Tour wars

by Lisa Peck
Well maybe not wars, but I hope I don't have to choose only one. Last September the event that lead me to start this blog was so successful it is coming back this year...The AIA Homes by Architects Tour. Only this time, I am telling you in advance (not after the fact) to go on this tour if you are looking for design inspiration!
Architect Tour
This tour includes homes in the country, city and suburbs all designed with sensitivity to their surroundings and occupants. Last year every home had a member of the architectural design team on site. Ask them questions...you can learn a lot about the process of designing a home and the concerns that are addressed when an architect leads your design team. It's a unique opportunity to meet some very talented local architects and to walk through spaces not typically open to the public. For more information see Homes by Architects/AIA Minnesota. This tour is one weekend only September 19-20, 2009.
Here are just a couple of the homes on the tour

SALA Architects, Wayne Branum, AIA and Deb Kees, AIA

Altus Architecture + Design, Tim Alt AIA
Builder Tours
Two other home tours happening this fall are sponsored by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities and offer interest to both people who are looking for a new home or thinking of  a bloom-where-you-are-planted approach with a remodelers tour. See the Parade of Homes website for information on the Parade, running September 11-October 4, 2009 or the Remodelers Showcase, open for one weekend only September 11-13, 2009.

Elevation Homes, a division of Streeter Associates parade home.
Enjoy the tours...if you have the time and energy I recommend them all. Check back to our blog in spring for tips on the spring crop of tours.