Celebration of Architecture Event sponsored by ISG
Design Awards jury sponsored by South Dakota State University

AIA South Dakota holds an annual Design Awards program to showcase member projects with the purpose of recognizing and advancing good design and promoting architecture in the state. An independent AIA jury panel is commissioned to select the anonymously submitted projects that meet our agreed upon criteria for award status. The juror will present submitted projects, winning projects and the rationale for the AIA SD Design Awards. 1 LU

Breakfast sponsored by TSP, Inc.

Sessions sponsored by Raker Rhodes Engineering

Part 1: This presentation will highlight how Substance Architecture’s practice has changed over the past 20 years, culminating with a recent ownership transition and leadership succession planning. Presenters will share insights into the firm’s history and transition to the next phase of owners. They will touch on lessons learned from their recent ownership transition and how their practice continues to evolve. .5 LU

Part 2: Substance Architecture’s collaborative design approach is rooted in the Midwest, and its commitment to listening guides the firm in creating thoughtful, vision-driven solutions that contribute to the health, safety, and wellbeing of its clients and communities. Presenters will share project examples to illustrate how the firm's values support design excellence in these areas and inform its ever-changing work. Each presenter will bring their own insights from their architectural specialties. Joshua Hemberger, AIA, LEED AP, will describe building-performance strategies that translate into more comfortable occupants and the potential for sustainability certification. He’ll also share how he collaborates with clients to ensure their vision for occupant experience and building functionality is embedded from programming all the way through design. Leah Rudophi, AIA, will share project examples in which she drew on her background and degree in psychology and neuroscience. This educational experience contributes to her unique perspective on methods to elevate the wellbeing of building occupants, providing parity across occupant categories whenever possible. Among other examples, she will describe a recent project that brought generous daylight into a manufacturing facility’s factory-assembly floor via skylights as well as views of the surrounding prairie landscape in every direction. This and other changes provide a more pleasant place to work and have resulted in better recruitment and retention for relevant job roles. 1 LU/HSW

SESSION SPEAKER BIOS

• Joshua Hemberger, AIA, LEED AP — Joshua Hemberger, AIA, LEED AP, always has loved creating. And now, as an Associate Principal and Owner of Substance Architecture, he takes the architectural process from a blank canvas to reality. Drawing inspiration from his early fascination with creating and constructing, Joshua uses every detail, material, and space to echo the essence of a place. A believer in collaboration, he values every voice in the design process, ensuring unique designs are shaped through diverse lenses. Joshua is respectful, inquisitive, and ready and able to listen to clients to ensure the built product aligns perfectly with their vision, making their architectural dreams a reality. Since 2019, Joshua has been involved with projects focused on racial justice, wellness, agriculture, and education to create equitable opportunities for Indigenous people through his work with Rapid City-based NDN Collective and Makoce Agriculture Development on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Joshua is a graduate of Iowa State University and a registered Architect in Iowa and Missouri. He began his career in Kansas City where he worked for BNIM, DRAW Architecture + Urban Design, and Dake Wells before he and his family relocated to his home state of Iowa. They now reside in Des Moines.
• Leah Rudolphi, AIA — Over her nearly 20-year career in architecture, Leah Rudolphi, AIA, has learned to integrate her background in psychology and neuroscience into the design process, crafting spaces that resonate deeply with those who inhabit them. These designs go beyond aesthetics and into the multisensory experiences a building can offer. This unique blend of visionary leadership and meticulous attention to detail is evident in her diverse portfolio, from transformative synagogue remodels to state-of-the-art university centers, and as she helps lead the firm as an Associate Principal and Owner. This foundation, coupled with Leah’s genuine curiosity about people, sets her apart, giving clients designs that truly understand and enhance their daily experiences. Her work has garnered national and regional recognition and in 2022, Leah was the recipient of AIA Iowa’s Young Architect Award recognizing her exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the profession of architecture. More recently, she recently led the firm’s pursuit and award of their Just Label. Outside of the office, Leah serves on the City of Des Moines Plan and Zoning Commission and is on the Board of Directors for the Young Women’s Resource Center. Leah received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Iowa and a Master of Architecture from Iowa State University where she also completed post-graduate coursework.

