--- title: "Molinelli Designs — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/molinelli-designs-pfvwus-pf~2013818843 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2013818843.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Molinelli Designs" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5203f97d022de944_1352-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Columbia, Maryland 21046, United States" latitude: 39.1702 longitude: -76.8538 phone: "(410) 419-5548" website: https://www.RemodelingProfessor.com rating: 5 review_count: 4 followers: 50 last_updated: 2026-11-13 --- # Molinelli Designs Original Houzz profile: [Molinelli Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/molinelli-designs-pfvwus-pf~2013818843) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Columbia, MD - **Serves:** Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Ellicott City, Severn, Odenton, Catonsville, Hanover, Laurel, West Elkridge, South Laurel, Ilchester, Fairland, North Laurel, Elkridge, Arbutus, Beltsville, Maryland City, Calverton, Cloverly, White Oak, Kemp Mill, Colesville, Fort Meade, Jessup, Burtonsville, Linthicum, Fort George G Mead Junction, Lansdowne, Ft George G Meade, Savage, Ashton-Sandy Spring, Riverside, Fulton, Hillandale, West Laurel, Gambrills, Spencerville, Highland, Trial, Annapolis Junction, Ashton, Brinklow, Clarksville, Harmans, Linthicum Heights, Millersville, Sandy Spring, West Friendship - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (4 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - 250 Ideabook Saves I am a licensed residential architect and remodeling expert with more than 30 years of experience. I'm also a former college professor and a bestselling author. They call me the Remodeling Professor. Everybody deserves a home they love and are proud to show off. And I believe it shouldn't be so difficult to plan and coordinate a remodeling project that meets your needs and leaves you smiling. But when it comes to remodeling, people worry about everything: the cost, making mistakes, material selections, their choice of remodeler, getting ripped off, and even if they will be able to handle it all. No wonder remodeling seems so stressful! That's why I help homeowners get the results they deserve. Get honest answers to the tough remodeling questions and eliminate your stress. You can avoid costly mistakes, ruined projects, and shattered dreams. Whether we consult 1-on-1, you use my bestselling books, or take my online remodeling classes -- you will be ready to fall in love with your home all over again. ### Services Provided - Budgeting - Interviewing References - Interviewing Remodelers - Project Planning & Preparation - Remodeling Education - Selecting Remodelers - Understanding Remodeler TYPES - Understanding Remodeling Contracts ### Areas Served - Baltimore - Columbia - Silver Spring - Ellicott City - Severn - Odenton - Catonsville - Hanover - Laurel - West Elkridge - South Laurel - Ilchester - Fairland - North Laurel - Elkridge - Arbutus - Beltsville - Maryland City - Calverton - Cloverly - White Oak - Kemp Mill - Colesville - Fort Meade - Jessup - Burtonsville - Linthicum - Fort George G Mead Junction - Lansdowne - Ft George G Meade - Savage - Ashton-Sandy Spring - Riverside - Fulton - Hillandale - West Laurel - Gambrills - Spencerville - Highland - Trial - Annapolis Junction - Ashton - Brinklow - Clarksville - Harmans - Linthicum Heights - Millersville - Sandy Spring - West Friendship ### Typical Job Cost $10,000 - 500,000 I help homeowners plan and coordinate the improvements they need without the stress and costly mistakes... so they once again have a home they love and are proud to show off. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Molinelli Designs | | Address | Columbia, Maryland 21046, United States | | Phone | (410) 419-5548 | | Website | https://www.RemodelingProfessor.com | | License Number | 7277 | | Followers on Houzz | 50 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/RemodelingProfessor - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/Remodeling\_Prof - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmolinelli/ - Blog — https://www.RemodelingProfessor.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Molinelli Designs](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/molinelli-designs-pfvwus-pf~2013818843) - **Website:** https://www.RemodelingProfessor.com - **Phone:** (410) 419-5548 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Maryland Governor’s Citation for Meritorious Public Service in Remodeling (2006)My original architectural designs have won more than 50 Awards of Distinction fromMICA and HBAM including a Project of the Year Award, 34 Remodeler of the Year Awards, and 13 Awards of Excellence. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 4 reviews** ### All 4 reviews **★★★★★ — cbodziak, March 2015** > Jim worked with us on a redesign and expansion that encompassed half of our first floor, including the kitchen, mudroom, laundry room and the creation of a family room area off the kitchen. I met Jim when he was teaching a "Prepare to Remodel Your Home" class offered by the local community college. I took the class hoping to learn about the process, having very limited experience with major home improvement projects. Jim inspired such confidence in me that my husband and I hired him to design our dream project! We worked together for the better part of a year getting my dream on paper as a realistic design. I knew what I wanted, and Jim used his years of experience to improve on my ideas. His patience and good humor know no bounds! Now that my dream is a reality, not a day goes by that I am not reminded of our good fortune in finding the right designer. My friends are amazed at the change in our home. I have recommended Jim to friends, some of whom have hired him for their own projects, and look forward to working with him again if we do another home improvement. **Comment from Molinelli Designs:** > Thanks so much Rick and Caroline! The goal every time a student or client remodels is that they can say, every day they use their "new" space: "I am SO GLAD I did this project". And credit always goes to a well prepared, smart, involved client without whom I could not tailor an excellent, custom solution! **★★★★★ — gabrielbiggabe, March 2015** > great service great prices great work and my backyard looks wonderful. Beautiful is all i can say, thank you so much. **★★★★★ — flywheel1, Feb. 2015** > A few years ago my wife and I inherited a house that was built in the 1970's. The house was in a nice location, but the kitchen and family room were rather small and the house didn't have very much light inside. We were considering remodeling, but weren't sure what was possible, given the details of our lot. Fortunately, we met Jim Molinelli through the remodeling seminar that he teaches at Howard Community College. We were impressed with his knowledge and experience, and began working with him to design an addition that would create a more modern floor plan for our house. > > We worked with Jim over the course of several months as he patiently explored with us the changes we wanted to make. He proposed some initial designs and listened to our thoughts. Then he carefully guided us as to various ways to achieve our functional goals for the house. As the scope of our project evolved over time, Jim had the knowledge and experience to accurately estimate the costs involved with the design. We were particularly impressed with his practical knowledge of kitchen design. His layout for the cabinets and has turned out to be very functional and handsome, and he created a recess for a standard size refrigerator, giving us the look of a built-in at a much lower cost. The design also included a new, spacious living room with a vaulted ceiling and a fireplace. The kitchen, living room, and master bath designs included large windows that brought in the view of nature and solved the problem of our house being too dark. > > Jim's help was also invaluable during the construction process. He worked with the county to draw up plans for the new septic system, and he worked closely with the builder when an occasional engineering question arose. This ensured that the project moved along and stayed on schedule. > > Jim's patience, creativity, and gentle humor made it a pleasure to work with him. The final design was innovative, modern, and very comfortable. The project was completed in 2012, and we continue to be extremely pleased with the results. We wholeheartedly recommend Molinelli Designs to anyone who is considering a home building or remodeling project. **Comment from Molinelli Designs:** > Thank you so much Gary & Ann! I can design excellent rooms, but an excellent project design always takes an involved, educated client, who takes the time to go through the remodeling design process with me. It takes time to learn the benefits of one solution over another and to assess its practical ramifications. This is not a race, and knee-jerk decisions are often wrong. In your case - time allowed us all to see possibilites and solutions that were not possible when we first met. Options opened up along the way that made for a lovely, custom, successful solution for your family home. Thank you for your continued friendship and your kind words! **★★★★★ — kenjiprice2010, Feb. 2015** > My wife and I bought a home that was in serious need of remodeling. She had met Jim Molinelli at seminar and was impressed by his professional manner and knowledge of home design remodeling. So we contacted Jim to help us redeisgn the entire inside of our home. > > After our first meeting, we knew he was going to deliver. Our home had vaulted ceilings in the family room and master bedroom. As he exited our home, he said that he would open up the entire living area and remove the drop ceilings in the front entrance, living