PLAAD, LLC: Practice of Lasting Art, Architecture & Design

Home
United States
Minneapolis, MN
PLAAD, LLC: Practice of Lasting Art, Architecture & Design

PLAAD is engaged in the pursuit of enduring design. We pursue it, study it, practice it, and question it. A sense of timelessness in design pervades our spirit.

PLAAD was conceived to investigate and augment a collective thread of intrigue in design. Whether within Art, Architecture or Design, we wondered: why do some created things endure while others are easily dated? PLAAD is a creative office where design is an honored process and where the final object is inspired by the art and honesty of the craft and the context and narratives of its environment. It is expressed in our work.

05/30/2025

We’re honored to be featured in the latest issue of Midwest Design Magazine!

Our Dellwood Residence—a lakeside home designed for an avid art collector—is showcased as a “Work of Art”. Every detail, from the materials to the layout, was crafted to reflect and enhance each work of art in the client’s collection, while facilitating a connection to nature.

Thank you to for the beautiful feature, and to our collaborators who helped bring this project to life.

Grab a copy to see the full story

Text:
Photography:
Architecture: plaad
Interiors: plaad & Nicole Thorton
Builder:
Metalwork and Design: Innate Works and
CNC Fabricator:
Stone:
Landscape:

12/03/2024

Retractable screens deploy from the ceiling, creating a comfortable outdoor dining terrace directly off the main living space. Retractable acrylic panels and ceiling heaters in the outdoor dining terrace protect the outdoor living areas from lakeshore winds and extend the use of the space well into the shoulder seasons of spring and fall.⁠
⁠
⁠
Architecture by ⁠ ⁠
Construction by ⁠
Photography by ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

11/28/2024

The design of the Minnetonka Beach Residence fully embraces the proximity to the lake with a 36’ wide, 10’ tall stackable patio door, connecting the main living and dining spaces with a three-season lake screen porch. When fully opened, the indoor and outdoor living spaces are effectively combined into one grand entertaining space, blurring the traditional notions of inside and outside. ⁠
⁠
Design Awards, Contemporary Architecture more than 4,000 sq. ft, 1st Place⁠
⁠
⁠
Architecture by ⁠ ⁠
Construction by ⁠
Photography by ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

11/25/2024

Addressing our client's needs for aging in place, the Minnetonka Beach Residence thoughtfully accommodates varying floor heights, ceiling dimensions, and site grading, all while adhering to zoning regulations near Lake Minnetonka. A ramp provides seamless access from the driveway to the main living area, while the lower level sits at the pool deck elevation for accessible indoor-outdoor living.⁠
⁠
Design Awards, Contemporary Architecture more than 4,000 sq. ft, 1st Place⁠
⁠
⁠
Architecture by ⁠ ⁠
Construction by ⁠
Photography by ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

11/22/2024

The Nordic Traditional Residence is set into the hillside, featuring a walk-out basement that opens up to a lush, wooded backyard. A screened porch fosters a connection with the natural environment while offering a warm retreat throughout the seasons.⁠
⁠
⁠
Architecture by ⁠ ⁠
Interior design by ⁠ ⁠
Construction by ⁠ ⁠
Photography by ⁠ ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

11/19/2024

A bright, light-filled kitchen branches off the great room's space, opening up to treetop views of the surrounding old-growth white pines. ⁠
⁠
⁠
Architecture ⁠
Interiors: ⁠
Builder ⁠
Photography ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

11/14/2024

Moody, cozy spaces scattered with unique furniture and artifacts create lovely moments throughout the Nordic Traditional Residence.

11/11/2024

On the upper level of the Nordic Traditional Residence, the ceiling starts at shoulder height in certain locations and slopes upwards. This intentional manipulation of space allows the home to stay within local height constraints. This compression of space on the upper level contributes to an intimacy with the architecture and a nostalgic association with traditional notions of “home.” ⁠
⁠
⁠
Architecture ⁠
Interiors: ⁠
Builder ⁠
Photography ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

11/08/2024

A minimal stone hearth anchors the great room space, forming smaller spaces within the larger room, including a library, piano nook and living room. The soft-colored stone adds a subtle texture that acts as a backdrop for the other bright colors throughout the space.⁠
⁠
⁠
Architecture ⁠
Interiors: ⁠
Builder ⁠
Photography ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

11/05/2024

Traditional Nordic motifs dance up the open staircase, greeting visitors from the entry. ⁠
⁠
⁠
Architecture ⁠
Interiors: ⁠
Builder ⁠
Photography ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

10/31/2024

The Nordic Traditional Residence is delicately nestling the new home within the existing grades on the site, we were able to develop a quiet and restrained home that is respectful of neighboring property views. Placing the home further down the slope of the hill precludes a direct line of sight when passing by on the access road. It is not until one is driving down the driveway that the home begins to emerge.⁠
⁠
Midwest Home Design Awards, Traditional Architecture 4,000 sf+, Second Place⁠
⁠
2023 RAVE Awards, New Home 3,500-5,500 sf, First Place⁠
⁠
⁠
Architecture ⁠
Interiors: ⁠
Builder ⁠
Photography ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

Address

1229 Tyler Street NE
Minneapolis, MN
55413

Website

http://plaadoffice.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when PLAAD, LLC: Practice of Lasting Art, Architecture & Design posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to PLAAD, LLC: Practice of Lasting Art, Architecture & Design:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Interior Service in Minneapolis?