The Synergy Blog

Current Events, News & Press Get Inspired News & Press Coverage

August 10, 2017

Helping Homes: Reston Remodeling Company Gives Back

Synergy Design & Construction is proud to be involved in Helping Homes. Helping Homes is an amazing community service project under the Reston Association dedicated to helping elderly, disabled, or financially challenged residents…

Mina Fies 0

Articles Get Inspired How to Renovate Happy Synergy Team

August 8, 2017

Starting a Business Against the Odds

For those of you who don’t know, Mark and I decided to start Synergy in 2008, during one of the worst financial downturns in this nation’s history. Perfect time to start a business…

Mark Fies 0

Basement Remodeling Helpful Remodeling Tips

August 1, 2017

How to Maximize Your Basement Space

The basement is often an overlooked space in many homes, and many homeowners with unfinished basements go years without considering an upgrade. If you are building a new home or planning to refinish…

Mina Fies 0

Bathroom Remodeling Helpful Remodeling Tips Kitchen Remodeling

Improve resale value of home in Northern virginia

July 18, 2017

How to Increase Your Home’s Resale Value in Northern Virginia

Whether you just bought your house, or have been living there for a while, improving your Northern Virginia home’s resale value requires some planning. It is important to prioritize your to-do list, and…

Mark Fies 0

Helpful Remodeling Tips How to Renovate Happy

After photo of rustic kitchen remodel in Ashburn, VA

June 26, 2017

How Much Should My Northern Virginia Remodeling Project Cost?

“What is a practical budget for my remodeling project?” We get this question all the time, and unfortunately there is no straight answer. Every homeowner has a different vision, unique taste, and diverse…

Mina Fies 0

June 8, 2017

What to Look for in a Northern Virginia Home Remodeling Company

You’ve owned your home for a long time, and you’re ready for a change. But where to begin? Hiring professional help is always a smart idea, especially if your remodel involves more complex…

Mina Fies 0

June 5, 2017

7 Essential Elements of Custom Kitchen Design

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. It is the place where loved ones gather to cook, eat, socialize, and create countless memories. Homeowners typically spend multiple hours…

Mina Fies 0

Get Inspired Helpful Remodeling Tips

March 24, 2017

Why Having Earth Elements in Your Home is Essential

Earth elements, as defined by the practice of feng shui, are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The art of feng shui practiced in the home helps engender calm and order. So how…

Mina Fies 2

March 6, 2017

Preparing for a Remodel: 6 Critical Renovating Steps

There are many stages in preparing for a home remodeling project. Once you are ready to start the process with your design build company, the real work begins! Never fear though – many…

Mina Fies 0

Helpful Remodeling Tips How to Renovate Happy

February 21, 2017

Eco-Friendly Products: The Best Bang for Your Buck

Whether you’ve hired a home remodeling company or are making small improvements yourself, consider choosing eco-friendly products. Eco-friendly products offer the same quality as traditional options, and without significantly more cost. Here are…

Mina Fies 0

Awards

February 3, 2017

Synergy Design & Construction Announced a Finalist in the 2017 Best of Reston Awards

For the past 26 years, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstones has been honoring local residents, organizations and businesses with the Best of Reston Awards. A total of 22 businesses were…

Mina Fies 0

January 31, 2017

Synergy Design & Construction Celebrates Grand Opening of New Reston Showroom

Northern Virginia design-build firm recognized by Reston Chamber of Commerce in special ribbon-cutting ceremony RESTON, VA (PRWEB) JANUARY 31, 2017 Mark and Mina Fies, owners of Synergy Design & Construction, a design-build firm…

Mina Fies 0

1

December 14, 2016

Mina Fies Interviewed by Women to Watch™ Media

CEO of award-winning design & remodeling firm was highlighted for her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit despite overcoming the odds of an unconventional childhood. RESTON, VIRGINIA (PRWEB) DECEMBER 13, 2016 Mina Fies, Founder…

