James McNeal Architecture
and Design
JMAD is interested in creating art. We want to bring art and beauty into our world one structure at a time. We are not just architects, we are artists.
We have a passion for all styles and draw our inspiration from both the old and the new. We have an understanding of the historical evolution of styles and maintain the integrity of any given style with artful movement into present day, resulting in a timelessness of our creative endeavors.
For all the love of art and architecture, we are most inspired by our clients. We get excited as we consider your time, your money, the emotion you express and your ideas as we create together the final piece. Working collaboratively with our clients this way often pushes the project in creative and beneficial ways. Art is not what you see but what you make others see. That is our goal in working with our clients – that together we see the art and beauty of our joint creation.
Keys of Service
These keys, in order of importance, are how we promise to work with you.
Sensitivity - We’ve done this before, but you might be new to the process. It can be a roller coaster, full of ups and downs. We’ll be by your side for the whole ride.
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Consideration - We will listen to all of your ideas, looking for ways to incorporate them as we create the design intent together.
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Creativity - We’ll use imagination, skills and our talents in working with you to realize your dreams and design intent.
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Efficiency - Your time is valuable, so we’ll use appropriate technology to ensure timely responses and updates.
Keys of Design
These keys, in order of importance, are how we promise to design your project.
Health, Safety and Welfare - The well-being of a building’s occupants is always our top priority.
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Design Intent - We will regularly refer back to the intent of the client and project to ensure those goals guide our work.
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Artistry - Using innovative techniques, visionary imagination and the specific geography of the site, we will design a unique building that can only exist for you.
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Presentation - With state of the art technology we’ll present your project with clarity, from initial renderings to construction documents, in ways that can be understood by all.
Testimonials
"Jim took a personal stake in our home, as if he was building the home for himself. He was an advocate of the design throughout the build process.
I highly recommend Jim to anyone designing a home."
OUR TEAM
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
James McNeal
"Creativity oozes out of his fingertips."
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James is a Professional Artist, award winning Architect and Business Owner with 41 years of experience in residential and commercial architecture. He is well known for his captivating ability to draw works of art in front of his clients in three dimensions - most of the time during a meeting taking place! This gives him the advantage to clearly communicate what the spaces and exterior design will look like before the beginning design phases are complete. He is an active participant in the whole design process from beginning to end.
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James is a member of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, licensed in MN, WI, CO and FL as well as NCARB Certified.
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER & COORDINATOR
Angela Liesmaki
Angela Liesmaki is a design professional with more than seven years of experience in commercial and residential architecture. Having worked on a variety of projects types ranging from office remodels, to custom homes, to international airports, she is captivated by inspirational, impactful and creative design. She thoroughly enjoys the process and collaborating with clients and team members to create a well-conceived design that expresses each client’s personality, fulfills their aspirations and enhances their daily lives.
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Angela completed her undergraduate studies at St. Olaf College with a double major in Mathematics and Studio Art, and received her Master's in Architecture at the University of Minnesota College of Design. Her skills include conceptual design, visualization, hand drawing, 3D computer modeling and rendering.
PROJECT COORDINATOR AND DESIGNER
HEATHER KREEMER
Heather has an associates degree in Architecture from University of Toledo. Worked in Ohio with Horne and King Architects on residential, small commercial projects and municipal building. She also owned her own residential deign business where she designed custom homes and additions.
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Heather is passionate about listening to clients and helping compiling ideas, needs and wants. “I love seeing client's face when their dreams becomes a reality!” she says. She is excited to be part of the JMAD Team where there is so much creative energy and collaboration.
BUSINESS MANAGER
SHER MCNEAL
JMAD is a family business, and nowhere is that more clear than with Jim's sister Sher! Sher McNeal is the business manager for JMAD which includes finances, bookkeeping, human resources and other office administrative functions. She has an extensive background in corporate business with an MBA from Colorado University and an MA in Social Psychology from Loyola University, Chicago. In addition to her position with JMAD, Sher runs a hypnotherapy business, is a minister (doing weddings and memorials) and loves to spend time with her two Cavalier King Charles dogs. She loves the challenges of house projects, which present themselves year round with our Minnesota climate.
Architectural Designer
Jose Flores
Jose Flores has exceptional skills and experience in planning, detailing, designing and coordinating projects, both in residential and commercial settings. His deep knowledge of project development & coordination and architectural design help him to truly understand and exceed client needs. Jose has a passion for the design process, and shares the excitement of "the reveal" when both he and the clients get to see a completed project.
BARKETING DEPARTMENT
Roxie & Dexter
Roxie heads up the welcoming committee, and Dexter keeps an eye on security. Stop in and say hello, they can't wait to meet you!