AIA SD 2023 Annual Convention

Breakfast sponsored by Norberg Paints

Opening Keynote — The Leadership Challenge: To Serve as Stewards & Architects  — South Dakota State University President Barry Dunn

Sponsored by McGough Construction

South Dakota State University President Barry Dunn leads the state’s largest and most comprehensive university, including the state’s only accredited architecture program. In this opening keynote, President Dunn will define the current master plan of the campus and engagement of architectural community to enhance the health, safety and welfare of students and the rest of the campus community. 1 LU/HSW

SESSION SPEAKER BIO

• Barry Dunn, President, South Dakota State University — Barry Dunn became the 20th president of South Dakota State University in April 2016. He is the fourth alumnus chosen to lead the institution. Dunn is an enrolled tribal member of the Sicangu Lakota and lived on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota for many years. He is believed to be the first enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe to serve as a president or chancellor of an 1862 land-grant university.Throughout his time as president, Dunn has been instrumental in a number of key initiatives for SDSU to include the strategic plan, Imagine 2023 to embrace our core values, people-centered leadership, creativity, integrity, diversity and excellence, to fulfill our mission to be a premier land-grant university. In accordance with our mission, Dunn also created the Wokini Initiative to increase access to higher education for Native American students in South Dakota. Dunn was nationally recognized for his work with Wokini by receiving the 2022 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Higher Education.

9:30 a.m.

Architecting the Future: Exploring Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality — SDSU Assistant Professor Nesrine Mansour, PhD, Assoc. AIA

Sponsored by Koch Hazard Architects

This presentation will help you understand the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies and their applications. The session will explain how to explore the capabilities and limitations of AI and VR technologies, and how they can be integrated into architectural design and visualization processes; learn about the integration of AI and VR into architectural curricula; learn about Midjourney AI and its potential to enhance the creative aspect of architectural design; learn about the ethical considerations related to using AI in architecture, such as intellectual property rights and authorship, bias in AI-generated designs, and data privacy; discuss potential future developments and trends in AI and VR technologies and their impact on the architectural profession; understand the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between architects and AI experts to leverage these technologies effectively in the field; discuss case studies where AI technologies have been employed in architectural projects, showcasing their impact on the design process and final outcomes. 1 LU

SESSION SPEAKER BIO

• Nesrine Mansour, PhD, Assoc. AIA, Digital Humanities Assistant Professor, Architecture, South Dakota State University — Nesrine Mansour, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at South Dakota State University. She holds a PhD in Architecture and a Certificate in the Digital Humanities from Texas A&M University. During 2020/2021, she was a research fellow at Princeton University's Center for Theological Inquiry, focusing on Religion and the Virtual Built Environment. Her research centers on the convergence of architecture, digital media, and sacred spaces, bridging disciplines like social sciences, digital humanities, and modern technology such as Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality. She is a national and international published author whose work encompasses various formats, including book chapters, journal articles, conference presentations, magazines, podcasts, invited lectures, and design juror. In 2023, she was awarded the Emerging Faculty Grant by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). Currently, Dr. Mansour is working on a book investigating the interplay between architecture, artificial intelligence, and religion. She is also organizing an international architecture conference in Istanbul, Turkey in June 2024, and an international design competition, showcasing her commitment to advancing the field's collaborative and innovative frontiers.

Blueprint for Better City Managers/City Administrators Panel

Sponsored by JLG Architects

The 2023 American Institute of Architects Convention theme explores how we as design professionals, help to create long lasting, impactful designs in every aspect of the communities we serve. As architects, we solve problems through design. We use our knowledge and abilities to protect the public and building owners, advocate for design and transform communities. We work with a broad group of professionals, including public officials, as clients and partners. South Dakota’s economy is strong, and as our communities continue to grow, building - whether roads or award-winning performance venues - is part of this growth. What we build contributes to the economic development of our cities and public officials are faced with challenging questions: Where do we grow? Do we grow incrementally or all at once? How do we meet the needs of today while planning for tomorrow? How do we do so from an economic standpoint, considering cost related impacts that public projects can have on the community as a whole? During this panel, four South Dakota City Administrators from across the state will engage in a conversation about the value, priorities, and challenges of building for their community’s current needs while planning for a brighter future. 1 LU/HSW

