--- title: "Shelter Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shelter-architecture-pfvwus-pf~880906569 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~880906569.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Shelter Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5ae3a8430f230d46_9741-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "275 Market St #292, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55405, United States" latitude: 44.9702 longitude: -93.3047 phone: "(612) 870-4081" website: http://www.shelterarchitecture.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 319 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # Shelter Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Shelter Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shelter-architecture-pfvwus-pf~880906569) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Minneapolis, MN - **Serves:** Minneapolis, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Coon Rapids, Minnetonka, Edina, Minnetonka Mills, Saint Louis Park, Maplewood, Richfield, Roseville, Brooklyn Center, Fridley, Shoreview, New Brighton, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Columbia Heights, Lino Lakes, West Saint Paul, Hopkins, Robbinsdale, Mounds View, Vadnais Heights, Saint Paul, Mendota Heights, Little Canada, Arden Hills, Saint Anthony, Spring Lake Park, Falcon Heights, North Oaks, Wayzata, Osseo, Lauderdale, Excelsior, Lexington, Hilltop, Lilydale, Sunfish Lake, Medicine Lake, Mendota, Wisconsin - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2012–2015), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Shelter is an award winning, full-service architecture and interior design firm based in Minneapolis, MN. We collaborate with homeowners, businesses and communities to create beautiful, engaging environments. Our designs serve our clients’ needs, reflect their passions, and contribute to a healthier, more humane world. We’d love to work with you. ### 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 - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Mudroom Design - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design ### Areas Served - Minneapolis - Bloomington - Brooklyn Park - Plymouth - Maple Grove - Eagan - Eden Prairie - Coon Rapids - Minnetonka - Edina - Minnetonka Mills - Saint Louis Park - Maplewood - Richfield - Roseville - Brooklyn Center - Fridley - Shoreview - New Brighton - Crystal - Golden Valley - New Hope - Columbia Heights - Lino Lakes - West Saint Paul - Hopkins - Robbinsdale - Mounds View - Vadnais Heights - Saint Paul - Mendota Heights - Little Canada - Arden Hills - Saint Anthony - Spring Lake Park - Falcon Heights - North Oaks - Wayzata - Osseo - Lauderdale - Excelsior - Lexington - Hilltop - Lilydale - Sunfish Lake - Medicine Lake - Mendota - Wisconsin ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - 2,000,000 Our fees are typically billed hourly. Historically our design fees average 10%-15% of the project construction budget. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Shelter Architecture | | Address | 275 Market St \#292, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55405, United States | | Phone | (612) 870-4081 | | Website | http://www.shelterarchitecture.com | | Followers on Houzz | 319 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/shelterdesigns - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/shelterdesigns - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/shelter-architecture/ - Blog — http://www.shelterarchitecture.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Shelter Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shelter-architecture-pfvwus-pf~880906569) - **Website:** http://www.shelterarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (612) 870-4081 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA MN: Emerging Talent of the Year, 2018; Homes by Architects Tour - 2023, 2016, 2013 - ASID MN: Design Excellence - 2020, 2019, 2017, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011; Emerging Talent - 2022, 2017; Midwest Home Life in Color, 2021 - OTHER: RAVE, 2023; Midwest Home Design Awards, 2023; BLEND - 2021, 2018 - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2012–2015), for Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Gretchen Twiss, Sept. 2016** > We have done several projects with Shelter, and have had them do designs for us for future projects too. They built us a beautiful carriage house, a Hollywood-level dressing room, an office built for two and updates in our bedroom to name a few. They are wonderful! We are toying with having them build us a cabin! > > They are professional and warm, great listeners, and always find ways to surprise and delight their customers. Our projects with them have won awards, and our carriage house, which is a replica of the original Victorian one, accidentally passed the city historical reviewers as the original structure! So, don't hesitate, they can do anything, and love a good challenge! **★★★★★ — Home Restoration Services, Inc., Dec. 2015** > I have had the pleasure of working with Shelter Architecture + Design on several projects, providing bid proposals for budgeting and bringing their designs to life as a builder. Across the board, everyone at Shelter is collaborative, accessible, and their architectural plans are clear without being tedious. As a builder, these qualities make estimating their projects straight forward with just the right amount of precision. They are an inventive, talented group of design professionals and I would recommend them to any homeowner seeking top-notch architectural and design services. **★★★★ — Lucy Peterson, June 2014** > We hired Jackie Millea to consult on a redo of the front of our house. Their deal is a " reality check" for either $300 or $800. She took our ideas , advised us and added some of her own. She took it all back to the office and drew it all up and gave us ideas for materials . Not a huge amount of creative energy. Maybe we could have pumped her for more. But it was good for the budget and a great concept. **★★★★★ — paulhok, March 2014** > Initially worked with Shelter for a "Reality Check" where they looked at our front yard/steps/driveway, back yard and master bath. Immediately impressed with the high level ideas presented to improve the front and sides of our house. Completed that work in 2012 and came back for detailed design help on our master bath. Shelter's designer made some key recommendations on tile and a great solution for a 'curbless' shower. We finished the bath remodel in Dec 2013 and are extremely happy. Highly recommend them for both interior and exterior inspiration. **★★★★★ — jamesrhietala, March 2014** > Shelter agreed to assess our cramped third floor - two bedrooms, a tiny full bathroom, and a hallway - and consult with us. After looking it over and considering the original architect's and builder's drawings, Kurt proposed adding dormers with built-in beds, shelving, and drawers to each bedroom and using the extra space for the bathroom. We were thrilled with Kurt's solution and hired Shelter to draw up plans and make Kurt's vision a reality. Kurt and his colleagues at Shelter drew on their experience and creativity to transform our third floor. We were especially impressed with Lisa A., who Kurt brought in and who has an amazing eye for details that transform a space. Shelter was punctual and kept to our budget. We and our neighbors are delighted with Shelter's work. **Comment from Shelter Architecture:** > Thank you James for the kind words. We really enjoyed working with you and look forward to seeing you in the future. **★★★★★ — burgoynefamily, Feb. 2014** > Shelter completed a "Reality Check" to help us envision a possible remodel and addition to our home. Kurt Gough and his team were terrific. They listened carefully to our goals, presented a number of design ideas and developed a cost estimate. We enjoyed working with them and highly recommend Shelter to anyone who is looking for a creative solution to their remodeling challenges. **★★★★★ — jawightman, Jan. 2014** > We purchased a 1911 house that hadn't had any updates or even significant maintenance in the last 30-40 years - so we knew we wanted to do a significant remodel. After interviewing 5 different architecture firms we happily signed up with Shelter. We loved their team approach to the project and their energy for our home. > > We knew we wanted to bump out the back of the house, extend the kitchen, add a powder and mud room to the first floor, create a smallish master suite on the second floor and open the half story on the third floor into a library. > > I loved the 1911 feel of the original house and my husband had more modern sensibilities. Shelter did an amazing job of both working with us throughout the process as well as helping guide our choices and design goals to really uncover what we wanted in our new home. They didn't override or bully and yet did a good job of working with us to understand downsides to some of our design ideas. > > We couldn't be happier with our house. **★★★★★ — phadke, June 2013** > Jackie was great and helped us through a very challenging project. Our remodel is amazing and we've got lots of comments on the design. ## Selected projects - [Flower Valley Homestead](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/flower-valley-homestead-pj-vj~7370131) - Location: Red Wing, MN - Photos: 64 - Description: The client, an active and outdoorsy empty-nester, decided it was time to move back to her childhood farm to start the next chapter in her story. She wanted a home that would feel cozy when alone, but also remain functional when accommodating family and guests. The client sought a home with aging in place considerations and unobstructed views of the beautiful valley she grew up in. Conceived of as a modern country home, the Flower Valley Homestead is designed to fit, and frame, its stunning natur… - [Lakeside Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeside-retreat-pj-vj~7369565) - Location: Cold Spring, MN - Photos: 28 - Description: Initially a getaway cabin, this family’s idyllic waterfront property was transformed into their year round home. After years of dreaming and visioning, the property owners were ready to replace their quaint rustic cabin with a permanent, lakeside retreat for their family. Beginning with our clients’ desire for a modern aesthetic, we situated the program spaces on the property based on their relationship to the surrounding trees, the lake and the approach from the road. We intentionally oriented… - [Shell Lake Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shell-lake-cabin-pj-vj~7406055) - Location: Shell Lake, WI - Photos: 11 - [Lakefront Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakefront-modern-pj-vj~7384344) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 7 - Description: This home takes full advantage of its urban waterside location, aptly named the Lakefront Modern residence. Large, north-facing windows provide fantastic views and let optimal natural light, with minimal glare, fill two artist studios inside. The exterior patios and decks have also been designed for seamless indoor and outdoor use. The entry of the Lakefront Modern home maintains privacy, yet stepped landscaping allows natural light into the lower level. A large ramp and elevator incorporated in… - [Hillside Kitchen Revival](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-kitchen-revival-pj-vj~7372717) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 