Chris's Blog...

For over 30 years Chris has worked on all types of residential projects, with all kinds of people, in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Up North Minnesota, and beyond. He has been through it all, he’s seen the problems, he’s heard the questions, and he has dealt with the difficulties, all while making his clients’ dreams for home come true. So check out what’s on Chris’s mind today and benefit from his experience.


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Amazing Spaces, Places & Escapes: Re-imagining Treehouses

Amazing Spaces, Places & Escapes: Re-imagining Treehouses

It’s easy to forget how spoiled we are by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, with its 1,200 acres of manicured gardens, woods, and prairies, and 12.5 miles of walkable trails and paths. USA Today gave us all a collective nudge this spring by naming our arb the best botanical garden in the country.


Architecture City Guide: Minneapolis

Architecture City Guide: Minneapolis

We all know as Minneapolis architects that this city holds some true gems. If you are ever looking for something to do on the weekend, take a look at these must-see buildings from around the city!

This week our Architecture City Guide is headed to the city stars fall on. With a few notable exceptions, one can hardly be called a architect if s/he hasn’t designed something in Minneapolis. Since 2005 the architects that have fallen on this “City of Lakes” include Jean Nouvel, Herzog & de Mueron, César Pelli, Michael Graves, Steven Holl, and Frank Gehry. This is a surprising number for a city just north of 380,000 people.


Sales + Events: 5/8-5/14

Sales + Events: 5/8-5/14

The week’s best home and garden events in the Twin Cities, including Mother’s Day picks:
Keeping up with the sales and events around my architecture firm in Minnesota is important to me. As spring approaches, it is fun to see what resources are available to homeowners in the area. I hope everyone enjoys their Mother’s Day weekend!


3 Easy Ways to Change Your Decor for Spring

3 Easy Ways to Change Your Decor for Spring

We all have a natural tendency to want to revitalize our spaces as the weather gets warmer. Sunny spring days give us the boost of energy it takes to re-organize and re-imagine the spaces we live in every day. Here are a few tips for moving from winter cozy to spring fresh.
As the weather gets nicer, our motivation to redecorate increases. The spring creates a wonderful energy, and we want our homes to represent that same feeling.


Architectural Elements that Add Value to Your Home

Architectural Elements that Add Value to Your Home

Owning a home is one of your biggest investments. In order for it to pay dividends when you retire or move due to a job transfer, you need to keep everything up to date. This includes things like the plumbing, air conditioning, furnace, roof and windows. In addition to these traditional home repairs, improving the existing floor plan, adding upgrades and unique amenities can increase the value significantly and make your house stand out to buyers.


10 Items Every Home Should Have

10 Items Every Home Should Have

Once your home is designed and built, it’s time to move in and decorate. You want to show off elements of the architecture while also presenting your personal style. Creating a home you are proud of is essential. It not only gives you space to feel comfortable in, but it provides a wonderful space for entertaining so you and your friends can make lasting memories.


25 Iconic Minnesota Homes

25 Iconic Minnesota Homes

The Midwest is filled with innovative and adventurous architecture; the Midwest Home Magazine has celebrated 25 years of publication by highlighting 25 Iconic Minnesota Homes. While studying architecture you hear big names such as Frank Lloyd Wright, and you try to put yourself in his shoes. His iconic style is scattered across our area and seeing one of his structures helps you truly understand how important his ideas were.


Inhabited Ruin: Modern Home Hidden Inside Abandoned Masonry Shell

Inhabited Ruin: Modern Home Hidden Inside Abandoned Masonry Shell

When the architect of this remarkable remodel was hired to create a new home for his clients, a derelict building on the site caught his eye and turned out to be the focal point of a marvelous design project.
Minneapolis has a fair share of historic buildings that have been re-purposed beautifully and some that would benefit from some thoughtful design. This re-designed building I found is a great example of what architects can really do with original structures.