--- title: "James McNeal Architecture and Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-mcneal-architecture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~1956153537 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1956153537.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "James McNeal Architecture and Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a943979d05e8a351_7070-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Plymouth, Minnesota 55447, United States" phone: "(877) 796-5623" website: http://www.jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 16 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 244 last_updated: 2026-08-25 --- # James McNeal Architecture and Design Original Houzz profile: [James McNeal Architecture and Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-mcneal-architecture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~1956153537) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Plymouth, MN - **Serves:** Minneapolis, Plymouth, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Edina, Minnetonka Mills, Saint Louis Park, Chanhassen, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Victoria, Mound, Orono, Minnetrista, Shorewood, Medina, Corcoran, Wayzata, Deephaven, Independence, Breckenridge, Excelsior, Long Lake, Maple Plain, Tonka Bay, Loretto, Woodland, Minnetonka Beach, Medicine Lake, Alabama, Arizona, Aspen, Boulder, Colorado, Colorado Springs, Crystal Bay, Denver, Eau Claire, Florida, Georgia, Lake Minnetonka, Lake Minnetonka area, Montana, Orono area, Paradise Valley, Sanibel, Scottsdale, Sedona, Tampa, Wisconsin, Young America - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2018–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Online consultation - Award winning - High-end We are high-end residential and commercial architectural designers. Our deep understanding of architectural styles means we are well-versed in all genres, not limited to one. We maintain the integrity and historical evolution of architecture. Then blend your ideas, architectural style and artistic expression into your home, resulting in a timeless and singular beauty. We are registered in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Florida, Montana and Arizona, with offices in Minneapolis and Scottsdale. We are also NCARB certified to practice throughout the United States. We keep up with the latest technology which allows us to work with you anywhere via Zoom or through immersive VR. See a 3D virtual representation of your dream home using our proprietary MetaVerse/Oculus software program and process. You'll experience your home before the builder ever breaks ground! ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Basement Design - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Modular Home Additions - Custom Architecture - Custom Home - Highly Creative Custom Architectural Design ### Areas Served - Minneapolis - Plymouth - Eden Prairie - Minnetonka - Edina - Minnetonka Mills - Saint Louis Park - Chanhassen - Golden Valley - Hopkins - Victoria - Mound - Orono - Minnetrista - Shorewood - Medina - Corcoran - Wayzata - Deephaven - Independence - Breckenridge - Excelsior - Long Lake - Maple Plain - Tonka Bay - Loretto - Woodland - Minnetonka Beach - Medicine Lake - Alabama - Arizona - Aspen - Boulder - Colorado - Colorado Springs - Crystal Bay - Denver - Eau Claire - Florida - Georgia - Lake Minnetonka - Lake Minnetonka area - Montana - Orono area - Paradise Valley - Sanibel - Scottsdale - Sedona - Tampa - Wisconsin - Young America ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | James McNeal Architecture and Design | | Address | Plymouth, Minnesota 55447, United States | | Phone | (877) 796-5623 | | Website | http://www.jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 244 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign/ - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/jmadarchitecture/ - Blog — www.jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [James McNeal Architecture and Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-mcneal-architecture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~1956153537) - **Website:** http://www.jamesmcnealarchitectureanddesign.com - **Phone:** (877) 796-5623 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - We have won over 20 awards including Best of Show in the Midwest Home Design Awards show. - JMAD has had homes in the Homes by Architects Tour, Luxury Home Tour, and the Artisan Home Tour. - We have been featured in many articles, and our projects have been on the cover of several magazines. - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2018–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 16 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Randy Stanley, Dec. 2018** > We engaged James McNeal Architecture and Design for our recent townhouse remodel. It was a challenging project for any architect and design firm. There were many original design constraints on the space which was very 1970's. It was our desire to move the 3 floor space into a very contemporary design world. We provided some inspirational images, the team