Over the next several months, Blueprint South Dakota will spotlight each of the entries in the 2025 Design Awards competition. AIA South Dakota members again proved their creativity and problem-solving skills with beautifully functional work, on display in communities across South Dakota and beyond. Each installment in this series introduces readers to a different project, in the design team’s own words. As part of every entry form, AIA SD asked submitters to provide a “long description” that addressed the design intent and its progression. We invited submitters to go beyond the stats to show the value the project added for their client or community. In turn, they detailed the problems the project solved, told how their process made the most of hidden opportunities, and described the ways the design supports the client or community through form and function.
4th & Main Office
The basics
- Location: Bismarck, N.D.
- Firm: JLG Architects
- Client: JLG Architects
- Category: Small Project
The story
The client’s goal was to create a new workspace for up to 20 employees that would foster productivity and social interaction through a variety of working and collaboration options. The space needed to provide an inspiring and healthy work environment while strengthening their long-standing presence within the community. Economic performance was also important, necessitating efficient use of a small space, judicious application of simple materials, and ample daylight to reduce energy use.
In replacing the existing exterior façade, the client opted to utilize high performance storefront glazing with a minimal profile, providing optimal transparency and visibility from the street, mitigating solar heat gain, and honoring the existing building and contextual fabric.
More projects in the series
Click to view a video of all 22 entries in the 2025 AIA South Dakota Design Awards.