SESSION SPEAKER BIOS

• Daniel Ainslie, Rapid City Finance Director (Former Sturgis City Manager) — Daniel Ainslie, Sturgis City Manager, is past president of the SD City Manager/Administration Association, Chair of the SD Municipal League’s Taxation Policy Committee, past Board member of the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce and Sturgis Economic Development Corporation. He earned his MBA from the University of the Pacific.
• Stephanie Ellwein, ICMA-CM, Mitchell City Administrator — Stephanie Ellwein has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Dakota and has served in local government for 22 years in South Dakota.  She was appointed as the City of Mitchell’s first City Administrator in 2014, and continues in that role.  She is currently past president of the SD City Management Association, and serves on state and local committees representing the City of Mitchell.
• Amanda Mack, EMPA, ICMA-CM, Watertown City Manager — Amanda Mack has extensive professional local government executive experience, a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Prior to her appointment in 2021 as City Manager of Watertown, South Dakota, she served as the Chief Administrative Officer in Spencer, Iowa; Canton, South Dakota and Worthing, South Dakota.
• Justin Weiland, MPA, ICMA-CM, Tea City Administrator — Justin Weiland just took on the role as City Administrator for the City of Tea this month after working for the City of Dell Rapids since October 2010. A native of Madison, South Dakota, Justin's education includes an BA in Political Science and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of South Dakota. His background includes previous positions as the City Administrator of Waterville, Minnesota and Lennox, Soujth Dakota.
  

Luncheon Keynote: Designing Future Practice: Foundations of Excellence: Insights from 25 Leading Firms

Sponsored by West Plains Engineering

What can architecture and design practices learn from exemplary precedents of practice?  This qualitative study examines the characteristics, puposes, and priorities of some of the most notable current architectural practices in the U.S. to provide insights for a framework of excellent practice in the mid-21st century. Principals of 25 notable firms were asked the same 12 questions during individual interviews.  Each of the subject firms is a notable exemplary practice, recognized by the profession and peers as AIA Gold Medal recipients, AIA Firm Award recipients, Architect50 firms, and/or a small sample of other practices recommended by the other subject firms. While the question of ‘what is best practice’ does not have a singular answer, a look into these firms reveal some common themes from which all practices might benefit. This presentation will better equip current and future firm leaders, sole proprietors, boutique studio founders, and leaders and managers at mid-size and large firms to be mission-driven, client responsive, and future-facing in their pursuit of excellent practice. 1 LU

SESSION SPEAKER BIO

• Kate Schwennsen, FAIA — Kate Schwennsen is Professor Emeritus and Director Emeritus of the School of Architecture, Clemson University. She joined the Clemson faculty as Professor and Chair in August 2010, and led the school for a decade. Prior to Clemson she was Professor of Architecture and Associate Dean of the College of Design at Iowa State University, appointments that followed a decade of practice. Kate is a recognized leader in bridging architectural education and practice, with expertise in issues of design leadership, diversity, and evolving models of practice and education in architecture. Kate has held many leadership positions, including being the 2-term Co-Chair of the Education Commission of the International Union of Architects (UIA), and is currently the Secretary of the AIA’s College of Fellows. Schwennsen was 2006 President of the American Institute of Architects, the second woman to serve as the elected leader of this then-149-year-old, 80,000-member organization. She is licensed to practice architecture in South Carolina.

AIA SD Exhibit Hall — Mingle with the companies that help make this event possible and play our new Exhibit Hall Bingo Plus, featuring our traditional booth bingo game in which you fill your card to win amazing prizes PLUS our new bonus 'Secret Booth' prizes awarded every 30 minutes.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors: Kline-Johnson, PAC-CLAD, Fargo Glass & Paint/Sierra Pacific Windows, McGough Construction and Pella

... and our Gold Sponsors: Trane, DeSCo, Dakota Wall Systems, Heyer Engineering, Bell Structural Solutions, FiberTite Roof Systems, Hebron Brick, Syverson Tile & Stone, Innovative Architectural Products and IMEG.

Exhibitor breakfast sponsored by Perspective

Sponsored by Associated Consulting Engineering, Inc. ...

... with additional support from Schemmer

Design Awards jury sponsored by South Dakota State University; Design Awards ceremony sponsored by Journey Group ...

... with additional support from TSP, Inc. and RSA

Pella is graciously hosting a post-party at Crooked Pint, 2020 W. Russell St., just across from the Convention Center.

8 a.m.