listened and provided us with a very creative and comprehensive design that far exceeded our expectations. They challenged the trades to deliver a unique, high value yet very custom product. The McNeal team stayed involved up until the last paint brush stroke to ensure we received the highest quality possible at what we considered to be a more than fair price. Highly recommended. **★★★★★ — Terry Elwood, Oct. 2017** > Incredible! > Complete remodel of our penthouse condo in downtown Minneapolis > Jim created the ultimate Asian / Deco design that exceeded our expectations. **★★★★★ — L Wall, Oct. 2017** > Jim designed our new house. He listened to our ideas and added elements that were beyond what we could have imagined. The process was fun and collaborative. He addressed all of our concerns and wish list items, and the end result was a thoughtful set of plans. > > Now that we have been in our home for over a year, we appreciate the planning process even more. The house is both functional and beautiful. It is a comfortable family home with special details in every room. We could not be happier with the final product. **★★★★★ — susan\_jane\_richey, Sept. 2017** > Jim provided excellent architectural expertise from the first land site visit to the custom design and completion of our home. As an effective professional, he observed, listened, questioned, respectfully challenged, and collaboratively worked with us to design a home that far exceeded our expectations. **★★★★★ — Thomas Ostby, July 2017** > In my capacity as a material supplier, I have known and worked with Jim McNeal for more than 10 years. But even a brief encounter with him makes one thing obvious: He has a real passion for his work. For Jim it seems like architecture is not a just a profession, but a calling. And his commitment to his work has driven him to a broad familiarity with every historic and modern a approach and a real desire to continue to learn from the best of past and current architectural practices. Like all good architects, Jim wants to create structures that not only serve the requirements and best hopes of his clients, but also make them, and him, proud. I think that Jim's body of work speaks to his mastery of his profession and his creativity, but his enthusiasm for what he does, an eagerness I have witnessed over the years, speaks eloquently about the commitment and pride he brings to every project and client . If I were looking for an architect I would choose one like Jim, whose pride in what he does, and joy in tackling design challenges, is so apparent. I can't think of a better recommendation than that. **★★★★★ — William Cox, May 2017** > l have known Jim for approximately 25 years and have utilized his design services for house studies and final contract document preparation. I have taken my ideas and sketches to him from which he quickly reviewed and developed the documents I requested. His design talent is remarkable; both interior and exterior. He is very knowledgeable of construction details and the construction process. I hope to work with him again. **★★★★★ — Riverstone, Inc., May 2017** > I own a cabinet manufacturing company and have built casework designed by James McNeal Architecture and Design for over a decade. Their ability to quickly formulate a concept and clearly articulate it through hand renderings is unmatched. They are a true pleasure to work with and always provide ample assistance to bring the drawings to life. Not only the details, but the actual feeling you get from the design transfers to the final product. **★★★★★ — David Girk, April 2017** > Jim created a unique home very specific to our lot - taking wonderful advantage of the challenging size, contours and elevation of the property. While very dedicated to his architectural principles, he listened well and adjusted nicely to our reasoned and sometimes contrary thinking - always willing to take the time to get every detail right. He was very personable and a just great person to work with. We love love our home and give Jim full credit for it. **★★★★★ — J W, Jan. 2017** > We had the privilege of having Jim design our home. We are thrilled with the way our home lives. The floor plan is perfect for us for how we live our lives; couple that with the creative detailing and amenities Jim thought up and we truly have our dream home . I have walked through many homes that Jim has designed and each has it's own personality and beauty. He is a master class architect, with the highest proficiency in many styles. He is a purist but has an excellent ability to balance that with practical design. If you are looking for true architecture and a stunningly beautiful and unique home or commercial space, we can't recommend Jim highly enough. **★★★★★ — schoeca, May 2016** > Jim was our architect for our new home project and he was absolutely amazing. This is the third home we have build, but the first with Jim and this was our best building experience ever by far. He captured our vision for our home perfectly and then made it better. One of his greatest talents is his ability to draw pictures on the fly of exactly what a room will look like. **★★★★★ — m\_boyle62, May 