“I find that each project – each space – tends to inform its own design direction.”

“Art and photography have always been a part of my life. Having had the great opportunity of growing up immersed in it inherently influences how I view and approach everything I design.”

“The star of this lakefront sunroom is the idyllic, sweeping views of Lake Minnetonka.”

“I know a room is complete when it feels balanced from every vantage point.”

“The ultimate goal of this project was to create a well-appointed second home, where my clients could relax, feel calmed by the serene landscape around them—and of course, enjoy friends and family in an atmosphere of casual sophistication.”

“I focused on how my clients wanted to live in their new space—and also wanted the space to be able to grow with them. ”

“Some spaces appear fully formed in your mind, where others need some time to marinade—the creative process is unique.”

“The color palette for this house was inspired by the outdoors. I used creams to resemble the sand and blues to mimic the shades of the ocean.”

“I like to clear away clutter so that the important pieces can be seen. Design always needs an element of surprise to make it interesting.”

“Scenic beauty and natural lighting is not shut out, but rather invited in as a dynamic design. As the light of the day shifts, it subtly changes the way the spaces appear.”

“A home needs to function, so this begins the groundwork of the design journey. But luckily, one can design beautifully around function.”

““I love using color throughout all of my projects where it’s possible.”

“I believe that the best design is exceptionally planned to be aesthetically pleasing, yet functional. I love the challenge to accomplish this balance. I try not to set constraints on the design because rules are made to be broken, and ultimately, I will do whatever is needed to uncover the very best design.”

“A kitchen and family room should feel comfortable, relaxed and very approachable. If you listen, a home often tells you what the interiors should look like.”

“Our clients’ spaces should be a reflection of them — so it feels like their home right from the start.”

“I love this home so much. It resonates with my personal style more than any project I have completed since going out on my own 10 years ago..”

“A room without these well-placed details can fall flat, regardless of the furnishings and color.”

“My designs coincide with my philosophy of being as diverse aspossible, which makes you a better architect.”

“I cannot help believing that there are fundamentalsunderlying great living spaces that are rooted in thefew hundred thousand years humans and our nearestancestors spent living enmeshed in nature,” Mann said.

“Not wanting to cut off the waterside of the house fromthe roadside, we chose to allow views and foot trafficstraight through the building by creating a sort of holethrough the primary floor. On entry by car or foot, theview out to the bay is always front and center, so youdon’t feel like you are on the back side of the building at any point.”