Session sponsored by EAPC Architects Engineers

Every architect or designer has at least one story about a project that got away: An effort that got deep into the design development process or even secured necessary property or investors before the client pulled the plug. In this panel discussion, we’ll learn the what, the when, the where, and the who. And of course, why these particular projects never got built after countless hours of programming, planning, and design. This session will present three case studies, with each introduced by the lead architect. The projects are varied in scope and purpose. They include a sophisticated renovation of a sound studio at a university with a highly regarded music program; a tribal heritage/community center to house historic artifacts— including some which are now held at the Smithsonian Institution—and serve as a public museum and educational center for Indigenous crafts; and a public-private endeavor that secured a neighboring structure and lease commitments as part of a push to redevelop a highly visible portion of the downtown Sioux Falls riverfront with a new 14-level mixed-use building. Panel participants will engage with the moderator and in conversation with one another about the known and unknown risks going into each project, the design and negotiation considerations among partners, why each project ultimately did not get built, and how the experience has affected their perspective and professional practice. The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions. Continuing education credits are being applied for. Will be updated following notification.

SESSION SPEAKER BIOS

• Chase Kramer, AIA — When he’s not designing beautiful buildings, architect Chase Kramer, TSP, Inc.'s Director of Design, is usually doing something else creative, whether making music or advocating for the visual arts in his community. Chase, who describes his role at TSP as “a master integrator, owner advocate, and legacy designer,” sings Bass II in the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Chorus and in the Cathedral of St. Joseph’s renaissance polyphony choir Schola Cantorum. He also serves as a board member for both the Washington Pavilion’s Visual Arts Center and the Sioux Falls Arts Council. Chase takes his artistically tuned eyes and ears into every project he works on to provide the best design he can for the client. He enjoys being able to combine both passions for art and music in his work, as he did for the renovation at Augustana University’s Hamre Recital Hall. That space represented major milestones and influences in his life (specifically piano recitals as a youth and as a student at Augustana). It is one of his favorite projects, and he feels honored to have been entrusted with the renovation.
• Robin Miller, AIA — Robin Miller is a highly respected architect with more than 40 years of experience serving communities across the Upper Midwest. As founder and principal of MSH Architects, Robin built a practice grounded in design excellence, strong client relationships, and a reputation for delivering results. In January 2021, MSH Architects joined Schemmer, expanding a nine-person practice into a 120+ person full-service architecture and engineering firm. This merger combined the attentive, client-focused service of a small firm with the capabilities and resources of a larger one while keeping Robin’s commitment to personal care at the forefront. Robin has led projects as coordinating prime and principal design architect across South Dakota, from Black Hills State University in Spearfish to Central Bank in Sioux Falls, and numerous projects in Mitchell, including the High School, Aquatic Center, Performing Arts Center, and Corn Palace study. His diverse portfolio spans higher education, K-12 schools, sports and recreation facilities, medical and behavioral health centers, commercial developments, federal and National Guard projects, and more. Beyond architecture, Robin is deeply engaged in his church community, where he has served in roles ranging from teaching children and youth to leading adult groups and Bible studies. He also supports broader ministry efforts alongside his daughter, who serves as Upper Midwest Director for the Covenant denomination.
• Shawn Crowley, AIA — Shawn Crowley, EAPC's Director of Higher Education, holds architectural licenses in SD, MN, and ND. With over 19 years in the field, he began his journey as an intern at EAPC and has grown into a seasoned architect committed to enhancing educational environments. Known for his disciplined and innovative approach, Shawn continuously expands his expertise to improve design solutions. Dedicated to every project phase, he ensures all client goals are met, delivering highly effective and value-driven results.

• Jonathan Meendering — South Dakota State's University's Director of Campus Planning.

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SESSION SPEAKER BIO

• James Cramer, Hon. AIA, Hon. IIDA, Hon. RIAA, CAE — James Cramer is a native of Aberdeen, South Dakota. He now resides in Dunwoody, Georgia and teaches at Georgia Institute of Technology in the Program on Entrepreneurship. He is Hon. Distinguished Professor at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He has long been active in the AIA. He was Executive Director of the AIA Minnesota (1978-1982), President of the Council of Architectural Component Executives, President of the AIA Service Corporation (Publisher of Architecture Magazine), CEO of The American Institute of Architects (1988-1994), Chairman of the Design Futures Council. He is an Honorary Member of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Hong Kong Institute of Architects and others. He is the founder of DesignIntelligence. He received the Presidential Medal from NCARB Cramer is the author of six books including the best seller, How Firms Succeed. In addition he wrote Design Plus Enterprise, Seeking a New Reality in Architecture; Lessons From The Future, and Small Firm Success, How Small Firms Can Thrive in an Age of Acceleration. Today Cramer is the Honorary Chairman of the Cramer Center for Design and Innovation at Northern State University, his alma mater.

Sponsored by West Plains Engineering

. Continuing education credits are being applied for. Will be updated following notification.

