We often hear from architects in South Dakota about the good reasons behind the rigorous school program and series of exams required to become a licensed architect. Nearly as often, we hear that our members didn’t meet a licensed architect until they were well into their college studies or perhaps even took their first job at a firm.
AIA SD is proud to count as members many homegrown architects who’ve chosen to stay in the Dakotas and shape their communities. We thought other people should know a few of them, too.
A story in this month’s Prairie Business Magazine offers a fresh look at the deeply personal connections architects have to their communities—and how these AIA SD members are using their skills to serve their neighbors.
The e-edition, which displays in magazine layout, is best viewed in full screen on a tablet device, laptop, or desktop. The piece appears on pages 24-30 of the June 2025 edition.
On the go? Click here to view the article on your smartphone as a webpage directly from the Grand Forks Herald.

Jennifer is part of AIA South Dakota’s team at Cetera Services, where she is the Senior Communication Specialist. She serves as the editor for The Keystone, AIA SD’s e-newsletter. She also provides content and related support for the Blueprint South Dakota blog. Jennifer has more than 25 years of experience in writing and editing, marketing, and process development.