Awad Architects

Awad Architects AWAD architects is led by Ali Awad, AIA and a small team of specialized experts. I love to help people find the right solution for their home

Ali graduated from the University of Minnesota Architecture School and has been a licensed architect since 1995.

For the past seven years, I have had the honor of serving on the Burnsville Planning Commission.As an architect, I spent...
06/01/2026

For the past seven years, I have had the honor of serving on the Burnsville Planning Commission.

As an architect, I spent many years on the other side of the dais, presenting projects to planning commissions across the Twin Cities on behalf of homeowners seeking variances and approvals. It was a fascinating experience to eventually take a seat as a commissioner and see the process from a different perspective.

My interest in serving grew from a personal experience. When my wife and I built our lake home, we needed nine variances due to the unique constraints of our property. Through that process, I realized how important it is for planning commissioners to understand Minnesota’s variance laws and the challenges property owners face when navigating them.

When Burnsville put out a call for applicants, I applied.

Over the past seven years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with dedicated commissioners, staff, applicants, and residents who care deeply about our community. I’ve learned a great deal and hope I’ve helped make the process a little clearer and more predictable for those who appeared before us.

Sadly, my term has reached its limits, but it has been an honor to serve and contribute to local government.

Thank you to everyone who made the experience worthwhile.



River Road Remodel – In ProgressGreat to be back on site with James and Greg from .This is a complex renovation on a tig...
05/26/2026

River Road Remodel – In Progress

Great to be back on site with James and Greg from .

This is a complex renovation on a tight site, and they are handling it exactly how you hope a builder would—methodical, organized, and thoughtful at every step.. Framing is underway and it’s always exciting to start seeing the spaces take shape. I am grateful to be collaborating with a team that takes pride in doing things the right way


05/22/2026

I am thrilled to be designing a cabin for this amazing site. Hope you all get to enjoy this Memorial Day Weekend



Details Matter: Iron + Glass Railings 🔩For this lakefront deck, we designed an iron railing with glass panels.Why glass?...
05/15/2026

Details Matter: Iron + Glass Railings 🔩

For this lakefront deck, we designed an iron railing with glass panels.

Why glass?

Because the view is everything.
We wanted it to feel open and uninterrupted—no visual clutter between you and the lake.

There’s also a performance side:
Since the deck faces west, the glass helps block prevailing winds coming across the water.

So it’s not just about looks—it’s about comfort too.

Great design solves multiple problems at once.

Shoutout to my go-to team at 👏
Mark Roberts and his family have been crafting custom ironwork in the Twin Cities since the 1950s—true pros.


Custom vs. Spec Homes 🏡What’s the difference?Custom homes are designed around you—how you live, what you value, and what...
05/04/2026

Custom vs. Spec Homes 🏡

What’s the difference?

Custom homes are designed around you—
how you live, what you value, and what matters most day-to-day.

Everything is a variable… which can feel overwhelming.
That’s where a residential architect comes in—to help you sort through the options and make smart, lasting decisions.

Spec homes are designed to sell.
Decisions are made for a broader audience and a target price point.

That doesn’t make them “bad”—but they’re not tailored specifically to you.

My take after doing both:
Custom design creates a better fit—for your life and for your home.

And custom doesn’t have to mean “over the top.”
I’ll take quality over quantity every time.

If you’re thinking about building, it’s worth asking:
Do you want a house… or a home designed for you?


Spring = Outdoor Living 🌿Porches.Decks.Patios.Spaces that blur the line between inside and out.These are the places wher...
04/30/2026

Spring = Outdoor Living 🌿

Porches.
Decks.
Patios.
Spaces that blur the line between inside and out.

These are the places where life happens in the warmer months—morning coffee, evening drinks, and everything in between.

Great outdoor spaces aren’t an afterthought.
They’re designed as an extension of the home—connected, comfortable, and intentional.

As the weather turns, it’s a good time to ask:
How do you want to live outside?


04/28/2026

🌿 Architecture begins with the land

Before we design anything—new home or renovation—we start by understanding the site.

Where does the sun rise and set?
Where are the views—and the neighbors?
Where do the winter winds come from?

And just as important:
• Property lines and setbacks
• Zoning requirements
• Coverage limitations

All of these shape what’s possible.

Once we truly understand the land…
that’s when design can begin.


River Road Renovation — Progress Update 🔨Interior finishes: removed ✔️Brick: salvaged ✔️Foundation: excavated ✔️This is ...
04/27/2026

River Road Renovation — Progress Update 🔨

Interior finishes: removed ✔️
Brick: salvaged ✔️
Foundation: excavated ✔️

This is one of the most important moments in a renovation.

With everything opened up, I’m on site reviewing the exposed framing (which looks great 👌) and confirming that our design assumptions still hold true.

This step matters. It’s where we catch surprises early and keep the project moving in the right direction.

Excited to be collaborating with on the build and the awesome on the design 🙌

Stay tuned—more to come.


Paris, last week 🇫🇷For the artFor the foodFor the rooftopsAnd for the architecture…I’ve never been a huge fan of Haussma...
04/22/2026

Paris, last week 🇫🇷

For the art
For the food
For the rooftops

And for the architecture…

I’ve never been a huge fan of Haussmann-style buildings as standalone pieces.
But applied across an entire city? It’s incredible. The consistency. The scale. The streetscapes. It creates one of the most beautiful urban fabrics in the world.

Great to get away. Even better to be back home 😊


Office Closed… for Inspiration 🇫🇷This week we’re in Paris—taking it all in from the top of Notre-Dame.Architecture, art,...
04/14/2026

Office Closed… for Inspiration 🇫🇷

This week we’re in Paris—taking it all in from the top of Notre-Dame.

Architecture, art, history… and yes, some very good food.

Travel has always been one of the best ways to recharge creatively. Different materials, proportions, details—it all finds its way back into the work.

Back next week, re-energized and ready to design.

Awad Architects

Address

Iron River, MI
49935

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