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About The Owner
About The Owner
About The Owner
About The Owner
About The Owner

About the Owner of Two Island Design Build

Donella Olson is the Owner of Two Island Design Build. 

Supported by an incredible team of Trade Partners and Skilled Craftspeople, she also serves as your Architectural Designer, Fixture and Finishes Curator, Remodeling Guru, Construction Manager, Business Operator, and all the things that keep this train moving.

Donella knows that remodeling isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces — it’s about crafting an experience that’s as enjoyable as a well-planned vacation. And when you work with Two Island Design Build, every step of the journey feels light, fun, and meticulously taken care of, from the first contact to long after the final nail is in place.

With a quarter-century of experience in the remodeling world, Donella has developed a knack for listening beyond the obvious. She doesn’t just hear her clients’ wish lists; she understands how they live, what makes them tick, and what their home needs to feel like a true reflection of their life. That insight drives her to create spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but deeply personal.

Supported by a team of skilled artisans who take pride in their craft, Two Island Design Build ensures that every project is a seamless collaboration — one where you feel valued and the process feels almost effortless.

Beyond the project, Donella is a leader in the construction industry. As a Certified Kitchen & Bath Remodeler (CKBR) and former president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) Minnesota chapter, Donella guided the organization through 2020’s unprecedented challenges, from the onset of the pandemic to the social unrest in Minneapolis. She led with a firm commitment to equity and respect, supporting members through tough times. Her leadership style is a mix of positive influence, assuming good intent, and a firm belief in autonomy. Donella lives by the ethos of “being who I needed when I was younger,” whether she’s mentoring students at local schools or advising her peers in the NARI roundtables she’s part of.

Her work in the industry doesn’t stop there. Donella has been instrumental in rewriting the CKBR study guide, updating NARI Minnesota’s core values and strategic plan, and shaping best practices across the board. She’s always advocating for the industry to be better — through improved leadership, self-advocacy, and a constant push for growth, both personally and professionally.

And when it comes to remodeling projects, Two Island Design Build’s reputation speaks for itself: five-star reviews, award-winning designs, and clients who keep coming back because the process is just that good.

Donella believes in clear communication, appropriate transparency, and a sense of humor that keeps things light, even when the work is serious.

When you work with Two Island Design Build, you’re not just getting a remodel — you’re getting a stress-free, well-curated experience that will leave you wondering why you didn’t do it sooner.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“We loved our home when we first met it and have been exploring ways to invest in it to love it even a little bit better. The moment we met with Donella, we knew she and Two Island Design Build were the perfect fit. The plans she created after dedicating time to getting to know us and our old home were thorough, straightforward, and concise. Donella was upfront, candid, honest, warm, hardworking… and made the entire experience—something that can be kind of anxiety-inducing—so wonderful, creative, and kind. The beginning, middle, and end experience is something our home and all of us are so grateful for.” – Bernadette C.

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About The Owner
About The Owner
About The Owner