Team

Architectural history has been a passion since long before David, Associate AIA & Allied ASID, began his career. With an emphasis on architectural and interior design history, he received a bachelor of architecture degree from Drake University after studying classical languages at Macalester College. He performed post graduate studies at both the University of Minnesota and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. This extensive educational background has provided David with a broad knowledge of late 19th and early 20th Century decorative arts, furnishings, and finishes.

Concurrent with his education and public service, David worked for ten years on historic preservation projects for MacDonald & Mack Architects. He departed in 1997 to found David Heide Design Studio, which carries on his endeavor to preserve our historic treasures. Under his leadership, the Studio has received both local and national awards from a wide range of professional organizations.

Brad, Associate AIA, joined the Studio in December 1999 shortly after receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

He has worked as designer and project manager on a wide variety of historically-based projects and has special expertise in the design of cabinetry, millwork, and interior details. While earning his degree in architecture, Brad also studied comparative literature, preparing him to take on occasional writing assignments in the Studio.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2002 and Masters of Architecture degree in 2013 both from the University of Minnesota.

Whether working on a new home or remodel project, Chris enjoys working with our clients to explore solutions that improve the functionality and enhance the character of the house. His rich background in construction techniques create designs that seamlessly integrate into both historic and contemporary projects at various scales. Chris’s work has been published and have earned local and international awards.

Rocky has been assisting the Studio since it first opened in 1997. He is a great asset to both the architecture and interior design departments, and frequently assists with photo shoots, interiors installations, and organizing the sample library.

Tam Ngo earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture at the University of Minnesota School of Architecture in 2008 and 2012, respectively. His diversity of experiences developed his flexibility, honed his creativity, and the ability to see and understand multiple perspectives, and engage with various stakeholders.

Tam was born in the Central Highland of Vietnam and he has lived in Minnesota, Texas, Colorado, and Oaxaca, Mexico. He is currently working remotely in Chapel Hill, NC. When not working, Tam can be found cooking or finding local Vietnamese food, on his bike, or tending his garden.

Educated in interior design at the University of Wisconsin, Michael, Allied ASID, worked as a visual merchandizing and marketing specialist for two major retailers before joining our Studio.

His broad knowledge of interior design, textiles, furniture, color, and finishes informs much of our portfolio. Drawing on a large network of resource contacts, Michael regularly locates unique and hard-to-find items such as art-glass lamps, antique and one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, and specific pieces of architectural salvage. He excels in color and creates wonderful color stories and material coordination.

Leanna has a Bachelor of Design in architecture from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Arts in production design from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She began working in residential architecture following college and joined David Heide Design Studio in 2016.

She enjoys the personal quality of residential design and believes every home should tell a bit of the story of the family who lives there. She loves helping clients share that story.

Jake received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Architecture degrees from North Dakota State University.

Through his academic and personal interests, Jake loves learning how things work and honing new skills. In college, he taught himself to bake in a small countertop toaster oven. When he first interviewed at DHDS in 2019, he stood out from the crowd by bringing in a fresh baked loaf of bread the next day as a thank you. He applies that same enthusiasm for learning and hospitality toward his design work at the studio. He believes that finding little moments of interest that reflect the people that live there is what makes the most compelling design.

Elizabeth attended the Art Institutes International where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design.

While she was still in design school, she met David when he stopped in for lunch one day at a restaurant she was managing. She started at the studio a few weeks later. She has now been with DHDS for over six years. Her experience in restaurant management brought strong organizational and communication skills to the Studio.

Madie is a passionate designer and aspiring architect who graduated in 2024 from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s of Design in Architecture. With a focus on detailed and thoughtful designs, Madie believes in the transformative power of architecture to enhance the user’s mental well-being. Creating spaces that are meant to be loved and lived in is what drives her passion for beautiful design.

Prior to University, Madie was a potter creating functional custom pieces for her clients. This understanding of functionality at a small and detailed level allows her to immerse herself in every detail of a project with care and compassion. By diving deep into client needs and understanding the context of each project, she aims to create spaces that inspire meaningful experiences beyond mere functionality. Driven by a commitment to continual improvement, Madie actively seeks to expand her skill set, ensuring that every project leaves a lasting, positive impact.

Outside of her architectural pursuits, Madie enjoys creating pottery, tending to her garden, and embracing creativity and fun in all aspects of life.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!