MSR Design

Paul Mellblom, AIA, LEED APBD+C with Minneapolis-based design firm MSR, provided an excellent architectural design and is currently managing interior design and construction support services for our condo renovation in the historic Saint Paul Union Depot building. The design objective for the project was two-fold: 1) provide a dwelling for 2 people to merge their respective lives and 2) curate and store a large record collection. Paul's vision for the design is coming together in a way that far exceeds our expectations while enhancing architectural elements of the original building. The design required extensive coordination and collaboration between the MSR design team, structural engineers, permitting officials, and the construction team of Branson Builders. Communications regarding schedule changes due to structural engineering clearances and permitting have been prompt and Paul has been very respectful of our budget concerns. Paul has been most helpful in guiding us through the design-through-construction process and he continues to ensure our project is fully supported by his design team (architect, structural engineer, interior designer) through to completion of the project. This post will be updated upon project completion to include photos.

Paul Melblom redesigned the main floor plan and designed a new addition to make our mid-century home more comfortable, efficient and spacious. He had a keen feel for the original lines of the home, a California Ranch style built in 1956 and based on Better Homes & Gardens' Home of the Americas (featured in a summer 1954 issue). He designed a shed roof for the addition that complemented the line of the existing roof. Strategic removal of walls and a repurposing of a main floor laundry room netted us two larger bathrooms and a new spacious living room/dining room combination that greatly enhanced the aesthetics and experience of living in the space. Paul is positive, flexible and enthusiastic to work with and was able to recommend a general contractor to do the construction.

Paul Mellblom really listened to what I needed, worked within my budget, and worked with my contractors to give me the most wonderful space to live, work, and play in. After 5 years it is still what I need and enjoy. a wholehearted recommendation!

I worked with Paul Mellblom of MSR Design for the last decade on several remodel / addition projects on a mid-century home I love. Paul understands the design process and brought me along as a client to fully appreciate the care taken and thought behind design to not only be respectful of the integrity of the structure but also the needs of the people living in the space. Noted in this review is an addition onto the home with exterior hardscape and landscape.