About Us
Located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Preferred Kitchens offers a full range of kitchen remodeling and home improvement services for homeowners. With over 30 years experience, we are experts in creating functional, beautiful designs that improve the quality of lifestyle for you and your family. Sit down and discuss your design needs with us today, and let us help you make your dream kitchen, bathroom or living space a reality! Call 651-429-1212 or send us a message for a free consultation.
Our Team
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Christen & Jacob Kriesel
President / Designer / Project Manager & Vice-President / Operations Manager
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John Wangen
Designer & Senior Project Manager
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Jaime Hall
Designer / Project Manager
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Barbara Bircher, CKD
Designer / Project Manager
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Jaime Engelhaupt
Designer / Project Manager
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Angela Thelen
Designer / Project Manager
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Madeline Thomey
Designer Assistant / Project Manager Assistant
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Rachel Angerhofer
Assistant Operations Manager
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Mark Klosterman
Chairman
Christen & Jacob Kriesel
President / Designer / Project Manager & Vice-President / Operations Manager
Aside from designing for new home construction, Christen assists other designers at Preferred Kitchens with remodel projects. Her strong ability in creating 3D designs, give clients an inspirational and functional representation of their project. She coordinates with a variety of subcontractors to seamlessly complete projects for herself and others. Christen is a graduate from the University of Minnesota, College of Design where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a minor in History.
Jacob has been with Preferred Kitchens since 2016, and is an essential part of the organization. Unlike other design firms that place the responsibility on the customer for managing multiple subcontractors and complex schedules, Preferred Kitchens operates as a full-service design firm, coordinating all aspects of each project. Jacob’s behind the scene role makes this possible, by running the day to day operations of the office as well as keeping track of all projects with each designer. In addition, Jacob’s experience goes beyond just administration with his knowledge and experience in process development.
John Wangen
Designer & Senior Project Manager
John was born into a construction family and started his career as a laborer at age 14. He worked as a carpenter for the next ten years while putting himself through college where he earned a degree from UW Stout in Construction Management. He entered the home building industry, worked as a Superintendent, and coordinated the construction of well over 300 homes. He gravitated back to his roots and now specializes in the remodeling of Kitchens and Bathrooms. His lifelong construction experience, dedication and creativity has made him the designer and Project Manager he is today.
Jaime Hall
Designer / Project Manager
Jaime has worked in many areas of the design and construction industries over the past 20+ years. Her experience ranges from remodeling to new construction, wholesale to retail sales as well as being on both the design and installation sides of the design world. When not working with clients, she is building or remodeling in her personal time with her husband.
Jaime works to make sure that every space you design is yours and one that is a statement of not only your home but of who you are. She uses her array of talents and experience to best inform and educate every client so that they feel at home in their new space from the moment it is put on paper.
“I want your home to represent YOU!”
Barbara Bircher, CKD
Designer / Project Manager
Barbara’s talents and experience stem from over 35 years in the kitchen and bath industry including several years of working as a cabinetmaker after graduating from Minneapolis Technical Institute for Cabinetmaking. Her technical knowledge and attention to detail is a real asset to her clients. Continuing her education ensures her Certified Kitchen Designer status since 1987.
Barbara works closely with her clients during the entire remodeling process. From the beginning stages of design through the final stage of completion, she will offer the luxury of endless options for a variety of remodeling projects throughout the home. She prides herself in making a homeowner’s remodeling experience a smooth transition.
Barbara’s approach to each remodeling opportunity is clear in her mission statement: “It is my goal to design a functional space that expresses your personal style, meets your lifestyle needs, and exceeds your expectations.
Jaime Engelhaupt
Designer / Project Manager
Jaime Engelhaupt is a Designer/Project manager who has a passion for working alongside clients to plan and customize cabinetry for their new construction homes. She leads the cabinetry design process, including concept, function, and layout, and assists clients with customization and selections to make each room reflect the owners’ vision for their new home. Behind the scenes she works hand in hand with the builders, cabinetry manufacturers, and installers to effectively anticipate and proactively solve challenges in the field so home owners have a first-rate experience. Jaime has a versatile skill-set which includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from the University of Wisconsin – Stout and years of experience working in the construction, manufacturing, and electrical fields.
Angela Thelen
Designer / Project Manager
I love the design & build process. It’s fulfilling to gather a list of wants, challenges, vision, and bring it to life in a design for living. Our process is second to none, and it’s a privilege to be a part of a hardworking team.
Madeline Thomey
Designer Assistant / Project Manager Assistant
Bio Coming Soon…
Rachel Angerhofer
Assistant Operations Manager
Bio Coming Soon…
Mark Klosterman
Chairman
“My goal for the past 30 years as part of the team at Preferred Kitchens is to provide the best possible experience for our clients regardless of the scale or budget of your project. It’s all about real life design, products and project management for your real life home.”
Ready to Get Started?
If it’s time to start your next home remodeling project, call Preferred Kitchens today. Let us show you what we can do for you!