about us
At Partners 4, Design, our team brings together a unique blend of architectural insight, creative design, technical expertise, and construction knowledge. From award-winning designers and space planners to project managers and skilled craftsmen, each team member plays an integral role in transforming ideas into beautifully executed spaces.
our story
Partners 4, Design was founded in 1972 by University of Minnesota architecture students John B.A. Idstrom II, David M. Ostreim, and two classmates who shared a passion for exceptional residential design and a belief that thoughtful architecture could improve the way people live.
Like many great businesses, the firm had humble beginnings—operating out of a cedar closet tucked beneath the attic eaves. Early opportunities were limited until friends of John's parents entrusted the young architects with a complete kitchen renovation. The project was an overwhelming success, generating a steady stream of referrals and establishing what would become the firm's enduring specialty: creating beautifully designed, highly functional kitchens and baths.
Inspired by its four founding partners, the company was named Partners 4, Design. While economic challenges eventually reduced the original partnership to John Idstrom and David Ostreim, their shared commitment to exceptional design never wavered. Together, they built a reputation for innovative thinking, meticulous craftsmanship, and an unwavering dedication to their clients.
Over the past five decades, Partners 4, Design has grown into one of the Midwest's most respected residential design-build firms. The firm's award-winning work has earned recognition throughout the industry, while its showroom in the heart of International Market Square has become a destination for homeowners seeking inspired design, expert guidance, and a seamless remodeling experience.
Today, that legacy continues as a second-generation family business. Following John Idstrom's passing in 2020, David Ostreim welcomed his son, Andy Ostreim, into ownership, ensuring that the principles on which the company was founded—integrity, creativity, collaboration, and exceptional client service—continue to guide every project.
More than 50 years after opening its doors, Partners 4, Design remains committed to the same philosophy that launched the firm from an attic workspace in 1972: exceptional design begins with listening. By blending timeless design principles with modern innovation, our team creates spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. With hundreds of completed projects, numerous industry awards, and generations of loyal clients, we are proud to continue a legacy of excellence—designing homes that are not only built to last, but thoughtfully crafted to reflect the people who live in them.