Zenith (ze·​nith | \ ˈzē-nəth)

The highest point or peak; The time when something is at its most successful or powerful 

We can help your home reach its zenith with a Zenith Design + Build remodel

Zenith

Zenith is a Design-Build Company Based in Des Moines, Iowa

At Zenith Design + Build, we know that remodeling or building a custom home is an experience and a process, both of which are handled with care to give homeowners the best experience possible. If you’re looking for a company that cares about quality, service, integrity, and aesthetics — you’re in the right place.

Zenith Team Photo

Our Story

Zenith Design + Build was founded in January 2018 by owner Nicholas Donlin to provide homeowners with a new, better approach to remodeling and custom home building. Since its founding, Zenith has helped homeowners across the Des Moines metropolitan area with their remodeling and custom home projects while providing the best designs and customer experience.

Nicholas Donlin

Our Core Values

With a strong commitment to their core values we have grown and now have a full team of designers, project managers, and carpenters to continue creating the best experiences for our clients in the Des Moines area.

Customer Focused

Customer Focused

Raving Fans: We wouldn’t be Zenith without our customers, and we do the work we do to make them happy. If they aren’t raving fans of us at the end of a project, we haven’t done our job properly.

Customer Focused

Continuous Improvement

There is always more to learn, and we are always learning! From podcasts and books to even YouTube videos, we are always passing around anything that can help each other grow.

Customer Focused

Radical Transparency

We don’t sugarcoat around here. We believe in being transparent about everything from our process to the pricing. You never have to question if you’re being told the whole story.

Customer Focused

Empathy

The world of residential remodeling and custom home building has a lot of ups and downs for both the customer and the builder. We keep this in mind as we work through the design + build process, and we’ve always got our customers’ backs.

Customer Focused

Extreme Ownership

Plain and simple, we own what we do. We take ownership of all our projects. We’re proud of the work we do, and we own that too.

Customer Focused

Positive Mindset

We’re all about keeping it positive and seeing the good in things! We’re a pretty fun bunch, and keeping it positive keeps us that way.

Our Team

We Deliver The Highest Quality Craftsmanship With The Best Team In The Industry

Nicholas Donlin

Nicholas Donlin

Owner and Founder

Jessica Bailey

Jessica Bailey

Design+Build Consultant

Matthew Templeman

Matthew Templeman

Chief Operating Officer

Buddy Luff

Buddy Luff

Field Manager

Matthew Garcia

Matthew Garcia

Operations Support Manager

Pam Perry

Pam Perry

Administrative Assistant

Mike Johnston

Mike Johnston

Superintendent

Cory Spilman

Cory Spilman

Design+Build Consultant

Chuck Maurer

Chuck Maurer

Lead Carpenter

Allie Knapp

Allie Knapp

Operations Assistant

Jay Street

Jay Street

Superintendent

Victor VanCleave

Victor VanCleave

Field Support Manager

Jon Curry

Jon Curry

Superintendent

Interested in Joining This Crew?
Contact Us Today!

Replaced roof and gutters in Ankeny, Iowa. Review.
Replaced roof and gutters in Ankeny, Iowa. Review.
Replaced roof and gutters in Ankeny, Iowa. Review.
Location:
Windsor Heights
Service:
Basement

Nick at Zenith did a great job of helping us understand the true cost of a complete basement remodel. We had open communication throughout the entire process and he was able to take our vision and create an unbelievable space for my family and me. The timelines were extremely accurate and the sub-contractor hired for various trades was respectful and very professional. I can't say enough great things about the experience we had and the quality of work was incredible.

Steve Nolan

Kitchen Remodel in West Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in West Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in West Des Moines, review.
Location:
Des Moines
Service:
Addition

We had a bath and closet addition added to our Beaverdale home. We weren't sure how it would turn out since the age of most Beaverdale homes are very old. We met Kelly and started the conversation. Later met with Nicholas and then Julieta and the project started. All the crews on site were great to work with. Everyone was very responsive. The end result was far above expectations. Zenith did not cut any corners and did far above-average work. I was hesitant on some of the design features but once they fell into place was absolutely more than impressed. Zenith is a superior design and build company so if you are looking to have it done right make sure to contact them.

Julia Gray

Cigar room, sports cave, basement bathroom remodel in Waukee, review.
Cigar room, sports cave, basement bathroom remodel in Waukee, review.
Cigar room, sports cave, basement bathroom remodel in Waukee, review.
Location:
Des Moines
Service:
Kitchen Remodel

A great experience working with this team! We were all on the same page from start until finish. I am thrilled with the finished space and got exactly what I wanted. Professional, Design recommendations were spot on and love knowing everything up front. Very professional.

