Who We Are

About Us

Refined Renovations is an award-winning team of expert architects, designers and craftsmen that work with equal parts passion and precision to imagine, design and build beautiful and inspiring places to live.

We’re Milwaukee’s premier Design + Build team and NARI-certified professionals with 20+ years of experience in transforming the home you have into the home you love.

We know that to be the best, we have to work with the best.  Meet our team of creatives, curators and collaborators.

Meet the Team

Jonah Carlson

Carpenter, CLC

Jonah comes from a long line of tradesmen, craftsmen and woodworkers. For Jonah, pursuing a career in carpentry brings a lot of personal fulfillment, as well as a way to carry on his family legacy of quality craftsmanship. Jonah brings his lifelong appreciation for carpentry into his work, as well as his own skills as a thoughtful craftsman.

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Emma Harris

Sales Coordinator

With a degree in Interior Architecture + Design from MIAD & professional experience with furnishings & real estate, Emma has a keen appreciation for how spaces add value and impact our lives. She enjoys life’s simple pleasures: connecting with nature, or spending time cooking new & nostalgic flavors. She’s always trying new restaurants & has a soft spot for Thai food.

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Alec Iwen

Project Leader

Alec befriended his shop teacher in high school and his teacher’s love for carpentry inspired his own. Alec went onto college and graduated with a degree in carpentry and he now has experience in the cabinetry, millwork, and construction industries. Alec’s attention to both the big picture and the small details shine through in his work.

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Matthew Jahns

Matthew Jahns

Owner, CR

With 25 years of experience in remodeling and design, Matthew is fluent in creating thoughtful and beautiful spaces. As founder, he has curated a team of award-winning architects, designers, and builders. His responsibilities are wide ranging, and his work inspires the core principles of thoughtful design, balanced spaces, and quality materials.

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Sofie Knouse

Designer

Sofie appreciates a variety of design styles, but feels a special kinship with old homes: she enjoys balancing updates while still honoring an old home’s soul. A graduate from Iowa State (go, Cyclones!), she brings a wealth of talent and a keen eye to our team. Sofie collects architectural paintings, dotes on her Golden Aussie, and digs a good movie marathon.

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laura headshot

Laura Marshall

Director of Marketing

Laura brings experience as a writer as well as a master’s degree in psychology. Her role is to define the client experience, oversee the creative direction of our content, and create the voice of our brand story. In other words, her work ensures that what we’re saying about our work is true, clear, and well-spoken.

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Angela, Office Administration

Angela Nye

Office Administration

With over 20 years of experience in Accounting and Human Resources, Angela thrives on attention to detail and achieving a high level of customer service. She works with our team and our partners on all financial and administrative matters. Angela finds satisfaction in ensuring a smooth process and brings a high level of care to her work.

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Derek Pritz-2

Derek Pritzl

Journeyman Carpenter

As a lifelong tradesman, Derek appreciates the puzzle-like characteristics of his work: like piecing a puzzle while crafting each piece for a perfect fit. A talented musician, songwriter, and sculptor, Derek is truly a renaissance man. He knows from experience that singing harmony may be the best thing in life—especially when he hits that note just right.

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Dalton, Project Manager

Dalton Riner

Project Manager, CRPM

Dalton’s love for carpentry began working on furniture projects in high school. He takes pride in creating lasting work and enjoys the trust he builds with clients. From the initial design through production, he is attentive to all aspects of his work, from the big picture down to the smallest details. He builds with artistry, quality, and a dedication to his craft.

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Rosie, Director of Operations

Rosie Roberts

Director of Operations

Rosie works at the intersection of administration, resourcing, and managing our partners to ensure smooth operations. With 20 years of experience in property management, she has unsurpassed knowledge of the Design + Build process. Rosie masterfully balances client communication and team management, and her attention to detail keeps our projects running smoothly.

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Andrew, Production Manager

Andrew Schade

Production Manager, CRPM

Andrew’s love for fine craftsmanship was passed on by his father. Andrew expertly manages projects to pave the way for a smooth renovation process, and his expertise makes him a brilliant guide in the Design + Build process. He also learned American Sign Language to assist deaf people in the greater Milwaukee area. He and his wife are blessed with three sons.

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Morgan Taugher

Junior Designer

Growing up in an artistic family, Morgan was always drawing or crafting as a child. She put her love of art into practice and now holds a BA in Interior Architecture and Design and enjoys predicting and practicing the next big thing in design. When Morgan’s not designing, you’ll find her camping, eating sushi, or thrifting—or maybe doing all three, very carefully.

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Nicole Winkler

Business Development Specialist

Nicole is the first friendly voice our new clients hear on the phone. With a background in human resources initiatives, Nicole shares her expertise in improving client relations and processes. When she’s not clicking “like” on cute animal videos, she assists as a teacher’s aide, enjoys all forms of glamping, and Wisconsin lake life.

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