David Strand

Lead Designer | Principal, LEED AP

Raised in a small rural community in central Wisconsin, David comes from four generations of craftsmen, artists, and builders. He spent much of his childhood in the woods, harvesting poplar trees and transforming them into increasingly ambitious tree forts. By high school, David had created his first business designing, building, and selling intricately joined handcrafted furniture, gaining early experience in proportion, detailing, and execution. That early, hands-on engagement with materials, paired with a family immersed in art, carpentry, and construction, formed his belief that good architecture begins with strong material knowledge and deep respect for craft. This synthesis of creativity and construction continues to define his architectural approach, where strong design intent is always informed by how a building is actually assembled.

David later moved to the Twin Cities to study architectural design, refining his technical knowledge and spatial sensibility. He studied architectural styles, circulation, and building assemblies during the day, while working in a lumberyard and as a carpenter throughout school. After completing his education, he spent several years at a commercial architecture firm before returning to residential design, real estate development, and construction.

Unlike many designers, David brings extensive hands-on building experience to every project, including many of the earlier homes featured at Strand Design. This background gives him a clear understanding of construction sequencing, cost implications, and on-site problem solving. Clients value this perspective, knowing their homes are thoughtfully and architecturally designed yet firmly grounded in reality. Architecture that is refined and purposeful, while remaining efficient, buildable, and enduring. His ability to understand, detail, and personally execute every component of a home truly sets Strand Design apart in the custom residential market.

David has completed complex residential projects across the country, navigating diverse building codes, climates, zoning requirements, and regional construction methods. His work brings design sensibility together with local context that responds carefully to site, climate, and vernacular while maintaining a cohesive architectural language. He enjoys collaborating with regional builders and trades, guiding projects and bringing architectural clarity and technical expertise that respects local practices, material availability, and building traditions. 

Today, David designs bespoke residences that balance restraint and expression, homes that are as practical as they are refined, that reflect their owners, respond intelligently to their surroundings, and evoke natural movement through space to create dynamic, experiential living environments. His work bridges architectural design and craftsmanship, offering clients confidence that every detail has been intentionally considered from initial concept through construction.

david@stranddesign.com