Debra Baldi

Bath and closet addition to Beaverdale home, review.
Bath and closet addition to Beaverdale home, review.
Bath and closet addition to Beaverdale home, review.
Location:
Des Moines
Service:
Kitchen

Hi, all you future remodelers, homebuilders, and just curious people. We, that is my husband and I, just want to give Zenith a huge thanks. We were more than happy with the job they did. If you want a company that's professional, competent, and does quality work, this is the company you will want. I thought everyone who came through our door was exceptional. I promise you will be a happy customer.

Patricia Casady

Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Location:
West Des Moines
Service:
Bathroom Remodel

Exceptional design, well priced, worked clean, professional at every step. Went the extra mile for all things. On time work, high quality, attention to detail!

Pernilla Werninger

Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Location:
Ankeny, Iowa
Service:
Exterior

Zenith Design + Build replaced our roof and gutters. They did an amazing job! The work was completed timely and the communication was excellent. They offered up great design advice on colors and materials that we would not have selected on our own. We highly recommend using Zenith for any project!

Sam Yoder

Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Location:
Waukee
Service:
Basement Remodel

Zenith helped us design and build a cigar room/sports cave, as well as remodel our basement bathroom. They took our broad ideas and turned them into a great finished product. The whole team has been easy to work with and very responsive to our questions and concerns. We would definitely recommend them!

Robin Lasell

Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Location:
West Des Moines
Service:
Kitchen Remodel

We met with Nicholas on recommendation from our designer. From first quote to completion of our project he was great to work with. Our project was a full kitchen remodel and involved all of the main floor too. We were able to do everything on our wish list with our modest budget. We did Ikea cabinets to keep costs down. The team even did the assembly for us which was much appreciated! The project started before Halloween and was largely done in time to host Thanksgiving. We had many subcontractors who were great to work with. When issues came up Nicholas and his team was always there to solve them. We love the beautiful end result! It came out just the way we had hoped.

Barb Harrington

Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Location:
Waukee
Service:
Basement Remodel

I had started the process with another contractor but when the proposed costs began to rise past my allotted budget during the design phase I needed to look at other options. This project was too large for me to complete myself. I was referred to Zenith and I am so glad I called. Nicholas took our vision and made it happen in our budget. His team and/or subcontractors were respectful and professional throughout the whole process. Communication was excellent and with small children (and a pandemic) it was very comforting to know who and when people were coming and going. We love the new space more than we imagined, and it was UNDER budget. Without question, I will recommend Zenith Design + Build to anyone considering remodel or build.

Adam Nolan

Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Location:
Ankeny
Service:
Basement

This is an overdue review, but it’s also important to understand the work pre and post-completion. Let’s start by saying we made the right choice to go with Zenith Design Build to finish our basement. From the planning process, the follow-up, and finally the finished project − their team is second to none. I was initially impressed with Nicholas’ professional demeanor. He is flexible, dependable, and easy to be candid with. Beyond that − his team’s communication was timely and accurate. Communication was the top criteria I was looking for when meeting with different builders because it was important for me to be in the loop and understand the progress. With a project like a basement remodel, unforeseen things will come up and the most significant thing was their ability to address and provide a solution immediately, which is not always easy with multiple people working on different pieces of the puzzle. On top of the basement remodel, we also had side projects that they were able to tackle as well. This simplified things for us and created a seamless process. Of value to any homeowner is the support beyond completion of the project. We reached out with a couple of things post-completion and Zenith responded and tackled our requests immediately, even though the issue was something outside of their contracted work! This unwavering commitment is what sets them apart. Without a doubt, I highly recommend Zenith Design Build for your building and remodeling needs.

Kathy Ong

Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Kitchen Remodel in Des Moines, review.
Location:
Des Moines
Service:
Kitchen Remodel

A year ago I hired Zenith to do a total kitchen remodel. I am thrilled with the result. Nicholas was a pleasure to work with. He and his team designed a beautiful space and stayed within my budget as well as completing the project in the estimated time. Everyone who worked on the kitchen was professional and kept me well informed. My house is old and they were able to problem solve issues without compromising the design or cutting corners. I have received so many compliments on the new kitchen and I love it more a year later. I would highly recommend Zenith for any home project.

Tracy Hirst

We couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with on our remodeling project. From our initial contacts with Kelly to our meetings with Nicholas and our designer, Jamel, and then into the actual work, everyone has been friendly, punctual, enthusiastic and professional about our project. Nicholas helped us shape the project scope to get the most for our budget, and Jamel provided just the right amount of guidance as we made our design selections. Mark, our project manager, has been patient with our questions and quick to respond to concerns. Communication has been great, everyone has been good about working with our schedules, and work has moved along quickly. We’d recommend Zenith to anyone and we hope to work with them again on future projects.

Gary T.

Let’s Talk

Address

1492 NW 86th Street
Clive, IA 50325

Phone

(515) 518-8793

Hours

Mon-Sat: 8am - 5pm

Sun: 8am - 5pm