9 - Description: For a family that connects over a shared love of food, this small kitchen revival felt anything but trivial. Designed to be the hub of the home, this kitchen needed to be a functional cooking space that brought people together and encouraged a sense of place through food and dining. As part of this, the rear entryway was also expanded to offer a more defined, covered entrance for the family to use year-round. The design of the addition and renovation strived to maintain the original, historic na… - [Sirkel Kjøre](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sirkel-kjoere-pj-vj~7409062) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 11 - Description: In progress single-family residence in Minneapolis, MN. - [A Breath of Fresh Air](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-breath-of-fresh-air-pj-vj~7384400) - Location: Park City, UT - Photos: 15 - Description: For our extensive renovation of this mountain home in Park City, Utah, we had several goals: Ditch the stone fireplace and other trappings of a traditional mountain retreat in favor of more contemporary décor. Create a more open floor plan to accommodate gatherings of family and friends. And maximize the property’s connections with its stunning outdoor surroundings to offer a breath of fresh air for the homeowners. On the main floor, we added built-in bookcases, wine storage, and a wet bar with… - [Culinary Workshop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/culinary-workshop-pj-vj~7396643) - Location: Edina, MN - Photos: 9 - Description: Some couples move after their children leave the nest, but these clients have lived in their 1957 house for 20 years. They raised their kids here and love their neighbors and surroundings. They preferred to stay, but envisioned a culinary workshop as a fun addition to the home. The husband is an accomplished amateur chef and the couple loves to entertain. For years, he had analyzed how he cooked, moved through his small kitchen and used his equipment. This insight was the key to the project. Whi… - [River Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-residence-pj-vj~7396892) - Location: Afton, MN - Photos: 10 - Description: Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city along the beautiful St. Croix waterway, the site of this River Residence is unparalleled. Having lived at this location for many years, the client was unwilling to move from this gorgeous site but needed updates to their space. Shelter was tasked with adding more life and light to the existing house as well as increasing its accessibility. By updating the floor plans and adding an elevator, Shelter created a home in which every room is accessibl… - [New Brighton Upgrade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-brighton-upgrade-pj-vj~7386113) - Location: New Brighton, MN - Photos: 9 - Description: For this New Brighton upgrade, Shelter worked to renovate existing kitchen and living spaces. The newly designed areas include bright daylighting as well as efficient and open floor plans, an example of a passive design strategy in action. Smart kitchen storage solutions for appliances keep the counter spaces clean and useable. - [St. Louis Park Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/st-louis-park-modern-pj-vj~7386095) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 7 - Description: This home was originally built for an architect who designed the space for his family in 1952. When the current homeowners purchased the property, they decided to update several of the spaces to meet their family’s needs. The upgraded house was aptly coined St. Louis Park Modern, reflecting the style of the remodeled kitchen at the core of the home. Over the last 10 years, Shelter has worked with the clients to update nearly every space in the home, with the most recent project tackling the orig… - [Modern Sensitivity](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-sensitivity-pj-vj~7386163) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 6 - Description: They wanted to find a home on the North side of the Longfellow Neighborhood of Minneapolis, no other location would do. These newlyweds also knew they wanted a home that encapsulated Modern Sensitivity and would fit respectfully within a neighborhood of mostly traditionally styled homes. They approached Shelter to design their new home…even if they didn’t know where, exactly, it would be; after booking their wedding at Icehouse (because they loved the modern industrial vibe of the place). After… - [Edina Refresh](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/edina-refresh-pj-vj~7568240) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [St. Paul Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/st-paul-bungalow-pj-vj~7568259) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Graphically Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/graphically-modern-pj-vj~793899) - Location: Golden Valley, MN - Photos: 5 - Description: Our firm significantly reworked a 1981 builder’s home in Golden Valley. We reconfigured the main level to create an open floor plan. Mindful space planning allows for a unified dining, kitchen, and family room. In the kitchen-dining area, we altered the duct work and plumbing to remove soffits and other obstructions. Dark cabinets wrap the kitchen and dining area, providing additional storage and a visual connection between the spaces. We replaced a double-wide French door with a single commerci… - [Cedarwood](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cedarwood-pj-vj~40351) - Location: St. Louis Park, MN - Photos: 3 - Description: This project is in the first phase of a three-step plan which will ultimately transform the entire home and landscape. In this first phase, the new