2016** > My wife and I researched many architects and builders for our home before deciding to use Jim. I highly recommend Jim McNeal, his creative ability is remarkable. Jim was able to take our ideas and style, improve upon them, and communicate the results into the home’s design in a way I couldn’t have imagined. Jim is a gifted artist, he can free-hand draw ideas that you verbally tell him then transform them into practical design > Jim took a personal stake in our home, as if he was building the home for himself. He was an advocate of the design throughout the build process. . I highly recommend Jim to anyone designing a home. **★★★★★ — jadrumm, April 2016** > Jim was introduced to my remodel project at a time it was lagging and quickly put it back on course with his peerless creativity, professionalism, and his dedication to this fun project. His work always draws the highest praise by all who see it. I highly recommend Jim to any perfectionist. ## Selected projects - [The Sanctuary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-sanctuary-pj-vj~7903093) - Location: Wayzata, MN - Photos: 87 - Description: Selected as Home \#1 on the Artisan Home Tour 2026, The Sanctuary’s architecture is focused on creating a private backyard oasis centered around a reflecting pool. The living room's high ceilings, clerestory windows and wood ceilings create a bright, warm and spacious atmosphere. ​ Because the homeowners love having guests, we designed an open flow between gathering spaces and outdoor areas. We carefully oriented views from the entry and main living spaces to draw attention to the oasis. ​ While… - [Vineyard Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vineyard-estate-pj-vj~7837351) - Location: Orono, MN - Photos: 76 - Description: Inspired by our Modern European work, the clients envisioned a home that would also incorporate the relaxed character of a California Ranch. The property itself introduced an unusual constraint, with the most immediate views oriented toward the street rather than the backyard. To reshape that experience, a stone landscape wall was designed along the front of the home. Beyond serving as a strong architectural base, it helps guide views outward to a tranquil pond, shifting focus away from nearby t… - [Hanging Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hanging-gardens-pj-vj~7704844) - Location: Minnetonka, MN - Photos: 21 - [Fairway Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fairway-ranch-pj-vj~7699417) - Location: Orono, MN - Photos: 25 - Description: Fairway Ranch, a beautiful, custom designed home with panoramic views of prairie and lake. With defining stone walls, arched entries, large backyard terrace and thoughtful indoor/outdoor flow, this home is a timeless, modern design. Spanning two lots in the Honey Hill neighborhood, this property includes a horse barn that will still be used by this horse-loving family. - [Zen Modern Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-modern-retreat-pj-vj~7668735) - Location: Medina, MN - Photos: 31 - Description: Our client wanted a home that is a nod to her Asian heritage. That was a key starting point in the design but along with that they wanted a modern home with an open floor plan which drove some of the character of the home in terms of massing and details. Through design iterations with the client, we developed the idea that the great room space would be a two-story vaulted space that would allow a lot of natural light in, with tall, full-height windows, not small transom windows. We were working… - [Luminous Horizon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/luminous-horizon-pj-vj~7653040) - Location: Wayzata, MN - Photos: 6 - Description: For this design, we put a lot of thought and effort into how this house would be integrated with the landscape. Likewise, we put a lot of effort into details, like integrating gutters that your can visually see. That kept our lines clean and modern. And the outdoor living spaces mean this modern home is ready to embrace summer. Lighting design surrounding the home give it its luminous feel. - [Wayzata Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wayzata-modern-pj-vj~7653003) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Modern meets indoor outdoor living. Designed in a flat-roof style, the long overhangs are anchored by two stone chimney masses. This home has a long driveway that wraps around an existing pond, revealing the home as you progress down the drive. We designed a steel channel detail on the facia, creating a subtle industrial look and a unique roof edge detail that’s crisp and clean – and not interrupted by gutters or downspouts. Doors from the sunroom take you right out to the terrace and pool areas… - [Woodland Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woodland-modern-pj-vj~7652826) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: While a two-story, our Woodland Modern home looks like a one story. Our use of planes to define spaces also gives the structure to the home. With its horizontal emphasis, we wanted it not to feel large and imposing. We popped out a portion to create a second level and