The Best Residential Architects in Minnesota

Last updated on July 15th, 2024 at 02:13 pm

Embarking on a residential construction project in Minnesota necessitates the expertise of a skilled architect, especially given the state’s diverse home styles—ranging from Craftsman bungalows and Victorian homes to modern designs and rustic log cabins—and complex design requirements due to its harsh winters and humid summers. The investment is significant, with project costs ranging from $100,000 to $400,000 and potentially reaching up to $500,000, making it crucial to select an architect who can maximize space efficiency and address the unique challenges of Minnesota’s climate and topography. With the state’s average cost per square foot at $68.67, a thoughtful and creative design is essential to ensure the best return on your investment.

Minnesota, home to approximately 5.717 million people, boasts a diverse and thriving real estate market with a median home value of $335,229. Building a home can take up to nine months, highlighting the need for a residential architect who can navigate the complexities of construction and offer innovative design solutions. A skilled architect can provide multiple schematic designs, ensuring that every square foot of your home is used effectively and aligns with your lifestyle, thereby enhancing the value of your investment.

This article will introduce you to some of the best Minnesota architects. These professionals are known for their creativity, expertise, and ability to deliver personalized home designs that meet the highest quality and functionality standards. Whether you’re looking to build a modern urban residence or a spacious suburban retreat, these Minnesota architects can turn your dreams into reality, ensuring a smooth and successful construction journey.

Overview: The Best Residential Architects in Minnesota

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more.

U+B architecture & design, inc.

2609 Aldrich Ave. S. Ste. 100, Minneapolis, MN 55408  

U+B architecture & design, inc. has been in business for 17 years. Since its establishment, the firm has accumulated accolades such as the 2015 RAVE Award and has appeared in numerous publications such as Star Tribune, The Architect Magazine, and Twin Cities Business. 

One of the company’s best features is the Tyrol Hills Residence. The firm offered the homeowners a balance of styles using modern and traditional designs and furniture. It takes inspiration from a modern vernacular gable home while preserving the landscape and saving trees and neighboring ponds. In addition, a unique detail the firm provided was a display of the homeowner’s artifacts and incorporating them into the home’s social areas. This adds a personal touch to the house and brings uniqueness to the home. 

Salmela Architect

630 W. 4th St., Duluth, MN 55806

Salmela Architect has been in business for 27 years. Since its inception, the firm has garnered over 70 regional, national, and international awards from magazines and organizations. In addition, the company has appeared in various publications such as the LA Times, Dwell, Metropolitan Home, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The firm’s residential, commercial, and public projects all share an environmental and cultural specificity, with sensitivities toward natural light, the economy of means, and the distinctive personalities of each client.

The Streeter Residence is one of the firm’s higher-end homes. The project consists of a long rectangular living space supporting two white bedroom structures above which cantilever in either direction. The home’s linear nature responds to the narrow plateau upon which it sits, surrounded by a pond and marshy woodland. The efficient open plan, large windows, concise material palette, and minimalist detailing create a calm interior space that puts all of the focus on the surrounding landscape.

TEA2 Architects

2724 43rd St. W., Minneapolis, MN 55410 

Dan Nepp currently leads TEA2 Architects. For over four decades, the firm’s projects have received awards such as the 2018 – Home of the Month Award, the  2018 – 2 BLEND Awards for Addition/Remodel, and the 2018 – Best Traditional New Construction. Renowned for being one of the leading Minnesota architects, it also has a project featured in an article from Architectural Digest.

One of the simpler projects the firm has completed is the Kenwood Shingle Style Cottage. The distinct color schemes provide a traditional appeal that complements the stone masonry and tiled roofing. Inside, the floor plan consists of classic and contemporary furniture, resulting in a sophisticated floor plan with sufficient natural lighting. Upon completion, the project was named Best In Show in the 2016 Blend Awards. 

MSR Design

510 Marquette Ave. S. Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55402

The Paper Mill House is one of MSR Design’s best works. The project features refined forms and materials that complement and reference the home’s countryside setting. Details include spaces for entertaining, a variety of living spaces, outdoor decks, and a large dining hall. In addition, the residence features 70% less energy per square foot with hydropower and solar power technology, leading to near-net-zero energy consumption. Homes such as the Paper Mill House make up MSR Design’s portfolio. 

The MSR team has been in the industry for 40 years, completing various modern and traditional residential projects. The firm’s projects have been featured in notable publications such as Architectural Record, Dezeen, Interior Design, Metropolis, and the Star Tribune. 

