Minnesota Architect on the Details Clients Aren't Meant to See

Builder in 5 is our five-question series with the minds behind standout custom homes.

In this edition, we’re speaking to Adam Jarvi, president and CEO of NewStudio Architecture. The St. Paul, Minn.-based architecture firm was founded in 2011 and has shaped the design narrative of both commercial and residential projects across the U.S.

Jarvi shares with us how that commercial work has influenced his firm’s approach to residential design, the benefits of thinking like a contractor, and the little details that make a big difference on a project.

1. Tell me about your approach to residential design.

Adam Jarvi: We’re very sensitive to the fact that our clients come to us for help fulfilling their vision. So, while we have a strong set of aesthetic values and design principles, we let clients’ desires, site context, and other factors like budget and constructability guide the initial conceptualization.

2. How does NewStudio’s work in commercial architecture impact this approach?

Jarvi: Commercial architecture, especially the retail sector, moves at an incredibly fast pace. The discipline needed to produce good work on that timeline is something we deliberately try to carry over into all other project types, and I think it’s a great benefit to our clients.

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3. What's an early career decision you made that helps define how you work today?

Jarvi: Shortly after becoming a licensed architect, I also became a licensed residential contractor, which allowed us to take on some interesting, unique projects we might not otherwise have gotten.

Having the perspective of both architect and builder has been a valuable tool for us and helps our clients feel confident in their projects, regardless of whether or not we just design it or design it and build it.

4. What is a design detail or principle that you obsess over that clients likely wouldn’t notice?

Jarvi: Most architects and many builders would say this, but I absolutely obsess over the alignment of things like door and window heads. And the client not noticing is the goal! If something jumps out as being “off” it disrupts the visual harmony we all work so hard to achieve.

It’s always fun to walk through a project upon completion and point out the dozens of obsessive little details to clients and for them to say, “oh wow, I didn’t even notice that, but now that you point it out…”.

5. Tell me about a time you took a risk in your work. How did it pay off?

Jarvi: My wife and I impulsively bought a neglected mid-century modern lake cabin in Northwest Wisconsin. It had no well, no septic, no plumbing, questionable electrical, and a leaky, rotting roof. Logically, it shouldn’t have made sense for us to buy, but we just had that feeling and decided to jump in.

We’ve since been in full renovation and restoration mode and are putting the finishing touches on for a summer photo shoot that we’re excited to share. And most importantly, our kids have absolutely loved it all, and we’ve had absolutely no regrets.