Photography by Bo Carlock/Spacecrafting
Jim Sweeney, Heather Sweeney, Becca Bastyr,
Craig Weckman and Melissa Mlejnek
Jim Sweeney founded Mom’s Design Build 34 years ago with a focus on landscape design. Today, it remains one of few local boutique design/build firms that not only offers but excels at seamlessly blending the lines between indoor and outdoor living through landscape architecture, interior design, remodeling and residential fine gardening.
“Because of our creativity and expertise, our incredibly talented and passionate team has a deep understanding of how people live and the ways they want to live,” says Sweeney.
“Most of the time, clients are trying to access the outdoors — to live more out on the porch, on the deck or in a sunroom,” he continues. “We have a short warm season in Minnesota, so we’re excited to help people revel in the beauty of the outdoors. We’re able to design spaces that flow seamlessly and blend the lines between indoors and outdoors.”
These luxuries and comforts can range from structural enhancements, such as exterior additions with automated, motorized screen enclosures or custom pool houses, to advanced technological and climate-control features like fireplaces and infrared heaters. When thoughtfully integrated through comprehensive landscape design, these elements work together to extend the outdoor-living season from just a few months to year-round enjoyment, tailored to the homeowner’s preferences.
“From a human psychology perspective, anxiety and stress seem to melt away in nature for so many people,” Sweeney explains. His company’s landscapes help create the feeling of vacation right in a client’s own backyard. They can choose their level of involvement in maintaining their plant life and can even outsource the upkeep to Mom’s Fine Gardening if they would like.
Sweeney understands firsthand the trust involved in outsourcing expert advice, which he does with Bridgewater Bank. He says the bank has provided entrepreneurial-focused guidance that meaningfully elevates how Mom’s Design Build does business. “Bridgewater is big enough to help and small enough to care,” he explains. “They have been dependable, strategic and wise.” Working with Bridgewater Bank helps fuel the firm’s mission: to serve people through “a fusion of anthropology, horticulture and architecture to discover, create and enhance distinctive spaces.”
Bridgewater Bank is an Equal Housing Lender + Member FDIC
