Homes by Architects Tour
Rules & FAQs.

I’m an architect and would like to submit a home for the tour. Where can I learn more?

Learn more about submitting a project you’ve designed to be showcased on the tour on the AIA Minnesota website. Projects that are designed by a registered architect, or a team where a registered architect is the lead designer, who is a current AIA Minnesota member are eligible. The submission window generally opens in late January or February and closes in April.

Can I take photos inside the tour homes?

No photography is allowed inside the homes, to respect the privacy of the people who live in them. We don’t want the owners’ personal items or photographs of their kids to end up on social media, and neither do they! It’s okay to take photos of the homes’ exteriors.

Can I wear my shoes inside the tour homes?

All visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering a home. Bring a pair of clean socks to wear inside the homes or grab a pair of booties at your first stop and take them with you to the rest of the homes.

Are pets allowed?

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act and the Minnesota Human Rights Act, service animals are welcome on the tour. Service animals, as defined by federal law, are “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.” The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler’s disability.  

All other pets and animals, including those whose purpose is to provide emotional support, are not allowed on the tour as they do not quality as service animals. Thank you for respecting the people who are opening their homes to tour goers by leaving non-service animals and pets at home.

Is the tour accessible?

Because the tour showcases private residences that are not required to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA), tour homes are not guaranteed to be handicapped accessible. Please assume that the majority, if not all, of homes require stairs to access and/or have stairs throughout.

Where do I park?

Residential street parking is available at the homes. Be prepared for a short walk depending on the location.

Where do I use the bathroom?

Bathrooms are not available during the tour. Please attend well-rested, or plan to stop at a public restroom, such as at a gas station. Do not use the bathrooms in the tour homes.

Will I get a ticket?

A wristband will serve as your ticket and you’ll need to show it at the entrance to each home. Pick up your wristband by showing your ticket purchase confirmation at the greeters at the first home you visit.

You may visit the homes in whatever order you choose. Your wristband is good for both days of the tour. If your wristband is lost, simply tell a greeter at any of the tour homes and you’ll be given a replacement.

I purchased a ticket in advance. Why haven’t I received my program or wristband in the mail?

We are not mailing out programs or wristbands ahead of the tour this year. Please show your ticket purchase confirmation email to the greeters at the first home you visit to pick these items up!

Can I tour just one home?

Single-home visit admission is $10. Purchase these tickets on site by cash on site, or online by credit card during tour weekend.

Can I go through a home more than once?

Yes, as long as you present your wristband at the home.

Is there a discount for children?

A $10 student ticket may be purchased for children ages five and older. Children under age five are free. Adults, please supervise children closely at all times and hold their hands when possible inside the homes.