Wise Design 2018 NARI Newcomer of the Year
Wise Design & Remodel LLC received the 2018 NARI Newcomer’s Award from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry at the group’s annual CotY Awards Gala on November 13. It earned the honor because CotY judges gave Wise’s Contractor of the Year Award entry the highest score of any remodeling project submitted by a broad field of first-time CotY participants.
Wise President Philip Hide’s entry was part of a whole house remodel he designed and managed at the home of Robin Westin Schmitt in the exclusive Cottagewood neighborhood on Lake Minnetonka. Philip entered the family room portion of the remodel, which featured a unique sunken wet bar at the bay window bump out that preserved the lake view from the living room. He also installed a massive steel beam that enabled him to remove walls that had further blocked the lake view from the front entry and kitchen.
Robin had seen this sunken bar design in California and asked us to try to make it work at her Lake Minnetonka home,” Philip explained. “It was harder because the floor joists ran perpendicular to the area we needed to lower. That meant pouring new footings and installing a bearing wall in the basement to carry the weight of the floor.”
Robin congratulated Philip for his well-deserved recognition by the country’s largest remodeling industry organization.
“I cannot thank you enough for giving us this beautiful home! Your steadfast professional talent is reflected in the most fabulous outcome,” she said. “We never dreamed our home could be so perfect! Not only do we attribute it all to you, we will be forever indebted to all you have done for us to make our dream house more true.”
The judges agreed. “Very nicely done. The sunken bar is a great solution and opening the walls for direct views of the lake really enhance the property,” one judge wrote. “Cool idea,” another remarked. And the last offered, “I like the sunken bar to give the lake view. Looked like quite a bit of structural work was involved. Overall nice project.”
Robin’s goal was to create a welcoming, easy care entertainment space for large events and impromptu lake community visits. The practical luxury vinyl plank flooring looks like real wood but withstands lake traffic. But the bar, itself, features luxury appliances and fixture and custom tile and stone.
“With the low bar guests can sit and enjoy the lake view without the bartender blocking the scene and people in the kitchen or by the pool table can see right over the bar top,” Philip said.
Although Philip is new to entering the CotY Awards program as Wise Design & Remodel LLC, he is no novice to remodeling. He got his start remodeling homes in North London before moving to Minneapolis in 2014 and joining a larger General Contractor here. He is a preferred interior remodeling partner of exterior remodeling specialists Hoffman Weber Construction.
