Business Details
47 Years
experience
Custom Residential Architecture in Minneapolis
Tea 2 Architects has been shaping exceptional residential spaces since 1979, rooted in the historic Fire Station 28 building in Minneapolis. Our team of 21 professionals combines decades of collective experience with a collaborative approach, ensuring every project benefits from diverse perspectives and rigorous attention to detail. We specialize in creating custom homes and renovations that balance historical inspiration with modern functionality, prioritizing environmental sensitivity and timeless design. Our work spans 15+ states, with recognition from AIA Minnesota, Midwest Home Magazine, and national publications. Client satisfaction remains our highest priority, as evidenced by homeowners who continue to appreciate their spaces years after completion. Through continuous education and refinement, we maintain an uncommon level of creative energy that elevates both our individual contributions and collective output.Our process begins with understanding client aspirations, translating them into spaces that harmonize with their surroundings while exceeding practical requirements. From initial concept through final detailing, we maintain strict quality standards while embracing innovative solutions. This commitment has established us as one of Minnesota's most experienced residential architecture firms, serving clients across North America. Our portfolio demonstrates mastery of diverse styles, from modern waterfront estates to historically sensitive renovations, always maintaining architectural integrity and functional excellence.
Services
Custom Home Design
Residential Renovations
Sustainable Architecture
Historic Preservation
Interior Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in residential architecture
- Our collaborative team approach ensures comprehensive design solutions
- We create environmentally sensitive, award-winning designs
- Our work has received national recognition from AIA and Midwest Home Magazine
- We maintain rigorous quality standards through continuous education
What people say
Exceptional design quality
Attention to detail
Timeless architectural solutions
Seamless indoor-outdoor connections
Award-winning expertise
Services
Custom Home Design
Our custom home design service creates unique living spaces tailored to clients' specific needs and site characteristics. We integrate architectural history with contemporary requirements, producing homes that feel both timeless and modern. Each design balances aesthetic appeal with functional efficiency, incorporating natural light, sustainable materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Our process ensures every detail reflects the homeowner's vision while meeting technical and regulatory standards.
Residential Renovations
We specialize in transforming existing homes through thoughtful renovations that preserve architectural character while modernizing functionality. Our approach maintains historical integrity while updating layouts, systems, and finishes for contemporary living. Projects range from kitchen and bathroom updates to comprehensive whole-house transformations, always prioritizing structural soundness and enhanced livability while respecting original design elements.
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture practice incorporates environmentally responsible materials, energy-efficient systems, and site-sensitive design principles. We create homes that minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant comfort through passive solar design, natural ventilation, and locally sourced materials. This approach reduces long-term operating costs while creating healthier living environments that harmonize with their natural surroundings.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in preserving architectural heritage through careful restoration and adaptive reuse of historic properties. Our team maintains original character-defining features while integrating modern amenities and systems. This service includes historically accurate material selection, period-appropriate detailing, and compliance with preservation guidelines, ensuring buildings retain their cultural significance while meeting contemporary living standards.
Interior Architecture
Our interior architecture service focuses on optimizing spatial relationships and functional flow within residential environments. We design custom cabinetry, millwork, and built-in elements that enhance both aesthetics and usability. The approach emphasizes natural light manipulation, material harmony, and ergonomic layouts to create cohesive, personalized living spaces that reflect occupants' lifestyles and preferences.
People
Dan Nepp
Principal
Licensed architect with over 35 years of experience, specializing in custom residential design. Recipient of multiple AIA awards and featured in over 75 publications. Holds the Ralph Rapson Traveling Fellowship from the Minnesota Architectural Foundation.
Leffert Tigelaar
Associate Principal
Dutch-born architect with extensive experience in residential design, recognized with multiple AIA MN awards. Holds degrees in architecture and fine arts, with a focus on the art and craft of architectural design.
Steve Nordgaard
Associate
Architect with over 25 years of experience in new residences and renovations. Recipient of AIA Minnesota awards, with projects featured in Architectural Digest and other prominent publications.
Matthew Erickson
Associate
Licensed architect specializing in blending contemporary and historic design elements. Recipient of Midwest Home Magazine awards for both traditional and contemporary house designs in 2023.
Tom Van De Weghe
Senior Project Manager
Architect with extensive experience in residential and commercial projects, including AIA award-winning work. Specializes in historic renovations and new constructions with a focus on contextual design.
Questions
What architectural styles does TEA2 Architects specialize in?
We work across multiple styles including modern, traditional, shingle-style, and Prairie-style homes, adapting designs to client preferences and site contexts while maintaining architectural integrity.
Do you work on both new construction and renovation projects?
Yes, we handle both custom home designs and residential renovations, with extensive experience in historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects across North America.
How does TEA2 incorporate sustainability into designs?
We integrate energy-efficient systems, natural materials, and passive solar design principles while prioritizing long-term durability and environmental responsibility in every project.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Minneapolis, we work on projects throughout North America, with completed homes in 15+ states including Minnesota, Arizona, California, and Florida.
How involved are principals in project design?
Our principals maintain active involvement in all projects, ensuring consistent design quality and direct client communication throughout the architectural process.
What sets TEA2 apart from other architecture firms?
Our combination of historical knowledge, modern innovation, and collaborative approach creates unique homes that balance timeless aesthetics with contemporary functionality.
