From Dated to Dynamic – Before & After the Renovation
Modern Ramsey Transformation
With new construction pricing high and interest rates even higher, more Minnesotans are asking: Can we turn the house we already own into the home we always wanted?
The Modern Ramsey Transformation, featured on this year’s 2025 Homes by Architects Tour, is a compelling answer to that question — and a story that proves sometimes the best home isn’t the one you buy, but the one you reimagine.
The Challenge: A Home With Good Bones But No Soul
When the owners purchased their 1980s home in Ramsey, Minnesota, they fell in love with what surrounded it — the rural location, the wooded views, the peaceful setting. But the house itself? That was another story entirely.
Before: A nondescript 80’s builder-grade home that felt more frustrating than functional. Small windows that blocked those beautiful, wooded views. Choppy rooms that didn’t flow. Vinyl siding and gables that screamed “suburban standard.” A layout that forced them to climb stairs multiple times a day when all they really wanted was one-level living.
It was the kind of house that worked on paper but felt lifeless in practice. The kind of place that had you dreaming about “someday” instead of loving where you lived today.
Modern Transformation, Real-World Budget
Instead of scrapping everything and starting over, architect Chris Doehrmann worked with the homeowners to reimagine what they already had. This wasn’t about creating an HGTV fantasy — it was about having real conversations about how they lived, what mattered most, and where beauty and budget could meet in the middle.
The design process went beyond checking off a wish list. Chris helped the homeowners adjust their goals to match their budget without sacrificing their dreams. Every decision, from layout to materials, was shaped by understanding their daily routines and long-term vision.
Strategic Changes, Dramatic Results
What changed everything: The exterior transformation was bold but strategic. Out went the gables, vinyl siding, and tiny windows. In came shed roofs, flat roofs, composite panels, shiplap siding, and panoramic windows that finally showcased those wooded views. Glass garage doors added visual interest while serving a practical purpose.
Inside, the magic happened through thoughtful reorganization rather than massive expansion. The staircase was flipped, and an open porch was enclosed with a flat roof — creating just enough space to complete a main-level master suite. The old living room became the new master bedroom, while the shed roof design allowed for soaring vaulted ceilings in the new living room.
The result: A home that feels twice as large and ten times more dynamic, achieved through smart design moves rather than expensive square footage additions.
The Bottom Line
The owners got their dream home without the dream home price tag. They kept their perfect location, their established neighborhood connections, and their financial peace of mind. Most importantly, they transformed a house they were settling for into a home they’re proud to live in.
In today’s challenging real estate market, the Modern Ramsey Transformation proves that sometimes the answer isn’t finding the perfect house — it’s making your current house perfect for you.
See it Yourself on the 2025 Homes by Architects Tour
Coming this fall, you can experience this home in person! — the Modern Ramsey Transformation as featured in the 2025 Homes by Architects Tour.
Follow along as we continue sharing before-and-after stories in the lead-up to the tour, and then come walk through a renovated home that proves you don’t need to move to have the home of your dreams.
Make Your Dream After a Reality!
Contact us today to talk to Chris about how he can help you get started on your new home, addition, or renovation and help make your dreams for home come true.
