5 minutes with … Kristine Anderson

A lifelong artist and native of California and Arizona, Kristine Anderson is now a design principal and partner in PKA Architecture in Minneapolis, a firm she joined in 2009. Here, Anderson shares how one very involved client taught her the most, the two Minnesotan makers she’s used over and over, and why clients usually want more.

The project that taught you the most — and what it cost you

Kristine Anderson: “One project that taught me the most was an extensive remodel and addition to a lakeside home. The clients were exceptionally engaged throughout the process, deeply invested in every layer of the design, from the overall vision down to the smallest experiential details. That level of involvement challenged me in the best possible way. It pushed me to refine how I communicate ideas, listen carefully, navigate evolving conversations and build alignment while still protecting the integrity of the design.

What it ‘cost’ me was not something negative, but rather the comfort of relying solely on design instincts. The project required patience, adaptability and a much higher level of emotional intelligence in client relationships. It sharpened my ability to guide clients through complex decisions, maintain trust during moments of uncertainty and recognize that successful architecture is as much about relationships as it is about the built environment.

In the end, the experience strengthened my confidence in collaboration and reinforced the importance of transparency, responsiveness and empathy throughout the process. Most importantly, it built a lasting trust with the client, which has continued well beyond the completion of the home.”

A material or finish you’ve become quietly evangelical about

Anderson: “It is truly difficult for me to pick one material. I’ve become quietly evangelical about materials that feel honest and tactile — materials that invite you to slow down and experience them rather than simply look at them. I’m especially drawn to beautifully detailed cabinetry in white oak or walnut, where the grain, warmth and craftsmanship become part of the architecture itself. I love the imperfections found in natural stone and wood — the shifts in tone, the subtle cracks, the evidence of time. Those imperfections bring authenticity and depth to a space.

I’m always interested in materials that support a more organic architectural language, where surfaces feel layered, soft and connected to nature rather than overly perfected or synthetic. A good plaster finish, especially something with movement and texture like a Tadelakt plaster, can completely change the atmosphere of a room by adding richness, softness and light variation throughout the day.

And then there are days where I love a bold punch of color — an unexpected, lacquered cabinet, a saturated tile, a moody plaster or a piece of furniture that completely shifts the energy of a room. Those moments of contrast make the quieter, natural materials feel even richer and more balanced.”

The vendor or maker you’ve recommended most this year

Anderson: “One maker I’ve probably recommended the most this year is Rovan Hand Crafted Furniture out of Minneapolis. I continue to come back to their work because of the craftsmanship and care behind each piece. There’s a real respect for woodworking in the way they approach materials, detailing, proportion and execution. I deeply appreciate the owners’ attention to craft and the pride they take in the process — you can feel that human touch in the finished work.

I’ve also recommended Stonwerk out of Minnesota many times this year. They are incredibly talented stone masons that we’ve worked with repeatedly, and their level of craftsmanship consistently stands out. There’s a deep understanding of material, proportion and detailing in their work — the kind of precision that still feels natural and timeless rather than overworked. I’m always drawn to collaborators who care deeply about craft, and Stonwerk brings that same thoughtful attention to the work they do.”

The one corner or room of your home you’d never post on Instagram

Anderson: “The one corner of my home I’d probably never post on Instagram is my closet and mud room — the real-life spaces that work hard every single day. They’re less about styling and more about function, routine and the realities of living. In some ways, though, I appreciate them for exactly that reason. Not every space needs to feel curated or camera-ready all the time. Sometimes the most honest parts of a home are the ones that quietly support everyday life behind the scenes.”

One thing clients always think they want but rarely do

Anderson: “One thing clients often think they want is ‘more’ — more square footage, more rooms & larger rooms, more features, more bells, more whistles, more openness. But through the design process, many realize what they truly want is a home that feels intentional, calm and deeply connected to how they actually live. As we go through the design process, that realization comes through. The projects that resonate most are rarely about excess; they’re about thoughtful proportions, natural light, material warmth and spaces that support daily rituals in a meaningful way.”

What your younger self would think of your portfolio today

Anderson: “I think my younger self would be excited to see that the work feels more restrained, thoughtful and connected to how people actually live. Early on, I was probably more focused on making a visual statement, while now I’m much more interested in creating spaces with warmth, calmness, natural light and a strong connection to materiality and place.

At the same time, I don’t think my younger self would be surprised by the moments of color woven throughout the work. I still love the tension of a restrained, quiet palette interrupted by something bold or unexpected — a saturated tile, a moody plaster, a lacquered cabinet or a piece of art that shifts the energy of a room. Those unexpected moments bring personality and life to a space.

More than anything, I think my younger self would appreciate that the portfolio reflects growth through collaboration. The work has been shaped not just by my own ideas, but by clients, interior designers, craftspeople, my colleagues and builders who all bring something meaningful to the process.”

The question you always ask a manufacturer before specifying something new

Anderson: “The questions I usually ask before considering a new product or materials, are less about trends and more about longevity and quality control. I want to understand what standards the product has been tested against, how it performs over time, how many installations are already out in the market, and what the real-world feedback has been. With a well-known company, with a high performing past, it becomes more about lead time. We can plan for time. I’m always looking at lead times and reliability, because even the most beautiful material has to work within the realities of construction and execution. Good design is not just about aesthetics — it’s about making thoughtful decisions that hold up over time.”

The space you’ve always wanted to design but haven’t been asked to yet

Anderson: “I would love the opportunity to design a home in Hawaii or within the landscape of Montana — two very different environments, but both deeply connected to nature and sensory experience. I’ve designed for the deserts in Arizona and the cold temps of the Midwest, so understanding the change of environments is not foreign to my thinking. The idea of designing architecture that responds so directly to climate, light, topography and outdoor living is incredibly inspiring to me. I’m always interested in how materials weather, how spaces open to the landscape and how architecture can feel both grounded and restorative within those settings.”