CityDeskStudio

550 Vandalia St. #101, Saint Paul, MN 55114

CityDeskStudio has 17 years of experience in the business. Today, Ben Awes is the principal leading the company’s different types of residences. A common pick among Minnesota architects, many magazines and publications have featured the company and its work. Some of these publications include the Minneapolis / St. Paul Magazine—Home & Design, Architecture Minnesota, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and the Star Tribune. 

One of the firm’s best modern residences is the Graphic Nature House. As seen in its name, the environment plays a significant role in enhancing the home’s appeal. Stones, plants, and trees create an inviting facade and complement the interior floor plan, which consists of wooden furniture, walls, and columns. In addition, natural lighting illuminates each area, accentuating the home’s natural atmosphere.   

David Heide Design Studio

235 Lexington Pkwy. S., St. Paul, MN 55105 

One featured project of the David Heide Design Studio is a summer cottage that perfectly encapsulates the lake tradition. This new house has the look and feel of a 1910 cottage, fitting in unobtrusively with its neighbors on Crane Island. David Heide Design Studio employed the scale, proportion, details, and materials of buildings of that early era as precedent in the design. An expansive screened porch adds to the leisurely feeling of a “cottage.” Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with the design of the building. For example, the television in the living room hides behind a panel operated by a historic window sash pulley and weight system.

NewsStudio|architecture

2303 Wycliff St., Saint Paul, MN 55114

The Manitou Island Boathouse project is among NewsStudio|architecture’s most notable works. The project involved a complete renovation of the residence, emphasizing classic mid-century designs. In addition, the firm considered the homeowner’s preferences by including stainless steel cleats on the cabinetry, authentic sails as wall coverings and shower curtains, and a bevy of color schemes. 

In addition, the firm provided a three-season screened pavilion for gatherings and events. Many of the firm’s projects have led to firm features in publications such as Twin Cities, Park Bugle, and Midwest Home. 

Shelter Architecture

275 Market St. Ste. 292, Minneapolis, MN 55405

Shortly after opening in 2004 as a residential architecture firm focused on sustainability, Shelter designed Minnesota’s first newly constructed home to receive LEED-H Platinum certification (shown below). The design reflects — and supports — the homeowners’ commitment to minimizing their environmental footprint. The house is highly energy-efficient. The kitchen layout promotes healthy eating habits, and storage areas are designed to decrease waste and discourage overconsumption. 

Shelter has since expanded into commercial work while maintaining its reputation as an early adopter of cutting-edge green building practices — including approaches that meet the rigorous standards of the Living Building Challenge. Shelter has received numerous accolades for its work, including Best in Show, from both the 2020 ASID Minnesota Design Excellence Awards and the 2018 BLEND awards. The firm has also been featured in many publications, including Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, Architecture MN, and Midwest Home.

Christian Dean Architecture

2909 Bryant Ave. S. #304, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Owner Christian Dean is currently leading his firm with a small team of professionals. Its team allows them to focus on a handful of projects to give the client their utmost attention. Below is one of the firm’s contemporary residential projects featuring an urban beach house. The home includes basic color schemes, with white being the dominant color. 

Inside, the firm paired white designs with gray palettes that complement the modern furniture and planked flooring. Upon completion, the home has 2,830 square feet with an additional 1,451 below grade, including the garage area. It received recognition from the AIA MN / Star Tribune Home of the Month in 2015 and The Line in October 2015.

Kell Architects

821 Raymond Ave. Ste. 400, St. Paul, MN 55114

Kell Architects has been in the business for a decade. Since its inception, the firm has produced projects that have garnered the attention of numerous publications, receiving features from Architecture Minnesota, Midwest Homes, and Minnesota Women’s Press. 

One of the firm’s best works is the Gretel Residence. The project features a classic family cottage home using traditional materials such as wood and stones. In addition to these designs, the home’s yellow lighting accentuates its appeal, which pairs well with the wooden exterior and interior. Upon completion, the project received the AIA Home Of The Month Award 2010 and appeared in Star Tribune. 

RoehrSchmitt Architecture, LLC

1229 Tyler St. N.E. Crown Center Suite 275, Minneapolis, MN 55413

One of RoehrSchmitt Architecture’s best works is a three-story home on a hillside property that provides ample natural lighting while offering the homeowners panoramic views of the surrounding area. The decision to place the living areas on the second floor, including an outdoor deck, gave the homeowners panoramic views. As for its interior, the firm provided modern furniture with basic color schemes. 

This complements the wooden furnishings within the floor plan leading to a refined environment. Projects like this have garnered accolades, such as winning the 2018 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award and the 2019 Minneapolis AIA Heritage Preservation Award. In addition, as one of the top Minnesota architects, publications like Eater Twin Cities and Twin Cities Business have featured the company. 

