Boreal Modern

Architecture & Development

Good design for good lives

Boreal Modern is an architectural design and development firm based in Minneapolis / St Paul MN.  We design and build approachable, human-scaled modern architecture in the pursuit of enhancing people’s wellbeing.  Our work challenges conventional thinking, catalyzes enriching experiences, and elevates quality of life.

Whether you’ve had a clear vision in you head for years or feel lost in the woods, we can lead you where you need to go.

Lets start a conversation and see how we can get you one step closer to living the life you want to live.
(even if it’s not with us, no commitment required)

Let's talk
A campfire on a beach with a view of the ocean and a cloudy sky at dusk, with several visible meteors or satellite lights streaking across the sky.
A peaceful waterfront scene with rocky shoreline, calm blue water, and lush green trees, Northwoods Minnesota.

Our focus is on delivering custom
cabins and lake houses,
as well as transformative
home renovations,
and high-quality
urban infill development.

Boreal (adj.) /ˈbôrēəl/ bo·re·al

of the north or northern regions.

Modern kitchen with dark gray cabinets, built-in appliances, a white countertop island with a sink and black faucet, and a light wood herringbone floor. large abstract painting on the white wall. Chicago, IL

Let your roots run deep

Your favorite coffee shop. The perfect date-night restaurant. The neighbors who watched your kids grow up. You don't have to trade the neighborhood you love for the space you need.  We’ll help you bring out the hidden potential within the house you already own, tailored to how you actually live. A home renovation or addition can give you the space you need to thrive where your roots are already planted.

A cozy dining room with a wooden table, a sheepskin-covered bench, and chairs, a beige rug, a mantel with a small vase of yellow flowers, a round wall mirror, a large white paper lantern ceiling light, and wood trim around a window. Chicago, IL
A modern dining area with a black table and four wooden chairs, a black pendant light, exposed brick wall, framed artwork, and a bright room with large windows leading into a white kitchen.
Get Inspired
Modern living room with gray sofa, coffee table with books, large window, white walls, artwork on wall, and sunlight streaming in. Minimalist living room with exposed steel structure.

Feel something real

The cabin is where memories are made. It is a base camp for exploring our wild world - a place to slow down and live in the moment.  It’s an analog experience in a digital world.  

What is your ideal retreat? Lakeside s’mores with the family?  A secluded sauna in a snow covered forest?  A view of the stars from your bed?  Let's talk about your dream getaway.

Modern rental cabin dining room with a black table, wooden chairs, large sliding glass door, and a window showing a green garden outside, with sunlight streaming inside by Boreal Modern, Duluth, MN.
Two people swimming and snorkeling in clear water near a rocky shoreline.
Tell us your dream
Front view of a light green house with a steep gable roof, a narrow vertical window, black stairs with a railing, and a small garden with flowers in front. Multi-family home renovation by Boreal Modern, Chicago, IL.

Cities for people

While we love our wild spaces, we are urban people at heart.  Our development work focuses on small scale urban infill projects because they allow us to engage the city on a human level.  Our urbanist approach seeks to improve quality of life by increasing walkability, expanding housing options, and nurturing a foundation for community.

We’re always interested in working with local developers who are aligned with our goals.  We also offer alternative financing options for select projects. Reach out to us to start the discussion!

View of city street with modern high-rise buildings, a light rail train on tracks, and streetcars, with a crosswalk in the foreground.
People walking and cycling on a city bridge with tall skyscrapers in the background, trees on the sides, and a clear blue sky.
Partner with us