Business Details
47 Years
experience
Award-Winning Residential Architecture in Minneapolis
Founded in 1979, Tea 2 Architects is a residential architecture firm with a legacy of creating exquisitely designed, thoroughly detailed, and beautifully livable custom homes and renovations. Our team of 21 professionals collaborates to elevate the design process, drawing inspiration from historical and modern sources to reinterpret them for modern living. We specialize in translating clients' hopes and dreams into fresh, imaginative, and timeless homes while maintaining a commitment to environmentally sensitive and innovative design.With projects across North America, we have garnered national recognition and a reputation for delivering homes that clients grow to appreciate more over time. Our collaborative approach, technical expertise, and dedication to client satisfaction form the foundation of our practice.
Services
Custom Home Design
Residential Renovations
Lakefront Properties
Historic Preservation
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of experience in residential architecture.
- Our collaborative team approach ensures comprehensive design solutions.
- We create homes recognized in national publications and awards.
- Our designs balance environmental sensitivity with innovative architecture.
- We maintain long-term relationships with satisfied homeowners nationwide.
What people say
Exceptional custom designs
Collaborative process
Timeless aesthetics
Award-winning results
Nationwide expertise
Services
Custom Home Design
We specialize in creating custom-designed homes tailored to clients' unique lifestyles and site conditions. Our approach combines historical inspiration with modern functionality to produce timeless, personalized spaces. Each project emphasizes environmental sensitivity, technical precision, and long-term livability.
Residential Renovations
Our renovation expertise transforms existing homes while preserving their character and enhancing modern functionality. We specialize in updating historic properties and reimagining contemporary spaces to meet evolving client needs. Projects range from kitchen renovations to comprehensive home transformations.
Lakefront Properties
We design lakefront homes that maximize natural surroundings while ensuring structural resilience. Our approach integrates site-specific challenges with aesthetic considerations to create spaces that harmonize with aquatic environments. Projects emphasize sustainable materials and climate-responsive design.
Historic Preservation
Our team specializes in preserving architectural heritage while incorporating modern amenities. We maintain original character through meticulous material selection and construction techniques while ensuring compliance with preservation standards and contemporary living requirements.
Sustainable Design
We integrate environmentally conscious practices into every project through energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials. Our approach balances ecological responsibility with aesthetic innovation to create homes that minimize environmental impact while maximizing long-term value.
People
Dan Nepp
Principal
Licensed architect since 1990 with over 30 years of experience. Recipient of the Ralph Rapson Traveling Fellowship and multiple AIA awards. Featured in over 75 publications and PBS's Hometime series.
Leffert Tigelaar
Associate Principal
Dutch-born architect with extensive experience in residential design. Recognized with three AIA MN Home of the Month awards. Combines artistic background with technical expertise in creating distinctive architectural solutions.
Steve Nordgaard
Associate
Licensed architect with over 25 years of experience at TEA2. Projects featured in Architectural Digest and other publications. Specializes in new residences and complex renovation projects across multiple states.
Matthew Erickson
Associate
Licensed architect with expertise in blending contemporary and historic elements. Recognized for award-winning designs in Midwest Home Magazine. Focuses on spatial composition and natural material integration.
Tom Ellison
Principal Emeritus
Founder of TEA Architects in 1980. Recognized as Architect of Distinction by AIA Minnesota. Authored books on earth-sheltered housing and received multiple design awards during his career.
Questions
What types of residential projects does TEA2 Architects handle?
We specialize in custom home design, renovations, lakefront properties, historic preservation, and sustainable architecture across North America.
How long has TEA2 Architects been in business?
Our firm has been creating residential architecture since 1979, with our current TEA2 Architects name established in 1996.
Do you work outside the Minneapolis area?
Yes, while based in Minneapolis, we've completed projects in 12 states including California, Florida, and Colorado.
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We don't follow a single style, instead creating designs that blend historical inspiration with modern functionality tailored to each client's needs.
How does TEA2 approach sustainable design?
We integrate environmentally conscious materials, energy-efficient systems, and climate-responsive design principles into every project to minimize environmental impact.
Can you help with historic home renovations?
Yes, our team has extensive experience in preserving architectural heritage while updating homes for modern living standards and energy efficiency.