SESSION SPEAKER BIO

• lllya Azaroff, FAIA — Illya Azaroff, FAIA, the 2026 AIA President, is an architect, geographer, and professor at New York City College of Technology (CUNY), a minority-serving institution. He is the founding principal of +lab Architect, with offices in New York and Los Angeles, dedicated to uplifting underserved communities globally. An expert in disaster mitigation, resilient adaptation, and regenerative design, Azaroff is a co-founder of the Kalinago Institute for Global Resilience and Regeneration in Dominica. Honored as a 2023 Star of Oceana for his regenerative design work in the Pacific and Caribbean, he advises on climate adaptation worldwide, including recent efforts in Moldova and Türkiye. Azaroff has contributed to New York’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, the state’s Climate Impact Assessment, and HUD’s “Designing for Natural Hazards.” He has advised NGOs, governing bodies, and think tanks, including the White House. Past engagements include Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ disaster recovery framework. A leader in the AIA, Azaroff has served as a chair to COP-28 and COP-29 and is honored to be the 2025 AIA President-Elect, incoming 2026 president. With more than 30 years of experience in the U.S. and Europe, Azaroff continues to shape global strategies for resilience and sustainability, leveraging design excellence to foster equitable and regenerative communities worldwide.

AIA SD Exhibit Hall — Mingle with the companies that help make this event possible and play our all new Exhibitor Plingo game, combining our traditional Exhibitor Bingo with our all new AIA SD Plinko board, offering tons of chances to win amazing prizes.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors: Kline-Johnson, Shermach Sales, Fargo Glass & Paint, McGough Construction and Pella

... and our Gold Sponsors: Combined Building Specialties, Diamond Vogel, Dormakaba, Gage Brothers, Hadrian Inc., Hebron Brick, KONE, Pigott, Schluter Systems, Smartt Interior Construction, Wausau Tile, and W.L. Hall Co.

Sponsored by Associated Consulting Engineering, Inc. and McGough Construction.

8 a.m.

AIA SD Annual Meeting  for AIA SD Members
Meetings rooms 6-7

Breakfast sponsored by South Dakota State University

Student Engagement Session  for SDSU architecture students
Meetings rooms 8-10

Student engagement session sponsored by Koch Hazard Architects

Session sponsored by CO-OP Architecture

. Continuing education credits are being applied for. Will be updated following notification.

SESSION SPEAKER BIOS

• Nila R. Leiserowitz, FASID, FIIDA — Nila R. Leiserowitz, FASID, FIIDA has spent over 50 years pushing the limits of interior design and advocating for the integration of all design disciples in the creation of the built environment. Nila is a native of South Dakota. Upon graduation from the University of Minnesota, she started her own design firm. She joined Perkins + Will, leading the interiors practice, and was the first interior designer and woman to join the board of the 65-year-old architectural firm. Nila later joined Gensler, the largest global architectural and interior design firm. She led the Workplace Practice firmwide and the Los Angeles office before becoming the managing principal of one of the global regions located in Chicago. She served on the Board and Managing Committee and developed two new firmwide markets: healthcare and economic analytics. Active in the business community, Nila was a trustee of World Business Chicago and Chicago Architecture Center (CAC). A fellow of the two international design organizations American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and International Interior Design Association (IIDA), she received the IIDA Leadership Award of Excellence and ASID Designer of Distinction.

Session sponsored by CO-OP Architecture

Architects solve problems through planning and design. We use our voice and our skills to design our schools and universities, and in turn, these institutions develop students who develop our cities, towns, and in fact, our lives. Architects need to better understand school superintendents' goals and visions to design a better future. What is the school superintendent’s role in master planning the buildings within and across their district? What are the biggest design-related legal, ethical and financial hurdles facing schools? In this panel, school superintendents from across the state will engage in a conversation about the values, priorities and challenges of master planning for their districts’ current needs, which will provide the basis for the future workforce and professionals of South Dakota. 1.5 LU/HSW

SESSION SPEAKER BIOS

• Dr. Wayne Kindle, Yankton School District Superintendent — Dr. Wayne Kindle is beginning his 35th year in the Yankton School District. He has been the Superintendent for 13 years along with serving as high school principal, middle school principal and teacher in the Yankton School District. He has also taught in Wyoming and Colome, SD. He is the current President of the South Dakota School Superintendents Association. He and wife have three adult children and 12 grandchildren all who reside in Yankton.

• Dr. Jarod Larson, Brandon Valley School District Superintendent — Dr. Jarod Larson has served as superintendent of the Brandon Valley School District since 2016. He previously served as the superintendent of Timber Lake Schools. Both of his parents were educators. Jarod's father was a school administrator in South Dakota for over 30 years and his mother taught FACS and English.