Mina Fies 0

August 11, 2016

Mina Fies, CEO of Synergy Design & Construction, Named 2016 “Made it to a Million” Femtor™ Award Finalist

View the Press Release here CEO of Northern Virginia design-build home remodeling firm recognized for her exemplary leadership and business skills in the course of starting and growing her company RESTON, VA (PRWEB)…

Mina Fies 0

After photo of dining room remodel in Reston, VA

May 24, 2016

3 home additions with high ROI for your Ashburn, VA home

Successful home additions can add space, functionality and comfort to your Ashburn, VA home. But when it comes time to sell, some have a better return on investment than others. So which ones…

Mina Fies 2

Get Inspired Helpful Remodeling Tips

February 2, 2016

A few of my favorite things for 2016

Top 2016 Remodeling Trends I love sharing what's resonating with not just our clients but homeowners in general. Enjoy this sneak peak at top remodeling trends for 2016: Monochromatic Designs Using a…

Mina Fies 0

January 14, 2016

Capital Homes Shows at the Dulles Expo Center – Avoiding a Remodeling Nightmare

One of my favorite things to do is empower homeowners to take control of the remodeling process. I don't mean by being their own project manager, but by knowing how to keep an…

Mina Fies 0

July 23, 2015

Washington Post features Synergy and SCORE

Business Rx: This renovator looks to build on its success This week, the experts at the D.C. chapter of the business mentoring nonprofit SCORE offer advice on how one renovation company can build…

Mina Fies 0

Basement Remodeling

June 16, 2015

Remodel Your Basement and Reclaim Your Home!

Most of us are desperate for more space in our home. We love our neighborhood and schools, so moving is out of the question. Although we don’t always see ourselves as “basement people,”…

Mina Fies 0

April 3, 2015

How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost?

As a homeowner there’s probably nothing more frustrating than thinking you’re going to pay X for your kitchen renovation and learning you’re actually going to pay Y. Most people wait years to renovate…

Mina Fies 0

March 12, 2015

Top Kitchen Remodeling Trends 2015

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Ever noticed no matter how many people you have over, they ALL end up in your kitchen? The kitchen will always be the heart of your home because…

Mina Fies 0

March 5, 2015

Ways to Renovate

Most of us know someone who’s gone through a renovation nightmare. Whether it's from a family member, a friend, or sometimes from our own experience, there are way too many stories of horrible…

Mina Fies 0

February 24, 2015

Behind the Scenes: Reston Kitchen Remodel

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Kitchen renovations can be mysterious, even intriguing. Clients always want to know how it all comes together. Do the floors go in before the cabinetry or after? How…

Mina Fies 0

February 13, 2015

Bathroom Style Redefined

You know when you see a designer on TV breeze into a room carrying a board with a perfectly planned design scheme already laid out for the homeowner? Truth be told, that’s not…

Mina Fies 0

February 5, 2015

Kitchen Remodel Inspired By a Dollar?

Could you be inspired by a dollar? How about a sand dollar? My client sure was. My favorite part of working with homeowners is creating spaces that are perfectly aligned with who they are.…

Mina Fies 0

August 26, 2014

It’s a Celebration!

There is nothing like celebrating a completed project with our clients. Handing the keys back to them and knowing they’re thrilled with their renovation is priceless. I often picture the family enjoying their…

Mina Fies 0

July 31, 2014

Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Renovating Your Home

People often ask me why we started Synergy Design & Construction and it is always the simplest of answers: to help homeowners avoid renovation nightmares! Although there are many steps to having an…

Mina Fies 0

July 15, 2014

What’s In a Name?

I often get so focused on what I am doing, that I forget the why I’m doing it! Sometimes it takes a person close to you to point out the obvious and that…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

New Remodeling Season Starts with a Bang!