kids’ room, full bathroom and kitchen remodel expand a simple home into a great house for a growing young family. The new walnut kitchen has all the elements of any high-end European modern kitchen; but with handmade tile and natural finishes, the design respects the original architecture. Each new element is designed to focus the house on the great… - [French Provincial Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-provincial-kitchen-pj-vj~1799546) - Location: Minneapolis, MN - Photos: 4 - Description: Focused on the heart of the home, this single-family renovation project's primary goal was to create a french provincial kitchen with a better connection between the cooking area and dining room. Starting at the back entrance, the home’s original rear entryway felt cramped and lacked storage which prompted the addition of a bump-out to create a seamless transition between the residence’s indoor and outdoor spaces while adding square footage to the floor plan. We focused on reimagining the home’s… - [Modest Mid-Century](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modest-mid-century-pj-vj~793890) - Location: North Oaks, MN - Photos: 9 - Description: In 2008, we were asked to advise on a house that some friends of ours were thinking of purchasing. It was a modest mid-century modern home with a tree lined pond for a backyard. The home was charming but it had some quirks. The original kitchen was a tiny galley with the refrigerator in a nearby room. A second living room had been added to the main residence with no regard to circulation or views. The homeowners were keen to remodel immediately, but we advised them to live in the house for a yea… - [Crocus Hill Owner's Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crocus-hill-owner-s-suite-pj-vj~1799569) - Location: Saint Paul, MN - Photos: 11 - [Blue Ribbon Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blue-ribbon-kitchen-pj-vj~217599) - Location: Saint Paul, MN - Photos: 5 - Description: This space conscious kitchen is the place where a State Fair blue ribbon winner practices, experiments and creates. The lightness of the space reflects her open, inquisitive approach. With materials that feel good to the touch, well designed appliances, and carefully considered places for everything to land, the space stays functional through all stages of cooking. From prep to cleanup, nothing feels like a chore. The kitchen looks every bit as good as it feels, which is important because, when… [See all 29 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/shelter-architecture-pfvwus-pf~880906569) ## Ideabooks - [SHELTER Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15787745/list/shelter-bathrooms) — 12 ideas - [SHELTER Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15787647/list/shelter-kitchens) — 26 ideas - [SHELTER Porches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15787771/list/shelter-porches) — 9 ideas - [SHELTER Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15796124/list/shelter-stairs) — 12 ideas - [SHELTER Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15844139/list/shelter-fireplaces) — 3 ideas - [Furniture We Love](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15841623/list/furniture-we-love) — 2 ideas [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/shelterdesigns) ## Community Q&A **Q: is the file cabinet custom built?** *(in Photo Questions)* I see what looks like a heat vent A: Yes - the file cabinet was custom built to accommodate the heating vent! **Q: how to orde the light screen** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, I wish the other person didn't ask for the answer privately. I too am interested in purchasing one. Can I please get the details and turn around time? I'm moving in approximately 2 months, and would love to use the screen in my new place. Thanks, A: Thank you for your interest in Shelter. Unfortunately, this screen was a custom fabrication for the project and not an item for direct purchase. If you would like to work with us to design and fabricate a custom screen for your project please contact us at info@shelterarchitecture.com **Q: Where did you get the frosted glass door that covers the window in the** *(in Photo Questions)* What company made it? Was it in the Twin Cities? A: Thanks for the question. Yes it is in the Twin Cities. We can check with the project General Contractor for who did the fabrication if you wish. However, we have done this window trick a few times and it has been fabricated successfully by different installers. It is all standard shower glass hardware. Note, it's hard to see it in the image but the window sill is marble and slopes ever so slightly away from the window. Also, the frosted glass door has a silicone door sweep along the bottom to keep water from splashing under the glass. You can see an image of the door closed on our web site here: Shelter Architecture Hopefully that helps! **Q: Love the folding screen - where to buy?** *(in Photo Questions)* We are in Toronto Canada - is there anywhere nearby where we could order this. Thanks Christine A: We used MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard). If memory serves it was 3/4" thick. **Q: The siding looks great! What's its color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: rivkyste, very sorry but this project is from a few years back and we are not able to find the specific paint color that was specified at the time. **Q: Love the paint colors on the exterior! What colors did you use?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The cladding is a Hardie panel system and the colors are standard selections. You can view all options at https://www.jameshardie.com/Color-and-Design/Live-Colorfully\# --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*