• Wayne Wormstadt, Meade School District Superintendent — Wayne Wormstadt is the superintendent for the Meade School District. He has 20 years of experience as a superintendent and has worked in public education for 28 years. As a strong supporter of communities, Mr. Wormstadt has held roles in Lion's, Kiwanis, the ABC Board, Chamber of Commerce, economic development, Director of Youth Activities, and church boards. Currently, he is an ex-officio board member of the SEDC and board member of the Sturgis Chamber and Action for the Betterment of the Community. He believes that a strong education system must be maintained and grow with the community as these students are our future business owners, employees and leaders of the Meade School District.

Session sponsored by Journey Construction

In this keynote, Garrett Peters, a leading architect and healthcare facilities executive, will engage in a conversation about values, priorities, and challenges of master planning across their facilities within the state and across the region and maintaining the facilities to provide care for patients at a variety of facilities. He will discuss the environmental and health challenges communities in South Dakota face and how architects are part of solving these issues. 1 LU/HSW

SESSION SPEAKER BIO

• Garrett Peters, AIA, ACHA, MBAH — Garrett Peters, AIA, ACHA, MBAH, Avera Health, Vice President of Facilities, is a graduate of NDSU with a B.A. in Architecture, B.S. in Environmental Design and holds a Masters of Business Administration in Healthcare from USF. He has been with Avera since early 2004 and worked on numerous projects including the new Behavioral Health Hospital, Avera Prairie Center and Avera Specialty Hospital, as well as many remodels of hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the Avera System in South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa. Prior to his time with Avera, Peters worked for the Good Samaritan Society as a construction and design consultant, covering regions of Minnesota, New Mexico and Arizona.

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Battery Point Lighthouse is an active lighthouse that serves as a private aid to navigation. Lighthouse keepers first lit the oil lamps on December 10, 1856, and lighthouse keepers still reside there, including architect, Gene Fennell, AIA, September 2024 with his wife, Linda. In its 160-year history, the lighthouse, also known as the Crescent City Light Station, was operated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service until 1936 when the U.S. Coast Guard took over operation and maintenance. The light was automated in 1953, but the Coast Guard continued to maintain the Fifth Order Drumm lens until 1965 when it was decommissioned. The light was then reactivated as a private aid to navigation in 1982. The last official Keeper, Wayne Piland 1946-1953 caused the formation of the Del Norte County Historical Society with a focus of preservation of the Lighthouse; suspecting vacancy would cause the buildings to be vandalized and fall into disrepair. During the 1964 tsunami, in which the downtown of Crescent City was inundated, the resident keepers observed the tragic effects of the tsunami including 11 known deaths. Architect Gene Fennell will detail the care that is required to protect the historic lighthouse, its museum, the natural wildlife and plant life as well as life by the tides on the island, while protecting the health, safety and welfare of the visiting public. Join us as we dive into this lighthouse’s historic construction techniques and material performance. The strength of the wind and sea are powerful elements, and architects and design professionals will learn how this structure has withstood the extreme environmental conditions it has endured with only minimal modifications. This session will discuss the original construction methodology; its history and evolution; how the materials have behaved and performed; and the challenges of restoring heritage sites firmly sited in a sea-salt environment. Gene and Linda served as stewards who worked to conserve and protect historic and environmental resources, while also protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public. Creative solutions that find a way to respect both performance and preservation have been essential to this process. 1 LU/HSW

SESSION SPEAKER BIOS

• Gene Fennell, AIA — Gene Fennell is an Architect and past AIA SD President. His professional experience includes Crazy Horse Memorial – Mountain Carver & Museum Builder, site manager of a 200 Home AFB Housing Project, Project Manager & Designer of Dock-side Casino Resorts in Bay St. Louis & Biloxi, MS and various other projects across the United States. He has been a Registered Architect (CO, SD, WY & WI) since 1995 and served as President of AIA SD Chapter. Gene’s Architectural Projects have helped redefine the approach for re-purposing of existing structures, taking collaboration to a new level. Gene formed his own firm in 2006, taking on a variety of projects with a concentration in municipal, county and State projects (City Hall, County Courthouse, County Jail, County Master Facilities Plan and Planning/Budget setting projects).

Tour sponsored by BWBR

Avera is working to deliver a six-story tower addition to Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center and a three-story building on the Avera on Louise Health Campus. Combined, the projects will be the largest building project in Avera’s history at a total cost of $245 million. It will also be the largest expansion of hospital patient care space in Sioux Falls’ history at 350,000 square feet. The tower will create a new main entrance for Avera McKennan as well as a dedicated and centralized location Avera's women’s and children’s acute care expanding areas for the unique hospital needs these two populations require: labor and delivery, postpartum care, newborn nursery, neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric hospital care and pediatric intensive care. Adding a total of 158 beds, the project will accommodate current and future growth of Sioux Falls and increased demand for medical services. Continuing education credits are being applied for. Will be updated following notification.