About Ashlar Architects
Ashlar Architects is a Minnesota-based studio specializing in residential remodels, additions, and new homes. We guide clients through a thoughtful, proven design process that uncovers the best solutions for their needs. We design for you, not our portfolio.
Our design approach is timeless—distilling any style to its essential, defining features for lasting relevance and value.
Using advanced 3D modeling software, we bring designs to life, minimizing surprises during construction and ensuring your investment aligns with your lifestyle and values.
Our Design Philosophy
Collaboration – We believe the best results come from true partnerships, empowering clients with knowledge and choices to make informed decisions.
Context + Connection – We respect the site and surroundings, prioritizing natural light and a strong connection to nature for well-being.
Sustainability – From passive design strategies to energy-efficient technologies, we create homes that are both environmentally responsible and resilient.
Health + Well-Being – We design homes that support a healthy lifestyle by enhancing indoor air quality and creating spaces that promote physical and mental well-being.
Longevity + Adaptability – We incorporate universal design principles, making homes adaptable for different life stages and abilities.
people
Katy Dale, AIA, is a Minnesota-licensed architect with extensive experience in residential and boutique commercial design. She holds degrees in Architecture from the University of Minnesota and has worked in both architectural studios and design-build firms, giving her deep expertise in creative design, construction methods and pricing factors.
Katy specializes in creating timeless, elegant designs that balance context, efficiency, and craftsmanship. She has a particular passion for revitalizing older homes and seamlessly integrating modern functionality into small footprints.
When she’s not designing homes, Katy enjoys renovating her own house, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her two active boys.
Why Ashlar?
Ashlar is a form of stone masonry that has been used in architecture for thousands of years, at home in a wide range of styles. It can be arranged in patterns that are simple or intricate, a representation of how thoughtfully arranged elements can create endless possibilities.
For us, Ashlar is more than just a building material—it represents the timelessness of good design as well as our approach to design. Just as rough stone is carefully shaped and assembled into something refined, the architectural design process transforms abstract ideas into a cohesive design solutions.
With each custom home, we take raw concepts, define them, shape them, and arrange them with intention. Every element responds to its surroundings while contributing to the bigger picture, creating a home that feels both natural and enduring.