littleton, CO - Photos: 9 - Description: This Littleton townhome already had a lot of great things going for it – great location, amazing views of the front range, and space to grow. But it was in dire need of some updates. We focused on renovating the main floor living space, kitchen, and powder room as well as the upstairs master bathroom. Cutting down the wall that separated the kitchen from the living/dining area not only opened everything up, but also allowed us to build in more counter space, move the oven into a more central are… - [Broadmoor Master Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/broadmoor-master-addition-pj-vj~5849787) - Location: Littleton, CO - Photos: 24 - [Englewood Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/englewood-loft-pj-vj~5856668) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 11 - Description: This space above a three car garage was being used by the owner as a recording studio prior to the finish; we converted it into a studio apartment with a rustic meets modern, Neo-Bohemian mood and full-size amenities despite many head height challenges! We also used a pile of old fence pickets and boards to trim the walls and ceilings, and to build a full-length LED up-and-down lit fixture that adds tons of light, color and character to the room. - [Wash Park Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wash-park-bar-pj-vj~5856700) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 14 - Description: This unique space was truly challenging and fun to design and finish! As a combination of an old cellar-height basement and new addition dug down adjacent, there were lots of layout challenges to begin with. The owner wanted to preserve the exposed brick foundation wall where possible, and build a new bar/living/office space with an open feel. The Murphy bed and cantilevered shelving at the office are bright and classic, while the bar just behind it has a dark and quiet feel with bright punches… - [Great Room Media Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/great-room-media-fireplace-pj-vj~5856675) - Location: Aurora, CO - Photos: 6 - Description: This update of a built-in media wall in the great room of an Aurora home turned a boring builder’s option media cabinet and fireplace into a dramatic and striking custom feature. With bespoke speaker grills and a matching hideaway door, the media items become part of a dramatic stone wall that wraps to include the angled fireplace. An “oh.” area becomes a “whoa!” feature piece with just a bit of skin and creativity. - [Strayers Park Hill Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/strayers-park-hill-addition-pj-vj~7176274) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: This fun modern contemporary remodel has several custom features that make it unique including custom walnut butcher block counters and hood vent, a built in mixer stand, a coffee and breakfast nook as well as walnut ceiling beams. The earth tones and textures within the wood and exposed brick paired with unique light fixtures and fun fabrics made this project one for the books. - [Park Lane Condo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-lane-condo-pj-vj~7170230) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: The Park Lane kitchen renovation included a custom neutral backsplash, quartz and custom butcher block counters as well as a mobile butcher cutting board and cabinet. The renovation was finished with polished nickel hardware and under cabinet lighting for a simple modern space. - [St. Paul Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/st-paul-kitchen-pj-vj~7178651) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: This open concept, main-floor renovation showcases a beautiful modern farmhouse look. The custom cabinetry including a built-in pantry with panel ready doors brings a simple elegance to the space. Finishes of glass, featured in the backsplash and lighting fixtures, contrast the black clad windows and hood vent to tie in a more glamorous feel. - [Wedgewood Main Level](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wedgewood-main-level-pj-vj~7178686) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 26 - Description: This main level renovation transformed the living room, kitchen and mudroom into an organic contemporary space. Matte black window replacements, marble countertops, new cabinetry and updated light fixtures transformed this project. A combination of mixed metal hardware & fixtures, engineered hardwood floors and a non-combustible shiplap mantle piece make this home truly unique and gorgeous! - [Tripp Ranch Redux](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tripp-ranch-redux-pj-vj~7058875) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Piney Creek Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/piney-creek-kitchen-pj-vj~6373451) - Location: Centennial, Colorado - Photos: 16 - Description: Update existing kitchen and media area for new homeowners - [Arapahoe Acres Update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arapahoe-acres-update-pj-vj~7060301) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Metro Lofts Bath update](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/metro-lofts-bath-update-pj-vj~6373446) - Location: Denver, Colorado - Photos: 2 - Description: Updating a full bath in modern open loft with exposed piping and slabs, convert tub to shower with bench and barn style sliding door - [Focused Pieces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/focused-pieces-pj-vj~6641193) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 3 [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/defined-by-design-pfvwus-pf~1763950451) ## Ideabooks - [Shelving](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127094698/list/shelving) — 1 idea [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/definedbydesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: What color was used for the cabinetry?** *(in Photo Questions)* Cabinet paint details - color and finish A: They are actually IKEA cabinets, factory color option with walnut added to dress them up a bit! **Q: what wood is used on the island top.** *(in Photo Questions)* I need to know the type of wood used on the island countertop and where it was purchased or how it was made A: It's a Walnut counter, handmade by professional carpenters on site --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*