Our Adventure.
Who we are
Success for us is measured by long-lasting relationships with our clients, especially when there is a shared sense of adventure and a desire to create something unexpected.
Philosophy
Shaped by a deep love for adventure, exploration, and the quiet wisdom of nature. We believe that great design begins with curiosity about the land, the people who inhabit it, and the stories waiting to unfold. Every project is a journey rooted in collaboration, where thoughtful architecture and interiors emerge from a respect for place and a desire to create something truly personal. We value timelessness over trend, craft over convenience, and homes that reflect both the wildness of the landscape and the individuality of the people who live there.
Licensure
At Nomad North, we value both the artistry and the technical depth of architecture. While our designs are rooted in creativity and a sense of place, bringing them to life requires experience, education, and professional licensure. A Licensed Architect has completed years of hands-on practice, advanced study, and rigorous exams—earning more than just a title, but a responsibility.
Licensure reflects a continued commitment to quality, ethics, and staying current with the evolving world of building science and design. Designing a home is a meaningful investment, and having a licensed professional at the helm helps ensure your vision is thoughtfully guided from concept through construction, with care, clarity, and trust.
Jake Kieper
The Architect
Rooted in Home. Built on Purpose.
Jake is the founder and principal architect of Nomad North Architects, a residential design studio devoted to creating modern, site-specific homes that quietly transform the way people live. With deep agrarian roots and a hands-on approach to every project, Jake’s work is defined by simplicity, clarity, and connection to nature.
Raised on a working farm, Jake learned the value of humility, hard work, and resourcefulness at an early age. Summers were spent swinging a hammer, solving problems with whatever materials were on hand—long before he knew what architecture really was. That upbringing continues to shape his design philosophy today: build with care, design with intention, and always let the land lead.
A Thoughtful, Collaborative Design Process
Jake approaches each project with curiosity and a deep respect for his clients and collaborators. He believes that great architecture comes from listening first—to people, to the land, and to the unique opportunities each site presents.
Whether it’s a riverfront sanctuary, a modern retreat in the woods, or a custom home on a complex slope, Jake’s process is deeply client-centered and site-responsive. He takes pride in crafting homes that are not only beautiful and functional but tailored to reflect the lifestyle, values, and aspirations of the people who live in them.
“Each home should be a one-of-a-kind response to its place and its people. That’s where the magic happens.”
Design That’s Grounded and Enduring
Jake’s work is inspired by the vernacular architecture of the Midwest—buildings that utilize local materials, respond to the climate, and serve real human needs with clarity and restraint. That influence shows up in the way he blends natural materials, passive design strategies, and clean, modern forms to create homes that feel both grounded and timeless.
Clients appreciate his ability to bridge big-picture vision with precise detail—a result of his respect for the trades and firsthand experience on job sites. He doesn’t just design from a distance—he shows up, solves problems, and builds enduring relationships with contractors, consultants, and craftspeople.
Beyond the Studio
When he’s not designing homes, Jake is most likely outdoors with his kids—exploring Minnesota’s North Shore, hiking wooded trails, or enjoying a round of golf. He’s a lifelong learner who believes architecture should be shared, not guarded. He takes the time to teach clients about the design process, inviting them into the work with openness and care.
“Our goal isn’t just to design homes—it’s to create a meaningful, collaborative experience that our clients value long after the project is done.”
Services
Custom New Homes
We start by carefully studying the site and listening to the needs of the people who will call it home. Each design is rooted in its surroundings—shaped by the landscape, climate, and orientation—while thoughtfully responding to natural light, views, and patterns of movement. We craft environments to support well-being—thoughtfully designed, easy to live in, and built to last for generations.
From the first conversations to move-in day, each home is shaped by close attention to how people live and how the site responds. We focus on proportion, movement, light, and material—designing spaces that feel natural to inhabit and adapt over time.
Every project is approached with care and curiosity, tailored to the specific needs of the client and the opportunities of the place. We work in collaboration throughout, considering layout, climate, construction, and comfort as part of a single, coherent process.
The result is a home that feels grounded, resilient, and unmistakably yours.
Event Venues
We create spaces inviting adventure and flow—places where people come together to connect, celebrate, and make lasting memories. Whether it’s a wedding, performance, retreat, or special event, each venue balances bold, intentional design with a natural sense of ease and movement.
Atmosphere is everything. We thoughtfully shape light, sound, circulation, and materials to craft environments feeling both timeless and flexible—spaces ready to hold intimate moments or vibrant energy, quiet reflection or grand celebrations. Every detail, from arrival to the unfolding experience within, supports meaningful connections and effortless navigation.
More than a setting, these venues are crafted to inspire—to host life’s most memorable occasions with clarity, warmth, and a spirit of adventure.
Boutique Commercial
Our commercial spaces begin with story. Each project offers a chance to blend brand identity with practical needs, creating environments both welcoming and intentional—built with care and shaped to reflect the people and moments within.
Whether a boutique retail space, a creative studio, or a hospitality venue, our focus stays on the details—clear layouts, natural flow, and thoughtful design choices. People move through the space with ease. Comfort and connection meet in every corner. Materials, lighting, and spatial rhythm come together to express each client’s vision while supporting everyday use.
The result: spaces standing out effortlessly, bringing people together, and evolving with changing needs—sparking creativity and delivering seamless, lasting experiences.
Renovation + Additions
We approach renovations and additions with thoughtfulness and care—honoring the character of the existing structure while enhancing how it functions and feels for the people who live and work within it. Every update is an opportunity to create better flow, introduce natural light, improve performance, and strengthen the connection between spaces—inside and out.
Whether it's a subtle reconfiguration or a transformative addition, we work to ensure that new elements complement the old, creating a cohesive whole with clarity, functionality, and longevity. From early design concepts to construction oversight, we guide you through each step—helping bring a renewed sense of purpose, comfort, and continuity to your space.
Ready for the next chapter of living.
Interior Architecture
We view architecture and interiors as one continuous rhythm—where form, material, light, and experience move together seamlessly to create spaces that feel alive and grounded. Rather than treating structure and interior as separate layers, we design them together, where every element supports the next in a natural flow.
Every detail is thoughtfully chosen to create harmony—from the tactile warmth of materials beneath your feet to the changing light throughout the day, and how spaces invite movement, rest, or connection. The result is an environment that feels whole and intuitive, balancing comfort, adventure, and ease.
This comprehensive approach lets spaces grow alongside the people who inhabit them, creating a rich, layered experience where every moment—whether calm or vibrant—feels purposeful and personal.
Connect with Nomad North
Interested in learning more or setting up a complimentary consultation? Let’s get started!