NIH Homes: A Family Legacy of Innovation and Craftsmanship

In 1989, carpenter Larry Skogquist set out to change the home building business. Founding New Innovation Homes (NIH) in Elk River, MN, Larry prioritized people over product, designing homes that captured each client’s unique lifestyle and personality. This became the company’s signature Innovative Design Process.

That approach continued to shape NIH Homes as the company grew. In 2002, Larry’s sons—Jeremy, Chad, and Colt—joined him as partners before taking over leadership in 2017, continuing the family tradition of craftsmanship, collaboration, and client care. Serving the northwest region above the Twin Cities, NIH offers both fully custom builds and model-based customization, supported by an in-house team of about 20, including their own framing and trim crews.

Design at Every Step

Interior Designer and Selections Coordinator Teresa Kruger is a key part of the NIH process. With a degree in design and construction management, her career has spanned sales, commercial projects, high-rise condominiums, townhomes, and residential design.

Since joining NIH in 2014, she has focused exclusively on residential work, collaborating with the owners and build team from the earliest stages. She guides clients through every detail—from exterior finishes to flooring, cabinetry, and countertops—blending an eye for current trends with a timeless perspective. Her process ensures every home reflects the client’s vision and meets NIH’s exacting craftsmanship standards.

Cambria Connection

NIH began using Cambria quartz surfaces in the early 2000s, and Teresa has admired it ever since touring the company’s Le Sueur, MN, slab manufacturing facility early in her career. 

Over the years, she has watched Cambria’s offerings grow. And she has found that clients share her appreciation for its quality and American-made craftsmanship. NIH keeps a library of Cambria samples in its design studio and works closely with its Cambria representative to stay current.

Standout Projects

Dunwoody Avenue: This 9,400-square-foot model home on Lake Minnetonka began as a teardown and was rebuilt into a refined retreat. “I wanted to create a home that’s inviting, luxurious, and timeless—something that holds up to everyday living but also has character,” Teresa says.

The kitchen features Berkshire Brass in the smooth Polished finish, setting a warm yet sophisticated tone. In the primary bath, Weybourne™ clads the countertop and shower seat, complementing a light-filled, wood-accented space that echoes the kitchen’s timeless style.

Casco Avenue: Also built on Lake Minnetonka, this multigenerational retreat was designed with all ages in mind. “They have children, and their children are having children—this was about creating a home to enjoy for generations,” Teresa says.

In the kitchen, countertops in Inverness Everleigh™ with a Polished finish bring luminous movement to the space, amplified by a full-height backsplash in the same design for a clean, cohesive look. In the butler’s pantry, MacBeth™ in a Polished finish offers a rich, timeless contrast and helps tie the home’s palette together.

Designs That Inspire

Teresa gravitates toward simple, timeless designs that work across styles, but she also loves introducing a bold surface when the space calls for it. “I like using something with boldness, like Bentley®, when I want to add personality—especially in a bar or other entertaining space,” she says.

NIH Homes’ clients often prefer lighter kitchen tones with matte surfaces and gentle, organic patterns adding a sophisticated touch. These finishes embody NIH’s philosophy of creating spaces that remain as beautiful and functional decades from now as the day they’re built.

Guiding Clients with Confidence

Teresa encourages clients to come prepared with ideas and inspirations, which streamlines selections and ensures every detail aligns with their vision. She also makes sure they understand how materials will perform over time. “Design is important, and it’s great to have things look beautiful, but it’s just as important to know your options—what’s available and what will last for years to come,” she says.