Business Details
47 Years
experience
Custom Residential Architecture in Minneapolis
Tea 2 Architects is a residential architecture firm with over four decades of experience creating custom homes and renovations that blend historical inspiration with modern living. Founded in 1979, our team of 21 professionals collaborates to deliver exquisitely designed, environmentally sensitive homes across North America. We prioritize client visions, translating hopes into timeless, imaginative spaces that garner national recognition and enduring homeowner satisfaction.Our process emphasizes innovation, technical expertise, and a commitment to elevating both individual and collective design standards. With projects spanning 15+ states, we combine regional context with global design sensibilities to craft homes that feel both unique and deeply personal.
Services
Custom Home Design
Residential Renovations
Sustainable Architecture
Historic Preservation
Interior Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of experience in custom residential architecture across North America
- Our collaborative team of 21 professionals shares ongoing education and creative refinement
- We implement a patented process for translating client dreams into timeless homes
- Our environmentally sensitive designs have garnered national recognition
- We guarantee homes that clients appreciate more with each passing year
What people say
Absolutely thrilled
More with each year
Fresh imaginative homes
National recognition
Creative energy
Services
Custom Home Design
We specialize in creating bespoke homes tailored to clients' unique visions and site-specific contexts. Our approach combines historical inspiration with modern functionality, emphasizing environmental sensitivity and technical precision. Each design undergoes rigorous collaborative refinement to ensure spaces that evolve with contemporary living needs while maintaining timeless appeal through material selection and spatial composition.
Residential Renovations
Our renovation expertise transforms existing structures into modern, functional spaces while preserving architectural character. We focus on enhancing livability through thoughtful spatial reconfiguration, material upgrades, and integration of contemporary systems. Projects range from kitchen remodels to comprehensive whole-house transformations, always prioritizing client needs and maintaining the home's inherent charm.
Sustainable Architecture
We incorporate environmentally responsible practices throughout the design process, from material selection to energy-efficient systems. Our approach emphasizes passive solar design, natural material use, and minimizing environmental impact while creating beautiful, functional spaces. This commitment extends to both new constructions and renovation projects across diverse climate zones.
Historic Preservation
Our team specializes in maintaining architectural integrity while updating historic properties for modern living. We balance preservation requirements with contemporary needs through careful material matching, traditional craftsmanship, and innovative adaptation solutions. This expertise applies to both individual homes and contributing structures within historic districts.
Interior Architecture
We create cohesive interior environments that complement exterior architecture while optimizing functionality. Our approach focuses on natural light integration, material harmony, and spatial flow to enhance daily living experiences. Custom cabinetry, built-ins, and lighting design are tailored to support both practical needs and aesthetic continuity throughout the home.
People
Dan Nepp
Principal
Licensed architect since 1990 with over 30 years of experience, recipient of multiple AIA awards, and featured in over 75 publications. Specializes in translating client visions into award-winning residential designs.
Leffert Tigelaar
Associate Principal
Brings international perspective and craftsmanship focus, with three AIA MN Home of the Month awards. Combines artistic background with technical expertise in residential design solutions.
Steve Nordgaard
Associate
15+ years of experience in new residences and renovations, recognized for innovative problem-solving in complex projects across multiple states.
Matthew Erickson
Associate
Specializes in blending historic and contemporary elements, with multiple Midwest Home Magazine awards for both traditional and modern designs.
Tom Van De Weghe
Senior Project Manager
20+ years of experience in residential projects, including historic home additions and modern interior renovations, with multiple AIA award-winning projects.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We don't adhere to specific styles, instead drawing inspiration from historical and modern sources to create fresh, imaginative homes tailored to each client's vision.
Do you work outside the Minneapolis area?
Yes, we've completed projects in 15+ states including Arizona, California, Florida, and New York, adapting designs to regional contexts.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
Through material selection, passive solar design, and energy-efficient systems integration while maintaining aesthetic integrity in all our projects.
What's your design process like?
We begin with 'what if' explorations, collaborate through multiple refinements, and end with solutions that balance creativity and practicality for lasting value.
How are projects managed?
Each project has dedicated team members with specialized expertise, supported by our 21-person collaborative studio environment.
Can you handle complex renovations?
Yes, we specialize in transforming existing structures while preserving architectural character and improving modern functionality.
