ABOUT
Habitat Architecture is a boutique residential design studio, specialized in creating thoughtfully creative, highly personalized design of custom homes and remodeling. With over three decades of experience and expertise in the residential design, we combine innovative design with a personal touch to craft exceptional living spaces. Our commitment to service and thoughtful designs ensures every project is uniquely tailored to our client's vision. One that meets personal service and solutions that are sensitive to your lifestyle and budget goals. We welcome and thrive to help and respond to challenges your project might face. From difficult lot to specific needs and lifestyle, to your budge and with great market awareness, we have the expertise and resources to create the highest outcome.
The balance between beauty and function and sensitivity to integration of building to the site and its surrounding environment is the corner stone of our design approach. The commitment to that ideal is the main driving force behind our work as residential design specialists and home remodeling experts.
As such, designing homes of strong architectural integrity and character and helping folks making the most of their project’s potential, is our passion. The long list of satisfied clients is the testament to what sets us apart from others, as the premier residential architecture firm in the Twin Cities.
Testimonials:
Having never built a house before, my wife and I were a bit intimidated by the task of designing our home from scratch. Hamid's personality immediately set us at ease, and his process focused on how we lived our lives and what was important to us. When he presented the first drawings, we were amazed by how well his design matched our needs, even though we hadn't expressed them. The work to nuance the project was pleasant, with Hamid's patience and expertise guiding the way. Whether it's your first project, or you know exactly what you want, I can't recommend Hamid highly enough! Alec D, Minneapolis MN
My wife and I began an odyssey in 2006 when we started designing a high-end home to be built on an amazing Mississippi River lot. We hired Habitat Architecture to give us a fresh perspective on a previous architect's plans, and it was the best move we could have made. Hamid learned about us, what we were trying to accomplish, our budget, and most of all, how our new home would integrate in with its surroundings, by taking our extensive list of wishes, the incredible South facing river views, existing old growth trees and our budget into account - and created a Mediterranean masterpiece. His complete redesign maximized our design requirements and created an incredible, visually exciting and very comfortable and livable home. We truly do have a 'wow' house. His input on the design, layout and function of the home was invaluable, and without his involvement, I doubt the project would have been a success. The flow, feel and relaxing tone of our home comes from staying true to a design ideal, and Habitat was there for us every step of the way. Working as our advocate with the builder, he helped keep the technical details of the project on track, corrected foundation framing errors and added a critical 3rd view of the project throughout construction. Without his input before, during and after the building process, so many details would have been done incorrectly or left out. He kept his attention level high and the builder on task. He truly was our project manager, design consultant and advocate. Our home was featured on the 2011 Homes by Architects Tour, and was highly praised. After 5 years, we still say "wow" every day. We would highly recommend Hamid and Habitat Architecture to anyone looking for architect services - even if you have one already! Ed Klemz - Minneapolis, MN
Hamid designed our house 20 years ago, and then designed a significant addition 8 years later. On both projects, he showed an outstanding ability to listen and understand our needs, and then translate that into designs that have worked out just perfectly for us. He was very open to our ideas, often adjusting his approach based on our suggestions (we had some very specific ideas on how our kitchen should work, for example). We’d definitely go back to him for our next construction project. Steve N; Bloomington, MN
Our experience working with Hamid was beyond our expectations. He really took his time to understand our needs and wants when it came to designing our new, dream lake home. He met with us numerous times to really understand how we wanted to use our new home. He worked so smoothly with our builder as well, and had a good understanding of costs and structural limitations. We would recommend him to anyone. Kelly B; Cook, MN
We have worked with Hamid on many projects in the past and have always found his drawings to be spot on. His knowledge of codes and construction has been very helpful in the past and I am sure anyone using his service will be very pleased. Tim Schoen - Lyman Lumber Co.
We recently completed a whole house remodel with Habitat Architecture. Attention to light and flow created spaces both beautiful and functional. Our kitchen is now a wonderful focal point of our home and it is a joy to gather in all of our new spaces. The new areas blend seamlessly with the old creating a historic home with all the perks of new home living (hello closets!) The expertise and experience of Hamid Kashani yielded results far beyond our expectations. Katie S; Minneapolis, MN
Hamid provides excellent design at a great value. As a Project Manager, I have found his designs to be well thought out and very build-able. Steve Clinton - Project manager
Hamid is a very talented, thoughtful Architect. His designs reflect the dreams of his clients and are a pleasure to build. Jim Baratto - Baratto Brs. Construction
Respectful. Professional. Innovative. Problem solver. Our lot had some challenges that others could not solve in a visually appealing design. Our new lake house exceeded our expectations because he could visualize what we could not. His experience paid off and we are grateful! We came to Habitat on a referral from a friend at our Church. We have no restrictions on offering a referral endorsement to others. Best wishes on your projects! Rob and Karen G; Minneapolis, MN
Hamid M. Kashani - AIA
FOUNDER
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
Hamid M. Kashani – AIA, is the founder and principal architect of Habitat Architecture. with the mission of introducing the value of good design, through dedication to service and introduction and the value of architect driven design in residential projects.
His passion to help bring his client’s dreams and ideas into reality, and his eye for good design and architecture, has been the main driving force behind his career success.
Although his education and early professional experience was primarily focused on large scale commercial building projects, his discovery of residential architecture, and its very personal nature of working with people, on the most intimate aspect of their lives, has greatly impacted the direction of his architectural practice.
Unlike larger firms, working with Habitat Architecture you are assured your project will be directly attended by the artichrct and the work does not get handed down to a junior architect or a draftsman. As a hands on practitioner, Hamid’s personal touch and direct involvement throughout the design and construction process, brings you the highest level of confidences and satisfaction and the greatest outcome.
Hamid is a licensed architect in the States of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board; NCARB.
He is also LEED certified by The U.S. Green Building Council; USGBC, reflecting his longstanding commitment to the environment and sustainable design.
He studied under the great modernist architect, Ralph Rapson, at the University of Minnesota; School of Architecture, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Design and Bachelor of Architecture; Professional Degree.