Here’s a recap of Thursday’s sessions at the 2026 AIA SD Annual Convention:
Award-winning artist and professor of art Scott Parsons kicks off our Thursday morning sessions with his Opening Keynote “How an Architect Shaped My 30+ Years in Public Art.” Thanks to Emanuelson-Podas for sponsoring the session.
Our second Thursday morning session, “One Education, Three Careers: Design Thinking Through Different Lenses,” moderated by Guillermo Cebrian, AIA, draws insights from three designers who share a common architectural education but have taken markedly different professional paths. Featured are Brian Skrovig, AIA, Joseph Kenny and Sara Lum. Thanks to Koch Hazard Architects for sponsoring the panel.
This year’s AIA South Dakota Mayoral Forum, “Mayors and Master Plans: Architecture and the Critical Community Needs of Now.” moderated by AIA SD President Justin Oleson, AIA, features Mitchell Mayor Jordan Hanson, Box Elder Mayor Larry Larson and Brookings Mayor Oepke “Ope” Niemeyer. Thanks to Architecture Incorporated for sponsoring the panel discussion.
Today’s Luncheon Keynote featured Anne Marie Duvall Decker, FAIA, Founding Principal of Duvall Decker, winner of the 2026 AIA Architecture Firm Award. We’re so thankful to have her join us! Thank you, also, to West Plains Engineering, for sponsoring Duvall Decker’s presentation.
AIA South Dakota then hosted a sold-out exhibit hall and celebrated our terrific exhibitors with our annual Exhibitor Party, which started in the hall and moved to the ballroom next store. Thanks to Associated Consulting Engineering, Inc. and McGough for continuing to sponsor the event!