It’s been a few months since the New Year, and the season for renovating is starting to heat up! New Years resolutions are being realized, and spring is approaching – a great time…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

Chiropractor’s Office Receives Holistic Design Treatment

This month, we’re featuring photos of one of our most recent commercial projects for Palmercare Chiropractic in Sterling, VA. Before purchasing an adjacent office space, Palmercare occupied one half of the end of…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

Mina Fies Elected Incoming President of NAWBO Greater DC Chapter!

Mina (2nd from R) joins the rest of the NAWBO Greater DC board at their annual banquet in June At their annual banquet and luncheon on June 4th, the National Association of Women…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

Builder-Grade Kitchen gets Vintage Vibe

Antiqued white cabinetry and dark floors contrast with a contemporary glass-and-stone backsplash and bright Kashmir White granite For their renovated kitchen and family room, our Ashburn clients wanted a slightly rustic yet fresh…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

Creating a Dream Space with a Few Special Touches

The old brick fireplace is revitalized with new built-ins and stacked stone Creating a Dream Space with a Few Special Touches Our Reston clients came to us with a common problem: a nice…

Mina Fies 0

After photo of kitchen remodel in Leesburg, VA

March 19, 2014

Luxurious Living in a New Transitional Living Space

Two-tone cabinetry was the perfect solution to tie together existing dark furniture in the formal dining room with new white built-ins in the family room Check out our most recent kitchen, family room…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

The Best “Thank-You” Gift Ever

https://youtu.be/jNSsp1K1dOQ A couple for whom we had just finished an extensive kitchen and living room remodel gave us the best thank-you gift ever! The tech-savvy client created this fabulous testimonial via his…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

Check out Mina’s TV Spot for Women’s Small Business Month!

An avid speaker and supporter of women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship, Synergy’s own Mina Fies was recently interviewed by WUSA 9 in Washington, DC for a series featuring women business owners! The series, a…

Mina Fies 0

Restoration-Hardware-Cage-Lighting-Fixture

Favorite Products

March 19, 2014

Lighting Trends That are so NOW!

Birdcages and Vintage-Industrial. These are two lighting trends that we are seeing a lot in popular décor right now! Birdcages, like this Weston Round Pendant from Restoration Hardware, are a classic-looking style with…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

“Adorne” Electrical Controls

"Pop out" outlets look clean and sleek, especially when combined with Adorne's square wall plates, available in color, metal, or leather "Adorne" by Legrand is a line of unique, sleek-looking switch plates, dimmers,…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

Philips “Hue” Personalized Lighting

Personalize your lighting based on a photo in your phone? Yep, Hue does that. Meet Philips “Hue”! Hue is a fun new lighting system that allows you to control synced LED bulbs anywhere…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

What Makes a Quality Contractor

I just love this time of year! Yes, some people get a little stressed and the lines in the stores can be long, but for the most part, we become present to what…

Mina Fies 0

March 19, 2014

Nest Learning Thermostat

Nest is able to “learn” your heating and cooling preferences based on trends it records Get ready for the next big thing in home temperature control that you never knew you needed!…

Mina Fies 0

March 18, 2014

Putting the “Heart” in Your Home

As a kid I remember loving the beginning of the school year. Fresh new clothes, clean notebooks and sharp pencils, not to mention the excitement of seeing old (and new) friends! Although those…

Mina Fies 0

December 18, 2013

Don’t Make Excuses. Make Progress.

I just got back from an incredible weekend of personal and professional training and development. One of the main distinctions we delved into was the world of "reasons" versus the world of…

Mina Fies 0

January 30, 2013

Why NOT To Conceal Your Remodeling Budget

We hope you're enjoying this great start to the summer! I just returned from a nice relaxing yoga weekend with my dear friend Danielle Omar where we enjoyed great weather and scrumptious vegetarian…

Mina Fies 0

January 29, 2013

Unique Spaces and Products

We are constantly exploring great new products – from the subtle elegance of innovative finishes, to mind-boggling mechanics of a futuristic piece of furniture. As always, we've compiled some of the most exciting…