room, dinning room, and kitchen. We told him to move forward with that in his design. We were presented with floor plan changes and CAD images of what our home will look like once completed. Today we have finally finished our home and we are more than pleased. We have a few parties since our home was completed and our friends and guests are very impressed with the end result. Its looks like it could be feature in a magazine. > > Jim made himself available throughout the remodel process, met with our general contractor, and provided detailed design that was easy enough for our contractors (both for demolition and rebuilding) to follow. > > We are quite pleased with his work and professionalism and would use him again if we had a need. To bad he does not do landscape design as would would have loved to see what he would have designed for the exterior. > > Resident in Woodbine MD **Comment from Molinelli Designs:** > Thank you Peter and Mirka! Your home is a very unique canvas, and you are both very vibrant people willing to do something fun and exciting! It was a pleasure to see this solution evolve as we wenth through the process. I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the new layout daily. Isn't that why we remodel in the first place? A custom solution that improves our daily life and delights us at the same time? ## Selected projects - [Remodel Without Going Bonkers or Broke](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/remodel-without-going-bonkers-or-broke-pj-vj~2781814) - Location: Columbia, MD - Photos: 4 - Description: Jim Molinelli spent decades helping homeowners achieve remodeling success with his designs (many shown here on Houzz). He won remodeling design awards and Governor's Citations for his work. Now he teaches homeowners HOW TO REMODEL properly through his series of products "Remodel Without Going Bonkers or Broke"! The paperback won the 2017 International Gold Medal award in Crafts & Home, and is an Amazon \#1 Bestseller ($23.95 list price). It will save homeowners 100 times that cost if the simple m… - [Ellicott City Whole House Remodel and Addition '13](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ellicott-city-whole-house-remodel-and-addition-13-pj-vj~902168) - Location: Marriottsville, MD - Photos: 19 - Description: The Owners took my "Preparing to Remodel" class, and then proceeded successfully to tackle this whole house remodeling project! This 1978 custom home needed a MAJOR addition and remodel to go along with a complete facelift. As they age in place, the Owners wanted a new accessible lower level entry off the driveway, and elevator to make navigating the house simple for many years. The staircase was removed from inside the house and placed in the new entry tower next to the elevator. Because the st… - [Mudroom Cubby Built-in](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mudroom-cubby-built-in-pj-vj~905778) - Location: Glenwood, MD - Photos: 2 - Description: This family needed a way to contain and control all the paraphanalia the kids bring in each day. Since the family typically entered through the garage, there was no transition space between garage and kitchen. So a new "mudroom" entry was made, and this cubby storage solution was designed and constructed to catch everything as the kids enter each trip. There's seating for shoe and boot changing, and a storage drawer to contain shoes without visible mess. Hanging and storage space for nearly ever… - [Ellicott City Master Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ellicott-city-master-bath-pj-vj~883521) - Location: Ellicott City, MD - Photos: 5 - Description: Another award-winning Master Bathroom remodel where an unused tub and far-too-small shower were combined to allow for the walk-in super shower. The color palette was derived from the patio stone colors outside the windows of this room. The custom vanity includes two stations, each with copious drawer storage and an above counter toiletries cabinet and concealed lighting over the framed mirrors. The vaulted ceiling was expanded across the entire bathroom. Won the Remodeler of the Year Award for B… - [Ellicott City Custom Kitchen '13](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ellicott-city-custom-kitchen-13-pj-vj~883778) - Location: Ellicott City, MD - Photos: 8 - Description: Another award-winning Kitchen project. This one was part of a whole house remodel in Ellicott City, Maryland. The Kitchen and Living Space was expanded dramatically making room for the gourmet kitchen, family room, island and table eating, home office, laundry, mudroom and powder room. The kitchen is state of the art with stone tops, custom cabinetry, stainless appliances, under cabinet lighting, extra circulation space, non-conflicting work space layout, raised island eating, subway tile backsp… - [Columbia Contemporary Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/columbia-contemporary-remodel-pj-vj~854468) - Location: Columbia, MD - Photos: 16 - Description: A award-winning whole-house makeover/addition/remodel to a contemporary mid-century home in Columbia, MD. A second floor 1200 sf addition made way for the new Master Suite with lake views and copious amounts of natural light in the bedroom and bathroom. The Master Bath has a luxury two-person super shower and his and hers vanity setups. The SOK tub allows bathing, meditation and lake views. The custom kitchen (done in the colors of the Owner's fraternity/sorority) has a walk-in pantry, custom pa… - [Columbia Whole House Remodel & Addition 2014](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/columbia-whole-house-remodel-and-addition-2014-pj-vj~883804) - Location: Columbia, MD - Photos: 11 - Description: This Columbia house was remodeled throughout. A two story addition houses a guest suite and a vaulted ceilinged Sunroom. A new deck for grilling and eating was constructed outside the Sunroon and Dining Room. The kitchen was fully remodeled, as were the foyer and the enlarged Master Bathroom. The staircase railings were replaced with custom railings and new cast iron picketts, and the main floors were changed from carpet to hardwood. On the exterior, New exterior doors were installed, and new wi… - [Ellicott City Kitchen Remodel 2005](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ellicott-city-kitchen-remodel-2005-pj-vj~854497) - Location: Ellicott City, MD - Photos: 5 - Description: This Kitchen addition/transformation was part of an award-winning whole house remodeling. A seven foot addition behind the original house added enough space to for this amazing kitchen transformation. A bay window at the sink, and a window seat near the DR doorway fill the kitchen with natural light. The incredible island has stool seating, and serious working and prep areas too. The permanent table with matching granite and condiment nook is done in the kitchen style as well. Copious pantry sto… - [Annapolis BR Suite - 2nd Floor Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/annapolis-br-suite-2nd-floor-addition-pj-vj~854449) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 9 - Description: In a nutshell, this was a second floor addition of a bedroom suite for their young daughter. A very large Bedroom was added above the home office and kitchen pantry. The suite was built in a formerly attic space, exposed over the pool and patio, with water views. Access was from an existing stair landing to another upper level BR Suite (for the son). The award-winning bathroom design includes a sunken, jetted tub. The walk-in doorless tile shower has a serpentine glass block wall along with a pe… - [Columbia Sunroom Addition '12](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/columbia-sunroom-addition-12-pj-vj~905785) - Location: Columbia, MD - Photos: 7 - Description: The owners found that they underused their deck between weather extremes, bugs, cicadas and the like. So a patio for outdoor dining and a sunroom became the desire. The big question was to connect or disconnect from the house? I had them integrate the two, to the extent that we ran house HVAC and opened the new room to the kitchen and family areas. This made the use of the new room seamless. It's still the "remote oasis" for relaxation that they envisioned, but not having doors and windows betwe… - [Catonsville Kitchen Remodel 2010](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/catonsville-kitchen-remodel-2010-pj-vj~854476) - Location: Catonsville, MD - Photos: 6 - Description: An award-winning kitchen gut and remodel with a new super-island that combines sink, dishwasher, stool seating, wine storage and protected cooking space. The open views to the front yard and Family Rooms give great vistas and loads of natural light. Colors blend and contrast with elegance. Remodeler of the Year award winner for Kitchens in 2010. Remodeler: ARDO Contracting Inc. Photos: Copyright Alain Jaramillo - [Columbia Kitchen/FR Addition 2012](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/columbia-kitchen-fr-addition-2012-pj-vj~856171) - Location: Clarksville, MD - Photos: 9 - Description: The new Kitchen and Family Room (and a full Laundry and Screened Porch) were added on to the original house as part of an award-winning whole home remodel. The open plan design allows light and views in and through all the rooms. The contemporary lines and vaulted FR veiling with exposed beams delight the Owners and their guests. Hardwood floors throughout the first level bring an attractive warmth. The custom kitchen allows multiple cooks and guests to comfortably inhabit the same space at the… - [Columbia Galley Kitchen Remodel 2014](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/columbia-galley-kitchen-remodel-2014-pj-vj~883829) - Location: Columbia, MD - Photos: 4 - Description: This Columbia galley/island kitchen won the 2014 Remodeler of the Year award for Kitchens due to it's uber economical layout and cost. Bang