Hart's Design

We create custom home designs tailored to client preferences and site conditions. Our process includes developing comprehensive construction documents with building elevations, foundation plans, and cross-sections. Each design incorporates energy-efficient principles and functional spatial planning while maintaining aesthetic continuity with surrounding architecture.

Our remodeling services focus on transforming existing spaces while preserving structural integrity. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom renovations, basement finishing, and addition projects. Each design includes detailed specifications for material selection, electrical layouts, and construction sequencing to minimize disruption during renovation.

We provide construction management services for DIY homeowners seeking professional guidance. This includes contractor vetting, project scheduling, and quality control inspections. Our expertise helps clients maintain budget discipline while ensuring adherence to building codes and industry best practices throughout the construction process.

Our 3-D modeling service creates photorealistic visualizations of proposed designs. This technology allows clients to explore spatial relationships and material choices before construction begins. The digital models serve as both presentation tools and reference guides for contractors during the building process.

We specialize in detailed cabinet elevation drawings for kitchen and bathroom renovations. These precise illustrations specify dimensions, materials, and hardware placement to ensure accurate installation. Our designs optimize storage functionality while maintaining aesthetic harmony with the overall home design.

Robert Hartranft brings 30+ years of architectural design and construction experience to Hart's Design. His background includes both formal architectural education and hands-on general contracting work. Robert specializes in creating personalized living spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with functional requirements, maintaining direct client collaboration throughout each project.

We primarily serve Minnesota and provide design services throughout the United States for new construction and remodeling projects.

We work on projects ranging from small kitchen renovations to full-scale custom home constructions with budgets exceeding $450,000.

Yes, we provide construction management support for DIY homeowners, including contractor vetting, project scheduling, and quality control inspections.

Yes, we've successfully completed projects in multiple states using remote communication tools while ensuring compliance with local building codes.

We deliver comprehensive construction documents including building elevations, foundation plans, floor plans, and cross-sections required for permitting and construction.

Yes, we provide 3-D modeling services to help visualize design concepts before construction begins, ensuring client satisfaction with the final outcome.

i came across Harts Design online while searching for a drafter on a new house build. i met with Robert for the initial visit and expressed my wants for the build. i was quoted a onetime fee of $3400.00 for the design. He was to supply 2 different plan sketches of house designs to go off for the build. 10% down at that visit to get started. i paid that. A few weeks later we met. at that meeting he only supplied one plan and stated he hopes i was ok with that.

The initial plan did not look that good but i thought that we would be able to get through that. i made several changes and paid 50% of the remaining balance, thinking there would be no problem.

i am building a 2800 sqf house, plus unfinished basement, with a 6-car garage. i made several changes along with a whole 2nd level re-draft. it did not look good. After several hours studding the plan, i realized the main living area was only 30 feet depth and stretched too long.

The stairs should have been in the center going to the 2nd level since his plan was so narrow. This created a bump out, of one of the 2nd floor bed rooms of 6 feet over the front porch. It looked like a narrow house with a 6-car garage built next to it. it never looked right. It would have made more sense expand the depth and make it less wide, using some of the upper part of the garage to build part of the living quarters.

This would have also saved money in the build. Since the garage never tied into the house that well, i wanted to change the pitch direction of the garage to create a better peak to flow with the craftsman house building. He said he did not want to do that for drainage for the roof. i had my builder look at the plan and he agreed that the plan looked "bla". My builder stated that i should change the pitch direction (which i asked Robert about earlier) and add a valley set to tie the house with the garage, creating a better exterior flow.

My builder told me he could sketch it but any drafter should understand. i relayed this to Robert and he asked for a sketch, so he fully understood.

when i was searching for pictures of the valley set to include with the sketch, i can across so many other plans that made more sense. Roberts plan was never good enough to work for what i was asking. i contacted him stated i found a plan that makes way more sense.

It only needed a couple changes. i met with him to give the plans to draw it up. i went over everything with him. He then stated this is a new plan and would expect more money. So much for the one-time fee. i told him i would be better off bringing this plan to someone else. i never felt fully confident with him. i must say, if you do go with him, make sure you have a contract before even giving him the 10% down payment. if you meet for the 2nd meeting with the plan sketches, and you do not like them..........RUN, before giving another dime, otherwise you may be throwing money away like it did.

Harts Design did a fantastic job laying out the addition to our house. The proposal significantly improved the functionality of the house while maintaining the integrity of the architecture!

My wife and I worked with Robert to do a major remodel where we tore off the roof of our rambler home and added an additional level while remodeling the basement and main floor as well. Robert listened to our needs well and was very helpful in pointing out the pro's and con's to every decision. He is very reasonably priced and I would recommend him to anyone.

My husband, Jason, and I worked with Robert on our garage/loft addition in 2020. We couldnt be happier with the entire process working with Robert. His design and attention to detail were spot-on. He brought to life the vision we had in our heads. We have gotten endless compliments on the end result! We would definitely recommend working with Robert!

Robert worked very patiently with us to design our dream home. This was our second time working with Robert and for good reason. He is very reasonably priced and does great work. We did have some communication issues at times but he was always very patient and committed to give us exactly what we wanted. He does great work and is a super nice guy. Highly recommended!