Mina Fies 0

January 27, 2013

Inspired Commercial Spaces & Design Award

It’s spring already, and the budding trees, sunshine, and warm temperatures are making the air electric! If you’re like us, you’re eager to venture out, do some spring cleaning, and get some fresh…

Mina Fies 0

January 27, 2013

What Makes an Award-Winning Space

Boy does time fly – before you know it, the summer season is over, kids are back in school, and the sun decides to go behind the clouds for weeks on end. Since…

Mina Fies 0

December 6, 2012

“What Makes a Quality Contractor”: A Rant

by Mina Fies Forgive me in advance for my rant, but I just can’t stand when homeowners are treated poorly by a contractor. Not only is it beyond painful for the family involved,…

Emily Berg 0

October 4, 2012

The Latest and Greatest Light Bulbs: How to Phase Out Incandescents and Still Have a Beautiful-Looking Space

by Mina Fies We’re always specifying lighting products so it’s super important we keep up to date with the latest technology. After all, it’s our job to help clients achieve the best light…

Mina Fies 0

August 7, 2012

Finding your “Spot”: How to Restore Sanity by Carving out Your Corner

by Mina Fies People who know me always hear me talking about my “spot.” No, not a spot on my carpet or my favorite chair, but a spot I call my own; a…

Emily Berg 0

July 6, 2012

Behind the Designers: Emily (“What I LOVE About Design”)

What I LOVE About Design, Emily Berg Fact: I am a huge planner!! I like to have things decided ahead of time so I know exactly where to go. I made up…

Mina Fies 0

July 5, 2012

Synergy Gives Back to our Local Community: 2012 Special Olympics Golf Tournament

Mark and I have always felt that giving back to the local community is an important part of owning a business and find that true happiness consists not just in personal achievement, but…

Mina Fies 0

June 28, 2012

Behind the Designers: Mina (“The Path to Synergy”)

The Path to Synergy, Mina Fies People often ask me why I chose the design and remodeling industry, but in reality, I feel it actually chose me. I had been a Realtor…

Mina Fies 0

June 13, 2012

Synergy D&C Sponsors NAWBO 2012 Woman of Distinction Award

As a woman-owned business, we love to pay forward all the support we’ve gotten from organizations in the area that sincerely care about promoting strong women entrepreneurs! The tenacity and creativity of our…

Mina Fies 0

June 12, 2012

Why Concealing Your REAL Renovation Budget from your Contractor is the Most Harmful Thing You Can Do

by Mina Fies Fielding budget-related questions is one of the trickiest parts of our job, because there’s always a fine line between giving clients what they want and what their budget will allow.…

Mina Fies 0

May 30, 2012

Synergy Design & Construction Garners Business of the Year Award from SCORE®

We know all too well that it’s no small task to open a small business during a recession! That’s why from the moment Synergy D&C was conceived, we’ve benefited from the invaluable mentoring…

Mina Fies 0

April 27, 2012

Cork Flooring: How This Nature-Lover’s Favorite Can Keep Your Space Fresh as a Bottle of Fine Wine

by Mina Fies Chances are, if you’ve heard anything about sustainable materials, you’ve heard of cork flooring. In a sea of “green” products, cork is one of the few materials that is natural,…

Mina Fies 0

April 25, 2012

How Do You Create a Seamless Renovation Process?

In a recent issue of Remodelers Journal, Mina Fies weighs in on the ideals which are most critical to forming a trusting working relationship between contractor and client. Mina's background in real estate…

Mina Fies 0

March 22, 2012

Synergy D&C Receives Houzz’s 2012 ‘Best Of Remodeling’ Award

We at Synergy are honored to receive another special distinction, this time from homeowners and potential renovators just like you across the country! The 2012 “Best of Remodeling” Design awards from Houzz were…

Emily Berg 0

March 21, 2012

Commercial Interior Design: 6 Unique Ways to Enliven Your Office

by Mina Fies Why is it that our residential design clients are often brimming with new ideas for their home, whereas our commercial or workplace-design clients seem to become stuck in the earliest…