for the buck is personified here. Everything necessary is in easy reach in this cute as a button kitchen with great natural light, views and an open plan layout. Counter eating at the mega island adds extra concenience. Even storage is plentiful with both island cabinets and built-in pantry/microwave access past the refrigerator. Done on a tight budget, savi… - [Clarksville Addition and Remodel 2012](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clarksville-addition-and-remodel-2012-pj-vj~1442048) - Location: Clarksville, MD - Photos: 11 - Description: A whole house remodel where the new Family Room and award-winning Kitchen were added to this Clarksville, Maryland home. The addition and remodel also freed up space "inside" the original home for the Dining Room and Laundry Room. This project won the Remodeler of the Year award for Interior Remodeling in 2012. Remodeler: ARDO Contracting Inc. Photos: Copyright Alain Jaramillo [See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/molinelli-designs-pfvwus-pf~2013818843) ## Ideabooks - [First Ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57592198/list/first-ideabook) — 1 idea - [Cubbies/Mudroom Built-ins](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47133843/list/cubbies-mudroom-built-ins) — 22 ideas - [Nifty Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57591894/list/nifty-kitchen-ideas) — 1 idea - [Nifty ideas I like](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39456019/list/nifty-ideas-i-like) — 36 ideas - [Help Molinelli Designs Grow](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44354490/list/help-molinelli-designs-grow) — 2 ideas [See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jim-molinelli) ## Community Q&A **Q: Who did windows** *(in Photo Questions)* I have similar windows and sheets of glass that need replacing A: Karen, Most window manufacturers will do the standard doors and windows, but either not do, or do only selected custom shaped windows and oversized windows. So talking to the "name brands" may prove fruitless. There are two avenues to pursue. One is to go to a source that orders and distributes multiple brands of windows and glazing - supply/lumberyards. These ARE NOT big box stores (Home Depot, Menards, Lowes), but smaller independent sellers of multiple lines of products. These type places cater to homebuilders and remodelers and not typically the public, so they are often in touch with the types of manufacturers you need for your custom sizes/shapes as well as the more traditional windows and doors. That's source number one. This would be the best bet since they can probably help you with all the doors and windows even if they come from a couple of different manufacturers they can be on one order. They can also put you in touch with installers they know and trust who do this type of work regularly. DO NOT default to local remodelers and handymen who do additions and new homes - you want a window and door installation specialists. You'll get expertise, swifter installation, and save money this way. The 2nd option is to go to a glazier or glass manufacturer that is local. They replace glass in windows all the time, and some may manufacture custom shapes and sizes as you need. They are not to make your standard doors and windows - those can come from any major manufacturer or even the brand currently used in the home. Don't have them reglaze or make custom doors and standard windows, this would only be for the specialty shapes and oversized units. BTW, if your fixed windows have rot or problems with the frames as well as the glass - then DO NOT USE THIS METHOD. You want to install new windows with jambs and frames if there is any frame separation or rot. **Q: Great wall storage system -- is it a custom build?** *(in Photo Questions)* Its just what I need in my home -- is that a wall unit I can buy somewhere? A: At the time this project was built, it was still a custom product, but as Carol mentions above - it is available now through the big-box retailers in 4x8 panels with all kinds of hardware for hanging and suspending almost anything in almost any room. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Proslat-32-sq-ft-Wall-Panel-and-Hook-Kit-Bundle-in-White-30-Piece-33008/205155045?cm\_mmc=Shopping%7cTHD%7cG%7c0%7cG-BASE-PLA-D59-Storage&Organization%7c&gclid=CInSxdqEy9QCFZRXDQod1pkGyA&gclsrc=aw.ds **Q: Glass canopy** *(in Photo Questions)* Was this built custom, or is there a source for the hardware you can recommend? A: We welded the supports to a steel beam behind the face trim, and the glass is held in place by its own weight and 2 silicone pads on top of each steel support. It's a fully custom solution. **Q: Our new bathroom** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the dimensions of this bathroom? A: The entire room is about 10'-3" x 14'. The shower (behind the stone wall) is 3'-7" x 10'-3". --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-13.*