D/O Architects

1621 Hennepin Ave. Ste.100, Minneapolis, MN 55403

The project below is one of D/O Architects’ best works, featuring the Nordic Light Residences. D/O Architects meticulously detailed the measurements and requirements needed to support the home’s structure. At the same time, the firm strategically placed windows on specific parts of the house to optimize views and efficiently incorporate natural lighting into the interior. The firm did this with consideration of the home’s white finishes and wooden furnishings, leading to an improved home atmosphere. 

Other areas of improvement included the TV-viewing room and roof deck. The home’s unique wooden facade and black-colored walls work together to radiate a sophisticated appeal. With projects like this, the company has received awards such as the 2015 AIA Minnesota Honor Award and has appeared on Architecture Minnesota and Architects Advocate. 

PLAAD, LLC | Practice of Lasting Art, Architecture & Design

1229 Tyler St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

PLAAD has been a small team of professionals in the business for seven years. Despite its size, the firm can provide its clients with flexible scheduling and detailed construction for small and large residential projects. One of the most preferred Minnesota architects, its works received recognition with the 2019 Best Overall Home – Summit County Builders Association Parade of Homes. They appeared on Mountain Living and Star Tribune. 

Pictured below is one of the company’s notable modern projects, the Highlands Residence. Details such as wood and stone in its facade give the home a refined finish. Inside, vibrant furniture comprises the floor plan, which takes inspiration from a contemporary ranch-style house. A notable detail is the numerous windows at the rear and direct access to the basement that leads to the patio. 

SALA Architects

326 E. Hennepin Ave. Ste. 200, Minneapolis, MN 55414

One of SALA Architects’ award-winning projects is the Ohm Sweet Ohm. The residence includes intensive energy-efficient features and sustainable design solutions that lead to net-zero energy throughout. Major mechanical upgrades, material selection, and detailed developments are other components that contribute to the house’s sustainability. In addition, geothermal technology and roof-mounted PV panels increase the home’s efficiency. 

Upon completion, the project received awards such as the GreenStar Zero Hero Award and Minneapolis Merit Award while appearing in publications like the Net-Zero Style, the Midwest Home, and the AIA Homes by Architects Tour. Under the leadership of Eric Odor, Paul Hannan, David O’Brien Wagner, Bryan Anderson, and Jody McGuire, SALA Architects continues producing award-winning projects with the help of its well-experienced team. Among the best Minnesota architects, it has a project featured in The New York Times.

ALTUS Architecture + Design

945 Broadway St. NE Suite 240, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Licensed architect Tim Alt currently leads ALTUS Architecture + Design. The firm has produced award-winning projects, receiving the AIA Minnesota Honor Award and the AIA MN RAVE Award. Since its establishment, the firm has expanded its designs by working with residents representing the client’s tastes and values. 

One of the firm’s notable projects is the Woodland House. This project has natural scenery, surrounded by large yard areas and trees. The home features a sophisticated, contemporary floor plan using wooden flooring, columns, and luxury furnishings. After finishing this project, it received the 2017 MN RAVE Award & 2018 AIA Minnesota Home of the Month. Other notable accolades the firm received include features from The Modern Residence 2020 and WW Architecture – 30 of the Most Relevant World Architects 2019. In addition, the firm is set to appear at the  “Time Space Existence” Architecture Exhibit in Venice, Italy, in 2023.

Christopher Strom Architects

3308 Gorham Ave., St. Louis Park, MN 55426

The New Gambrel custom home is one of Christopher Strom Architects’ most prominent completed work. Its design takes inspiration from its existing neighborhood, resulting in a modern, cottage-themed house. In addition, the firm included gambrel-style roofing, following a barn-shaped roof to reduce the scale of the home. This project turns classic design solutions into a fresh, contemporary home but retains traditional features such as its porch, metal railings, and planked flooring. 

Upon completion, the project received the 2020 BLEND Award: Best in Show, the 2020 BLEND Award: People’s Choice Award, and the 2020 BLEND Award: Residential New Construction. Christopher Strom is the principal architect leading the firm to its success, building mid-century, modern craftsman, and shingle-style homes. 

Timothy Fuller Architects

1305 Cleveland Ave. N., Saint Paul, MN 55108

Since Timothy Fuller Architects’ inception, the company has tackled various projects. These have garnered the attention of Midwest Homes and Star Tribune publications. The project featured below is one of the firm’s best, the Gauthier Residence. The project extensively uses traditional materials and color schemes but improves the overall functionality to provide a modern lifestyle. 

A unique characteristic of the house is its size. The firm tried to keep the home smaller while establishing additional spaces like a detached garage. The project received the Star Tribune AIA Home of the Month award upon completion. 

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of architects, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the residential architects in the Minnesota area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.