Mina Fies 0

February 27, 2012

Synergy Design & Construction’s Renovation Roadmap™ Leads to Another Remodeling Industry Award

Less than three months after the completion of our latest kitchen remodel in Leesburg, our hard work has paid off in the form of a DC-area Contractor of the Year award! While creating…

Emily Berg 0

January 30, 2012

Creating Inspiring Commercial Spaces

by Mina Fies We often hear from our commercial or corporate clients that they are seeking an interior with a fresh look – “Something different!” they say, “Not your typical office.” While this…

Mina Fies 0

December 8, 2011

“Hands Down My Favorite”

How do you create that "WOW" factor for your kitchen? Adding faux-wood, heated ceramic tile flooring, glass backsplash and rich cherry cabinetry added that special touch to this kitchen featured on HGTV's "Bang…

Mina Fies 0

September 28, 2011

What Makes an Award-Winning Space

by Mina Fies Last month, Synergy D&C was thrilled to bring home awards from Qualified Remodeler magazine for two Northern Virginia-area renovations. Though we are proud of the recognition to say the least,…

Mina Fies 0

Basement Remodeling

August 15, 2011

How to Hide That Awful Ductwork!

by Mina Fies Scenario: You want to finish your existing basement into the perfect lower-level living space, without it feeling like a “basement.” Creating a homey and inviting space that matches the rest…

Mina Fies 0

July 8, 2011

5 Tips for the Design Challenged

by Mina Fies Some of us have a natural creative side and a flair for styles; others are not so lucky. For those who may be struggling, here are some simple design tips…

Mina Fies 0

June 8, 2011

Cost vs. Value Remodeling Report

How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck by Mina Fies The resale value of various remodeling projects is of critical importance to most homeowners, especially in today’s economy. Many have decided…

Mina Fies 0

April 15, 2011

Synergy D&C on DisneyFamily.com

We’re excited to be recognized as “green experts” on DisneyFamily.com! This invaluable website provides resources for parenting, entertainment and home life, and we were happy to lend advice on ways to create an…

Emily Berg 0

April 14, 2011

The In-Home Addition

Enhance Your Space without Expanding Your Footprint by Mina Fies Many homeowners we talk to these days seem interested in expanding their living space. Perhaps our recession-weary neighbors are anxious to look towards…

Emily Berg 0

Basement Remodeling

March 15, 2011

Designing a Better Basement

Tips for Creating a Lovely and Livable Lower Level by Mina Fies While a finished basement is often a project that occurs after a house has been built, it doesn’t have to feel…

Mina Fies 0

February 8, 2011

Countertop Myths Exposed

by Mina Fies Aside from cabinetry, countertops are perhaps the most eye-catching feature of a kitchen, and thus should receive ample consideration during design. When it comes down to it though, your countertop…

Mina Fies 0

February 3, 2011

Synergy Design & Construction Receives Remodeling Industry Award

During a ceremony at the Westin Alexandria, Synergy Design & Construction, Inc. (dba Synergy Design & Consulting) was awarded the "2010 Capital COTY Grand Team Award for Residential Interior $250,000 and Under" from…

Mina Fies 0

December 20, 2010

Furniture – No longer an Afterthought

by Mina Fies When approaching a renovation or remodeling project most people think of the furniture last; in reality that's the first place you should start! Furnishings play a big part in how…

Mina Fies 0

December 13, 2010

Water Conserving Tips

Kohler’s Top Ten Water Conserving Tips 1. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. 2. Cut a minute off your shower time every day (saves more than 750 gallons of…

Mina Fies 0

November 29, 2010

Think “Outside the Box” – Opening Up Your Kitchen

by Mina Fies Look around at new kitchens being built in homes today and you'll see they're not built like they used to be – in a good way. Today's kitchen is a…