created a roof level. Transom window balance the forms and create a connection to the outdoor living space. Metal and such are primarily used to create lots of contrast with this home. Located in Wayzata, MN. - [Keenly Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/keenly-modern-pj-vj~7625925) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: Clean lines and really minimizing details are the key features of this style design. What we really are just trying to accomplish is creating a great aesthetic presence with the building forms themselves and not relying strictly on ornamentation to create interest to the building – although the front entry element is unique to draw your eye in and invite people into the building through its use of large format, cut stone pieces that form a gable, giving it prominence and visual importance. Trans… - [White Harbor Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-harbor-retreat-pj-vj~7625344) - Location: Greenwood, MN - Photos: 18 - Description: The key thing about this home was the location and the site; it is on a really prominent lot on Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota – the type of lot that you don’t come across for sale everyday, so we wanted to of course create a home design that takes advantage of those amazing views. We wanted to create something classic and timeless in style and form – and shingle style. So the home features an abundance of glass on the back side looking out on the lake with all the key primary living spaces, also… - [Colorado Old World Charmer](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colorado-old-world-charmer-pj-vj~7624467) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: Situated on a big plot of land, we designed this home strategically on the site to capture expansive mountain views out the front of the house. Every day, their views are oriented towards to the mountains. Architectural style-wise, we use traditional mountain Architecture elements like stone, but made it modern with lots of big glass and lots of fireplaces. Our clients want a family home, yet one for entertaining. We designed a casual Old World rambler, that flows from one gathering space to the… - [Curving Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/curving-modern-pj-vj~7624351) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: Obviously the most striking feature of this home are the kind of razor edge roof profiles and the fact that those roofs kind of swoop both vertically and horizontally. It is really an evolution of modern design. It uses all of the typical architectural rules of modern home design and just kind of takes it to the next level with the really striking roof forms which serve functions on the exterior. They provide overhangs to provide shade during the warmer months and then create a really unique tra… - [Nature's Edge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nature-s-edge-pj-vj~7623042) - Location: Hudson, WI - Photos: 24 - Description: Designed for clients who wanted a large, sprawling home that didn’t look large and sprawling, our Nature’s Edge home in Hudson, Wisconsin, overlooks The St. Croix River. The entryway is subdued as our clients didn’t want visitors to feel they were coming to a huge estate. The lot itself was challenging, due to height restrictions, a ravine and a bluff. But these are the kinds of creative challenges we love. In the back, it’s not a two-story, it’s two stories further away; that was the only way t… - [Montana Ski-In Ski-Out Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montana-ski-in-ski-out-home-pj-vj~7622165) - Location: Big Sky, MT - Photos: 17 - Description: Designed for a challenging site in Big Sky, the lot is very wooded and rocky and has a lot of variation to the elevations of grade. Different community restrictions, building code regulations and HOA restrictions as well. So figuring out where to situate the house on the lot was the first and foremost challenge. Knowing that there are valley views behind the house and mountain views in front of the house, our clients wanted to capture those views as they were primary reason they bought the prope… - [Lake Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-cottage-pj-vj~7574711) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - [Montana Mountain Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montana-mountain-home-pj-vj~7567110) - Location: Big Sky, MT - Photos: 17 - Description: Our Montana Mountain home at at one with its landscape and supports our clients outdoorsy lifestyle. Large glass panel walls out to the mountains and the valley view as well. A deck also runs along the full main level of the house, creating indoor-outdoor living environments for fresh Montana mountain air. Cars enter under the great room of the house into a covered car port area that’s sheltered from the environment by the house itself. The other siding materials used on the house are corrugated… - [Edina Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/edina-remodel-pj-vj~7511711) - Location: Edina, MN - Photos: 14 - Description: The kitchen is always the heart of the home and originally the