Since 1977, SKD Architects has been designing custom single-family homes and commercial spaces, blending decades of experience to create designs that are both personal and highly functional. Guided by the belief that meaningful human connections are strengthened through thoughtful design, the firm’s team crafts homes that are as livable as they are artful.
The firm is led by owner Steven Kleineman, who has been practicing architecture for 48 years. During his tenure, he has witnessed the industry’s ongoing evolution—technological, material, and cultural—and continues to approach each project as an opportunity to learn. “Architecture is creative problem solving in physical form,” he says. “Good design nourishes our senses, influences our moods and happiness, and deeply affects our quality of life.”
SKD’s process begins with understanding each client’s unique needs, goals, and lifestyle. Through detailed conversations and a strong emphasis on listening, the team develops a comprehensive checklist that captures priorities and budget. Collaboration, communication, and trust are at the heart of every project—from initial concepts to construction.
One project that exemplifies this approach is a custom home on Lake Independence. After relocating to a warmer climate for part of the year, the homeowners wanted to recreate the essence of their beloved Minnesota home on a lakeshore property where they could enjoy the beautiful summers. To achieve this, they turned to SKD to design their “Version 2.0” home—a house that maintained the contemporary warmth and architectural excitement of the original while embracing the serene lakeside setting.
The resulting residence is a lakeside paradise, perfect for entertaining both inside and out. The main level features a spacious kitchen and pantry, a great room, private sunroom, primary suite, two workspaces, a mudroom, powder bath, and guest suite. Meanwhile, an elevator connects to a lower-level entertainment zone complete with a lounge, bar, game area, exercise room, and guest suites—all of which include easy indoor-outdoor access.
Outside, the home unfolds into a series of inviting spaces for cooking, dining, lounging, and gathering. The prairie-influenced exterior features broad roof overhangs, coursed stone, and expansive walls of glass that blend contemporary refinement with natural warmth. Inside, subtle architectural layers define spaces—where soffits become ceilings and cabinetry feels like furniture. Every detail, from hidden window treatments to tailored lighting, was designed to create balance, beauty, and visual comfort. Now complete, the home perfectly reflects SKD’s work: timeless, thoughtful, and deeply connected to the way people live.
