Three decades ago, Jim Sweeney founded Mom’s Design Build, a firm named in honor of his mother’s care, problem-solving skills, and innate ability to champion the human spirit. The firm has kept this ethos at its core over the course of its existence, aiding Jim and his business partner Craig Weckman as they developed Mom’s Design Build into the most award-winning firm in the Twin Cities area.
The desire to problem-solve in a way that meets the needs of both restaurant and clientele is at the heart of Senior Landscape Designer Heather Sweeney’s vision for Maynard’s, an iconic restaurant situated on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. Unsurprisingly, summer is high season for Minnesota lakes. The days are hot and humid but temperatures can fall at night…and as the seasons progress, the ability to enjoy lakeside views is drastically decreased.
Heather’s challenge was to extend the outdoor living season on Maynard’s lakeside dining patio, to ensure the patio’s redesign enabled the lakeside views to be enjoyed unimpeded, and to find an outdoor heating solution that’s easy operable by multiple staff members. Her solution: Infratech Motif Collection CD-Series heaters.
We spoke with Heather to learn how Infratech heaters have transformed the outdoor dining experience at Maynard’s–to the extent that guests can now spend time outside on the patio during a Minnesota winter! Here’s what she had to say.
How would you describe your firm’s creative process?
We talk to the client and ask what they are looking for as far as needs go. We look at the architecture of the home and work hard to design spaces that fit into the existing architecture while solving the issues of the current space. I look at design as more of solving problems by creating beautiful spacing and helping people.
What was your approach to renovating the iconic Maynard’s Restaurant?
They were looking for a more permanent space that would be designed for the guest experience. They wanted a flexible area that would shade people in the summer and be able to host people on the shoulder seasons of a lake restaurant. They also wanted a taller roof line to keep the sight lines to the lake open.
Why did your team specify Infratech CD-Series heaters for the Wharf seating area?
The controllers were the biggest draw for using your heaters. With multiple people working the dining porch, the controllers needed to be simple and easy to understand. I really liked the timer option so they cannot be accidentally left on. I also liked the decorative screen options to dress up the look.
How are guests enjoying the new patio? Have you received any feedback?
They are loving it. I was there in December, and someone had rented out the space for their birthday party. They were all warm and comfortable and without a coat. With the old design, there is no way of being in that same environment without being freezing.
What was your inspiration for the landscape design at Maynard’s?
We didn’t do much with the landscaping. We designed and installed the annual containers on the wharf. The plants wanted to be elevated, simple and beautiful. I wanted something that was cohesive and a quiet color palette.
What is your favorite design feature from the renovation?
I think the ceiling with the skylights is beautiful. They let the natural light in and you can see the sky and trees while being protected. I like that in the summer if you have rain, people have somewhere to be outside that is protected. In the past, when it started raining, people would leave. Now people can stay and continue to eat and drink. I love that they did this for the people who have been coming to this restaurant for years. They really care about their clients and it shows!