Mina Fies 0

June 28, 2010

Charity Event Results

We're proud to report that the 6th Annual Golf Tournament co-hosted by the Special Olympics of Northern Virginia and Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia was a huge success. The event was held…

Mina Fies 0

April 29, 2010

April Open Benefiting the National Kidney Foundation

Allen Hermeling (Redskins Sales & Marketing), Mark Mann (Shulman Rodgers), Mina Fies (Synergy D&C), and Reed Doughty (Redskins Safety #37) What a great opportunity to support a very worthwhile cause! To find out…

Mina Fies 0

March 3, 2010

Charity Event

On behalf of the Special Olympics in Northern Virginia and the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV), we would like to invite you to participate or be a sponsor of the Sixth…

Mina Fies 0

October 7, 2009

Video Competition – Hiring a Contractor 101

We've entered the "WE Magazine for Women" video competition. Please visit and post a comment to help us win! http://wemagazineforwomen.com/hiring-a-contractor-101/

Mina Fies 0

September 1, 2009

About.com Women in Business – Women to Watch Feature #2

See my tips on how Mark and I work together, corporate social responsibility, our "green" business practices, and more! http://womeninbusiness.about.com/od/interviews/a/iview-mina-fies.htm?nl=1

Mina Fies 0

August 5, 2009

About.com feature article

Check out About.com's first article on us! They will be following our company over the next year, so be sure to check back for updates… http://womeninbusiness.about.com/b/2009/08/04/profile-of-mina-fies-ceo-synergy-design-construction.htm

Mina Fies 0

July 29, 2009

Charity Event

For the last several years, I've been proud to volunteer my time to the Special Olympics of Northern Virginia coaching golf. This year, it was my honor to volunteer as Treasurer for the…

Mina Fies 0

July 29, 2009

Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia

Mina Fies 0

July 29, 2009

Special Olympics of Northern Virginia

Mina Fies 0

July 17, 2009

Don’t be confined!

How to reach your home's full potential (Part 1) by Mina Fies Let go of the notion that you are stuck with your current (and sometimes outdated) layout. I constantly remind our clients…

Mina Fies 0

July 11, 2009

Synergy D&C Signs Contracts for 20 Projects, Adds Two New Staff Positions…

Synegy D&C, a new home remodeling company in Northern Virginia, has defied the recession. The ten month-old company has added two new positions to keep up with demands of their project load. They…

Mina Fies 0

July 3, 2009

Synergy D&C – Interview – Channel8 News

Synergy D&C - Interview - Channel8 News from Mark Fies on Vimeo.

Mina Fies 0

May 7, 2009

Hiring a Contractor 101

by Mina Fies Hiring a Contractor 101 from Va Assn of REALTORS on Vimeo. We were featured in the May webcast for the Virginia Homeowners Alliance (VHA) to discuss tips on how to…

Mina Fies 0

March 24, 2009

Smart Money’s Small Biz “Stand Out” Article

Smart Money covers Synergy D&C! Check out this article on the importance of having a "Business Blueprint" and see the answers to these important questions: 1. What are we doing to stand out…

Mina Fies 0

March 1, 2009

Taking off

It's hard to express how excited we are about all of the positive feedback we've been getting from homeowners, contractors, business associates and even the media. We knew we were on to something…

Mina Fies 0

February 2, 2009

Virginia Pair Defies Recession

Mina and Mark Fies launched their unique home remodeling business on January 6, offering to manage home improvement projects for harried homeowners. The Northern Virginia couple sees a depressed housing market as a…

Mina Fies 0

January 24, 2009

Washington DC ranked #1

Check out this Forbes.com article stating Washington DC has "first-place ranking in the world’s best cities for real estate investment." http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/106474/World’s-Best-Places-for-Real-Estate-Buys

Mina Fies 0

January 23, 2009

Remodeling Pays

by Mina Fies The fresh start of a New Year and a new President puts a sense of optimism in the air. However, many people are looking for ways to ride out the…

Mina Fies 0