Lakeville and the South MetroLakeville
White Birch Design is a boutique design-build firm run by co-owners Steve McDonald and Angela Barnhart, with award-winning kitchens across Lakeville, Eagan and the South Metro.
White Birch Design handles kitchen remodeling in Lakeville and the South Metro as a full-service design-build company. One team takes your kitchen, bath or lower level from first idea through design and construction, so you are not passing plans between a designer and a separate contractor.
Its stated goal is simple: you feel part of the process and get the result you wished for.
The firm calls its approach boutique: the experienced design and project management of a big design-build company, without the big price tag or impersonal communication. Co-owners Steve McDonald and Angela Barnhart bring a combined 30+ years in design, construction and real estate, which also helps homeowners weigh return on investment.
Every kitchen starts with a consultation about your goals, your ideas and the existing space. White Birch promises it will never come back with an outrageous estimate or a design that does not fit your lifestyle. Many projects open up the whole main floor.
Primary baths, guest baths and powder rooms. Recent work swapped an unused jetted tub in Lakeville for a walk-in shower with a built-in bench, frameless glass and grab bars, plus a makeup station and illuminated mirrors hung in front of the window.
Basements designed for relaxing, hosting and gathering, from bars to family rooms. White Birch guides you through design, finishing and remodeling, and holds a 2025 RotY basement award. A Rosemount lower level features painted beams, bar seating and a dining area.
The hardworking rooms get design attention too. A Lakeville mudroom gained green cabinetry, stained maple shelving, custom shoe storage and a family command center after a wall came out between the closet and garage entry.
The site lists 2025 NARI RotY awards in two residential kitchen categories plus a basement award, a 2025 Regional NARI RotY kitchen award, and a 2024 NARI MN RotY.
Reviewers name Steve and Angela directly for guidance, expertise and support every step of the way. Angela leads design, and clients credit Steve's experience for showing what is actually possible.
A full kitchen remodel takes about 5 to 7 months from first conversation to final walkthrough, and about half of that is planning before demo day.
A construction manager and two job supervisors run the job site, backed by a design associate and design assistant in the office.
White Birch Design is owned by Steve McDonald and Angela Barnhart, who bring a combined 30+ years in the design, construction and real estate industries. Angela leads design as owner and designer, and clients credit Steve's experience for showing them what is actually possible.
Together they take homeowners from concept to design to construction, and help them choose options that maximize return on investment. Their team includes construction manager Dane Mueller, job supervisors Mike Leahy and Kevin Lerdon, and designers Alicia Czech and Nicole Breyfogle. The company also supports Ronald McDonald House.
Steve McDonaldCo-owner (with Angela Barnhart, Owner / Designer)
“Together they take homeowners from concept to design to construction”
Talk through your goals and ideas while the team reviews your existing space. No start date or finished design needed.
Angela and the design team build a plan around how you live, and the estimate that comes back matches the design you discussed.
About half of a full kitchen timeline happens before demo day, and that planning keeps construction on track.
A construction manager and job supervisors run the site, and the owners stay by your side to the final walkthrough.
White Birch Design is exceptional. Steve and Angela provide an outstanding experience, offering guidance, expertise, and support every step of the way.
White Birch recently completed a complete remodel of our kitchen, as well as new flooring throughout the main floor of our home. We had a great experience!
Our experience was fantastic! We had lots of ideas but had trouble determining what was actually possible. Steve's experience and Angela's design knowledge was invaluable. They helped to bring the vision that we had for our new kitchen into a reality.
For a full remodel, plan on about 5 to 7 months from the first conversation to the final walkthrough. About half of that time happens before demo day, and that planning is what keeps construction on track. A cosmetic refresh with new countertops, hardware, paint and lighting can move faster.
No. Whether you have just started researching or want to begin next week, White Birch invites you to reach out. No start date or final design is needed, just a conversation about your ideas, your space and what you want to change. Call 952-686-8443 or use the contact form.
Yes. In a recent Lakeville primary bath, an unused jetted tub came out and a spacious walk-in shower went in, with a built-in bench, frameless glass and shower grab bars. Those aging-in-place features were worked into the design so the room still looks contemporary rather than clinical.
Yes. The company lists its Minnesota license as BC# 736504 on its contact page. It also shows 2025 NARI RotY awards for residential kitchens and a basement, and it has exhibited at the Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase. Ask for references from past clients near you during your consultation.
The main focus is the South Metro: Lakeville, Eagan, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Rosemount, Prior Lake and Savage. The team also takes projects across Minneapolis and St. Paul, and its portfolio includes work in Shakopee, Bloomington, Hopkins, Northfield, New Prague and Owatonna. Call to confirm your address.
Share your ideas with Steve and Angela's team; a final design or start date is not needed.
952-686-8443
