celebrating 25 years of design
We could design and build whatever we want but that would be meaningless. Instead, we design and build whatever you want. Actually, and more importantly, we help you discover what you need. We are driven by our passion to understand our client’s business objectives and create environments that communicate those objectives.
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Our process begins with an old-fashioned client meeting. It is here that we dig deep, discover goals and conceptualize the project. This atmosphere is as essential to the process as the cutting-edge 3D sculpting tools that we use to build our models. Ideas, options and solutions flow quickly into a final and complete design.
about.
history.
Tanek was founded in November 1999 by principals Nat Shea and Ken Piper. Their vision was and continues to be working partners on a first name basis with "high touch" response to clients needs. This simple vision holds strong today as Tanek reaches the milestone of over 25 years of being in business.
The name Tanek originates from Nat and Ken's names spelled backwards. It embodies the firm's vision of being on a first name basis in an engaging, equitable and energizing way.
We are a group of architects and interior designers committed to delivering exceptional design solutions. Every member of our team is passionate about what they do and every project is proof of this.
our team.
Nathaniel Shea
PRINCIPAL
Nat is a designer and architect registered and licensed throughout the country. He has great ability to lead, manage and a bring a vision to life. His focus and direction fuels and energizes tanek. Nat graduated from the University of Minnesota and later founded tanek.
612-998-8200
Elisa Richardson
ARCHITECT
Elisa joined tanek in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture and a Masters in architecture from the University of Minnesota. Elisa is a registered architect.
612-879-8225 | Ext. 1112
Jessica Meidinger
INTERIOR
DESIGNER
Jessica is a Certified Interior Designer and has been with tanek since 2007. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (with a Math Minor) from the University of Minnesota and an A.A.S. degree in Interior Design from Dakota County Technical College.
612-879-8225 | Ext. 1129
Ken Piper
PRINCIPAL
Ken is a registered architect with over two decades of experience and also an accomplished designer with strong concepting, project and management and group skills. Ken helps lead tanek and its clients to better design solutions every day. He founded tanek with Nat Shea.
612-998-8100
Ryan Haro
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Ryan has been with tanek since the very beginning. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Minnesota.
612-879-8225 | Ext. 1116
Tim Van Houten
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Tim joined tanek in 2004 after attending the University of Minnesota for undergraduate and graduate school, and has extensive experience in building rehabilitation, construction methods and building codes.
612-879-8225 | Ext. 1127
Chaleece Roberts
INTERIOR
DESIGNER
Chaleece joined tanek in 2006, holds a BFA in interior design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and has 20-years of experience in hospitality, corporate, residential and retail design.
612-879-8225 | Ext. 1115
Michael Canniff
DESIGNER
Michael graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelors of Design in Architecture and has been with tanek since he graduated in 2017.
612-879-8225 | Ext. 1125
James Chick
ARCHITECT
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612-879-8225 | Ext. 1133
Mary Wiedner
ACCOUNTING/
OFFICE MANAGER
612-879-8225 | Ext. 1110
Evan Davis
DESIGN
INTERN
Evan joined tanek in 2023 and is an aspiring designer with an A.A.S. in Architectural Technology from Minneapolis College of Technology. He is currently pursuing licensure and a Bachelor of Architecture from Dunwoody College in 2025.
612-879-8225 | Ext. 1122
Noah Suchy
DESIGN
INTERN
With a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, Noah Suchy joined tanek in 2022, bringing his architectural expertise and creative vision to the team.
612-879-8225 | Ext. 1124
Eloise Ashton-Piper
DESIGN
INTERN
Eloise Ashton-Piper joined tanek as an intern in 2023 and is currently pursuing her education at Normandale College. Eloise brings enthusiasm, fresh perspectives, and a dedication to learning as she supports the team in various projects.
Honey
OFFICE MASCOT