In case you haven’t noticed, there are many new faces roaming the halls of Chicoine AME Hall at SDSU, and it’s not just related to the constant influx of new students. The recent years have brought forth an array of bright-eyed professors with bright ideas, and a passion for shaping the future generation of architects.
Among those passionate in helping students find their passions, and one that you will always see with a smile on his face, is the Professor of Practice and Architecture Program Coordinator, Sean Ervin, AIA, MCM, NCARB, LEED AP, WELL AP. Ervin is currently in his third semester at SDSU (second as Program Coordinator), but has been involved in the program since it’s inception as he has always known that teaching could be in his future. Along with the many credentials behind his name, Sean has many years of experience under his belt. This experience and his positive attitude make him a great fit for the program and a great resource for the students seeking that “real-world” experience.
Ervin started in the field in 1987 after obtaining his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!), and his double Master Degree in Architecture and Construction Management from Washington University in St. Louis. He became a licensed architect in 1995 and since then has moved from Iowa to Sioux Falls, and worked on projects ranging from schools, healthcare, recreational, and community projects – one such project featured in the image below.
When he’s not teaching, Ervin might be seen hanging out with his grandkids, driving around in English sports cars (both at the same time?), or perhaps hiking up to Harney Peak Fire Tower Outlook in the Black Hills – his favorite South Dakota building.
When he is teaching, he might be found inspiring his students by introducing them to the work of his current favorite architect, Bjarke Ingels. Regardless of what he’s doing, it is most likely that he is doing it with a skip in his step and a smile on his face as this is what most experience when they cross paths. His passion for SDSU’s Architecture Program and for mentoring students is always obvious and abundant, and we can all rest assured that the future architects of South Dakota and beyond are in great hands with Sean, and the rest of the architectural program faculty at SDSU.
Stay tuned in the weeks to come to get to know a few more staff members willing to share their background and inspirations!
Kendra Hage, Associate AIA, is an Architectural Associate with CO-OP, Sioux Falls. She received her B.Arch from Iowa State University in 2017 with a focus on sustainability and environmental design. An Iowa native, Kendra commutes to Sioux Falls while living in the country outside of Inwood, Iowa with her husband, two boys, and their scottish highland – Celia. Outside of architecture, Kendra enjoys gardening, reading, and anything in the outdoors.
Sean is just a great fit for SDSU. He is more “in the trenches” than “ivory tower” and a great mentor.
Thanks for your dedication Sean!