Awad Architects

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Iron River, MI
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.

06/23/2026

Good People Build Great Homes

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Andy Lomen and the team at Scherer Bros Lumber on many projects over the years, including the home behind us.

Andy is one of those people who makes every project better—knowledgeable, responsive, and always willing to help solve problems.

Great homes are a team effort, and I’m grateful to have partners like Andy and Scherer Bros on the team.

Thanks for all you do, Andy!

Scherer Bros Lumber Co.

06/20/2026

Last Weekend of the Artisan Home Tour!

If you only have time to see one more home, make it Mysa Hus in Deephaven by Mark D Williams Custom Homes | Minnetonka Custom Home Builder.

The craftsmanship is exceptional, inside and out. Everywhere you look, there is a thoughtful detail worth studying:

✨ Beautiful beam joinery in the main living spaces
✨ Incredible windows in the garden room
✨ Cedar shake detailing at the corners
✨ A green roof integrated into the design
✨ Dedicated wellness spaces
✨ A sauna with starry-sky lighting that has to be experienced in person

This home is a wonderful example of what can happen when great design, skilled craftsmanship, and attention to detail come together.

Nicely done all around!

Artisan Home Tour by Parade of Homes
Housing First Minnesota
Mark D Williams Custom Homes | Minnetonka Custom Home Builder
Mysa Hus | Scandinavian Luxury Home in Cottagewood Admit One Home Systems Mark Hamilton Pella Northland

06/19/2026

Artisan Home Tour Preview Night

Had the opportunity to attend a preview party for this beautiful home by Quartersawn Design Build and spend time with old friends and colleagues . The home is stunning, but that’s no surprise. Quartersawn consistently delivers thoughtful design, exceptional craftsmanship, and incredible attention to detail.

One of the things I appreciate most about the Artisan Home Tour is the chance to see what is possible when talented clients, designers, builders, and craftspeople come together around a shared vision. If you’re planning to attend the Artisan Home Tour, be sure to put this one on your list.

Beautiful design. Impeccable ex*****on. Well done, Quartersawn.

Artisan Home Tour by Parade of Homes

Housing First Minnesota

06/07/2026

CRAN Behind the Build Tour

We had a fantastic turnout for Friday’s -mn CRAN Behind the Build Tour.

These monthly tours give architects the opportunity to visit architect-designed homes under construction and hear directly from the architect, builder, and sometimes even the homeowner. More importantly, they create opportunities for architects and builders to spend time together, learn from one another, and build lasting professional relationships.

A huge thank you to our hosts:

Architecture & Design: Kell Architects; Meghan Kell, AIA, CID and Katy Dale, AIA

General Contractor: Hampton Companies

This home was designed with sustainability in mind and incorporates many Passive House principles. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that high-performance homes aren’t just energy efficient—they’re also incredibly comfortable. Warm in the winter, cool in the summer, quiet inside, and remarkably inexpensive to operate.

Thank you to for sponsoring lunch and to for sharing Duralux Windows.

One of my favorite parts of these tours is what happens after the presentation—lunch, conversations, and the opportunity to connect with fellow architects, builders, and industry partners.

Interested in joining us for a future tour? Check out upcoming events at www.aia-mn.org.

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.

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

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.

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?

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?

Address

Iron River, MI
49935

Website

https://awadarchitects.com/

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