I began working at Koch Hazard Architects in 2011 following a career in the collegiate athletics sports information and events world. I knew nothing of the design industry and, quite frankly, had never really thought much about the intention of design.
I have spent the last 10+ years being in awe of design in the built environment, and the thought and methodology that goes into creating some of our favorite places. The amount of people and the variety of disciplines it takes to get a building from an idea to a usable space is impressive. I am passionate about exposing people, especially younger people, to the industry and elevating those individuals who work diligently to create these places who may not necessarily have the certifications but rather through experiences have contributed to our built environment.
I look forward to celebrating these individuals who are contributing to the built environment in South Dakota at the SAY IT LOUD exhibition.
Join Brooke in submitting to be featured in the exhibit with the link below:
The concept of this exhibit is “To see our faces, hear our voices, feel our impact within the colorful tapestry of our heritage.” SAY IT LOUD is the activation of an international movement of sharing, protecting and celebrating the journey of the underrepresented to inspire the next generation.
The 2023 SAY IT LOUD: South Dakota exhibition will kick off September 24th at the Washington Pavilion. During the exhibit, there will be continued lectures scheduled with design professionals to share their stories of leadership, advocacy and passion for the built environment to the future design professionals of our communities.
SUBMISSION SCHEDULE:
- Submission period May 22, 2023 – August 15, 2023
- Selected Design Professionals Announced: September 2023
JUDGING CRITERIA:
- Applicants are required to live and/or work in South Dakota and be women or BIPOC designer, who have a significant role in the submitted project.
- Projects submitted for consideration may be located outside of South Dakota.
- Women (She, Her) (female or transgender) of any ethnicity and Black, Indigenous, Person of Color
- Built / Unbuilt Work
We strongly encourage submissions that reflect a broad and inclusive definition of design excellence. Each entry is judged for the success with which it has met its individual requirements. Submissions must exhibit design achievement that demonstrates exemplary skill and creativity in the resolution and integration of formal, functional, and technical requirements, including ecological stewardship and social responsibility. Submissions should also reflect a strong sense of place, history, and purpose.
Our industry is a profession in which design capability is prized and intellectual property is the most common proof of worth, in terms of talent and experience. Contemporary practice is by its nature collaborative. The more complex the project, or the more prolonged the design and construction process, the more individuals may lay valid claim to credit for some part of the work.
Please comply with the AIA Code of Ethics for credit and attribution below.
https://www.aia.org/pages/3311-attribution-of-credit
PRIZES:
- Featured in the SAY IT LOUD – South Dakota exhibition that will debut in September 2023
- Your Name, business or work will be promoted by SAY IT LOUD in publications, on websites and social media.
- Your Profile will be included in the Great Diverse Designers Library.
- All those selected will be considered for future SIL Exhibitions.
Video Feature:
The first 20 submissions will be entered into a drawing for five free video features. Video features are available to all submission entries who designate a sponsor or otherwise pay Beyond the Built Environment’s video fee directly.
Brooke Wegener is a Partner at Koch Hazard Architects in Sioux Falls. She leads the marketing, public relations and community development efforts, while assisting with human resources, operations, donations and giving, and the programming and planning phases of projects. Brooke received her Bachelor in Liberal Arts degree from the University of Northern Iowa where she played collegiate soccer. She lives in Sioux Falls with her two children and husband.
Thorstenson is a Managing Director of Architecture + Design. Her role includes being the Architect of Record, Department Operations and forecasting, and she thrives being an influence for innovation with internal and external partners to advance design. She serves as Vice Chair on the Accessible Housing Advisory Board for Minnehaha County and the City of Sioux Falls. Thorstenson was the elected Mayor for the City of White. Thorstenson received be B.S. Architecture, M. Architecture from SDSU, and is licensed in three states.. A native of Washington State, she lives at Wall Lake with her husband Kory and daughter Aleigh.