Awad + Koontz Architects Builders

Jim and Ali were great to work with. They added just the perfect space to our home, and made it look like it had been there all along (since 1938 when the house was built). There were on time, and so great to work with, as were all their subs.

We recently finished a complete gut and remodel of our kitchen and family room in our turn of the century South Minneapolis home. All of the interior surfaces down to the studs, flooring, windows, exterior siding, in floor heating and high velocity AC were replaced or upgraded. Ali Awad and Jim Koontz walked us through the design process as we made many changes into construction. They had great suggestions and were always patient with us throughout. We were always kept up to date on the project progress with all of the subcontractor’s work being thoroughly reviewed by them. The subcontractors were top notch and we’ve received many compliments on the design and detail work from friends in the trades. Their pricing was fair and within their construction estimate. We had a fair amount of anxiety going into this, having dealt with other contractors in the past. However, they communicated regularly in person and by text/email, dealing into the many details throughout planning and construction setting us at ease. The end product exceeded our expectations. Thanks to Jim and Ali, we have a beautiful and cozy home as I write this in the family room next to the new fireplace on a subzero Minneapolis morning. We would use them again in a heartbeat and recommend them highly as professionals and individuals.

When we decided to remodel our 1919 South Minneapolis home, we knew exactly who would be perfect for the job. Awad + Koontz. We admired the work Jim and Ali had done in other old homes and we knew they would maintain the character of the house while giving it a much-needed update and expansion. We echo the words of praise that others have said - Jim and Ali are fabulous to work with as are their subcontractors. There were no surprises; everything was done on time; everyone respected our home and property; and there were no disappointments. About a year after we renovated our house, we were faced with an unexpected life-changing situation. Our son was paralyzed while playing in a high school hockey game. Suddenly, our home was not suited for a family member living with a disability. But Jim and Ali assured us that they would make sure we could bring our son home. And they did. Transforming an older home into an accessible one was no easy task, but Awad+Koontz nailed it. Accessibility experts told us that it couldn’t be done because the house was too old. Too many challenges. Not for Jim and Ali. They did their homework, made the necessary changes and blended adaptable equipment and needs seamlessly into our home. It’s simply stunning. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have worked with Jim and Ali and we never hesitate to recommend Awad + Koontz to others. They’re the best.

We have used Awad+Koontz for renovations at our home for the past twenty years. During that time we have completed four significant projects including a total kitchen, dinning room and entry way remodel, an added full bath and a complete full bath remodel and a master bedroom. remodel. In all cases, Allie Awad has provided complete architectural plans with multiple revisions as we added ideas through the construction process, excellent scheduling, high quality components, professional craftsmen and timely clean up through out the entire constriction periods He and Jim have always attempted to minimize disruptions through out the tear out and renovation process.

We worked with Awad + Koontz for a major home renovation (we renovated most of our first floor and built an entirely new second floor). We wanted to work with a design/build firm because we liked the idea of having an architect and a builder who are a team and collaborate well together. Our experience with Ali and Jim was fantastic. They created a great design, and they solved all the quirky issues that cropped up as part of remodeling a 90-year-old house. Awad + Koontz executed on their design on time and on budget. Throughout the process, Ali and Jim were constantly communicating and seeking feedback. We weren’t hit with surprise costs or unexpected delays. In addition, the crew and subcontractors were always respectful of our property and our neighbors. Ali and Jim are really good at what they do – and they’re great people.

Our home is a classic 1920s "Foursquare" that we wanted to expand to add a master bedroom, bath, kitchen and lower level. We chose Awad + Koontz for their great reputation as well as their ability to seamlessly blend old and new. We wanted a more modern feel to our spaces while still keeping the details and style of the home's period feel. A+K masterfully integrated the existing home into the new addition and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Ali and Jim work exceptionally well together and we never experienced the headaches and nightmares you so often hear during home construction process. Four years later, there isn't a thing we'd change. And we'd recommend Awad + Koontz to anyone looking for a design/build firm that understands it's not just about building beautiful spaces, but managing everything throughout in a way that makes the ordeal as painless as possible.

We have enjoyed a great partnership with Awad + Koontz for many years. As we help homeowners select tile for their projects with Awad + Koontz, we can tell that they are well prepared, that they and Ali and Jim have a shared vision, that they've done the work of thinking things through carefully and understand the process and the desired outcome. Awad + Koontz works with subcontractors who are skilled craftsmen. Visiting their finished projects, we always see tasteful, interesting remodels that feel entirely integrated into the personality of the home.