kitchen was inaccessible to the other living spaces. With this remodel, we made the kitchen the heart of the home again and connected the spaces proximity wise and you can see all the spaces in one spot –nice for hosting and just living there as a family. We move the kitchen to an oversized dining room and reorganized the entire floorpan for better connection between all the living spaces. The kitchen’s old location is now a mudroom,… - [Countryside Rambler](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/countryside-rambler-pj-vj~7574715) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 43 - [Del Camino](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/del-camino-pj-vj~7491567) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 38 - Description: Our Del Camino home in Arizona is a modern, multi-level home with a two-story-tall great room space surrounded by floor-to-ceiling window to make the entire home light, open and airy. This openness also creates a connection to the scenic backyard with the great room actually opening up to accommodate indoor / outdoor living. Another way we create indoor / outdoor living is with two levels of rooftop terraces – one accessed via an exterior spiral staircase. The upper level also includes an exerci… - [Sunlit Coastal Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunlit-coastal-ranch-pj-vj~7452932) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 66 - Description: A balance of symmetry, sunlight and coastal vibes round out this home. Inspired by the feel of a California home, it feels beachy, with clean lines and lots of glass so you can see from the front entry, through the house to the water. The back patio is also thoughtfully designed with grass coming right up to the patio and not a lot of concrete. [See all 84 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-mcneal-architecture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~1956153537) ## Ideabooks - [Prairie Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107993049/list/prairie-style) — 7 ideas - [Modern Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107993006/list/modern-style) — 2 ideas - [Lodge Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107992992/list/lodge-style) — 8 ideas - [Unique/Specialty Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107993018/list/unique-specialty-style) — 3 ideas - [Shingle Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107993060/list/shingle-style) — 6 ideas - [Tudor Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107993070/list/tudor-style) — 3 ideas - [Castles](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107993084/list/castles) — 3 ideas - [Colonial Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107993086/list/colonial-style) — 7 ideas - [Italian Style](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/107993098/list/italian-style) — 3 ideas [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jmadarchitecture) ## Community Q&A **Q: what is the name of the stone on the exterior wall of the house?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It is limestone from a Wisconsin quarry. Thank you for the question! **Q: Do You Have another Pictures of that Island?** *(in Photo Questions)* I want see the Kitchen Island from another angle A: Hello! Certainly, here is the opposite angle of this island. **Q: i love the mini & the chairs, where is it from?** *(in Photo Questions)* the mini bar, chairs, A: Hello! Thank you for the compliments on the design. The homeowner did all their interior furniture after the face so we don't have the chairs on file. We can reach out to them and see if we can get any details for you! - Thanks **Q: love this! what kind of counter tops? backsplash?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Andrea, thanks for the interest and compliment. This project was finished a while back and we just recently got the photos taken this last fall. I can reach out to the homeowner to see if they still have details on the materials but we were not involved in the finishes so they are not in our files. I'll be in touch if I find anything. Thanks! **Q: Open shelves in kitchens. Yay or nay?** *(in Polls)* A: I agree with Robbi. If you want to do a small area as an accent to display rarely used dishes, this can create some unique visual interest to your space. You simply have to think about your personal daily function and if you are bothered by clutter. I don't recommend them at all if you have a very busy schedule, a mixture of color/sized dishes that wouldn't visually look nice stacked, or if you are aggravated by clutter; then you are simply asking for extra work, cleaning and stress. See attached photos of it done well as an accent. **Q: Is there a floor plan to this house?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello! We do have a floorplan to this house in or archives but we don't give out our floorplans to clients. If you were a potential builder or wanted to meet with us to do something similar to this project for your own home, then we could pull out the floorplan to discuss doing something similar. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*