AIA SD Annual Meeting  for AIA SD Members
Meetings rooms 6-7

Breakfast sponsored by Gruen-Wald Engineered Laminates

Student Engagement Session  for Student attendees
With Kate Schwennsen, FAIA, Professor Emeritus/Director Emeritus of the School of Architecture, Clemson University
Meetings rooms 8-10

Healthcare Design Master Planning Keynote — Kris Denevan, Sanford Health, Executive Director for Facilities and Support Services

Sponsored by Architecture Incorporated

In this keynote, a leading healthcare facility director from within the state will engage in a conversation about values, priorities, and challenges of master planning across their facilities within the state and across the region and maintaining the facilities to provide care for patients throughout South Dakota. She will discuss the environmental and health challenges communities in South Dakota face and how architects are part of solving these issues. 1 LU/HSW

SESSION SPEAKER BIO

• Kris Denevan — Kris Denevan, Sanford Health, Executive Director for Facilities and Support Services — Kris Denevan has spent her career supporting and motivating teams and for the last 19 years at Sanford USD Medical Center in the Sioux Falls, SD region. Since 2018, she has served as the Executive Director for Facilities and Support Services, leading the successful addition of over $1.3 million square feet of new construction and renovations including the Surgical Tower, Heart Hospital, Ava’s House, and Imagenetics to name a few. The aggressive growth in the Sioux Falls region has allowed Denevan to fuel her passion for facilitating the construction of patient-centric spaces and support efficient workflows that allow for a positive patient, guest and employee experience.

Sponsored by CO-OP Architecture

Since the 1940s, our Lakota uncis - our grandmothers - advocated to bring a Native Community Center to Mniluzahan Otonwahe (Rapid City). Over the past few years, He Sapa Otipi - Community Center for the People of the Black Hills continues to carry forward our Uncis dream to provide a safe place guided by Lakota values for all our Relatives - Native and non-Native alike - to come together. This presentation will provide a brief background of He Sapa Otipi, a summary of community outreach and programming efforts, an update on the current project status, and next steps. 1 LU/HSW

SESSION SPEAKER BIO

• Bobbie Koch — Bobbie Koch is an architectural designer at 7 Directions Architects & Planners and a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe (Sicangu Lakota). As a Sicangu Lakota architectural designer, her work centers on creating spaces and places for Indigenous peoples at the community, Tribal and urban scale. Her design methodology focuses on sustainable, community-driven, and culturally-responsive architecture. Bobbie has extensive experience in community outreach, master planning, conceptual and schematic design, and project management

Luncheon Keynote: I Was Asked to Stand

Sponsored by Smartt Interior Construction

SESSION SPEAKER BIO

• Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA — Pascale Sablan is a visionary architect, activist, and leader who has dedicated her career to making the built environment more equitable and just. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Pascale is a trailblazer who is breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of architects. As an Associate Principal at Adjaye Associates, Pascale has been a key member of the team for numerous projects around the world. Her work is characterized by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, and she has been recognized as one of the most influential architects of her generation. In addition to her work as an architect, Pascale is the founder of Beyond the Built Environment, a non-profit organization that seeks to empower women and people of color in the architecture industry. Through a variety of initiatives, including an annual conference and a mentorship program, the organization provides opportunities for education, mentorship, and professional development. Pascale is also a leader in the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), serving as the Global President of the organization. In this role, she is working to promote diversity and equity in the architecture profession and to ensure that the voices of underrepresented communities are heard and valued. Pascale's ultimate goal is to realize a just world, where everyone has access to the benefits of good design. She believes that architecture has the power to shape our lives and that by promoting diversity and equity in the profession, we can create spaces that are more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all people. Pascale's work has been recognized by some of the most influential people in the world, including Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama. Oprah featured Pascale on her Future Rising platform for Black trailblazers, describing her as a "powerhouse woman" who is "actively changing history." Obama has also praised Pascale's advocacy work, saying that "she is making a real difference in the world by bringing visibility and voice to the issues concerning women and BIPOC designers." Pascale has been featured in a variety of publications, including the New York Times, Forbes, and NPR. In a profile in Forbes, she was described as "the powerhouse woman...actively changing history with a simple mission: women and designers of color must claim and be credited for their contributions to the built environment." In an interview with NPR, Pascale emphasized the importance of the connection between the professionals conceiving and constructing our environments and the people they should serve. Pascale's impressive career and advocacy work make her an inspiration to architects and activists around the world. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and justice is a powerful reminder of the potential of design to create a better world for all people. 1.5 LU/HSW
  

How Accessible Housing Can Strengthen South Dakota — Leacey E. Brown,

Sponsored by AIA South Dakota

By the end of this decade, all members of the baby boom generation will be at least 65. Like their elders before them, baby boomers want to remain in their home and community as they get older. Yet, design innovations in housing to aid people with mobility limitations largely remain unimplemented. Research suggests 4 in 10 people who would benefit from a bedroom and full bathroom on the main level do not have one. While affordable or workforce housing receives considerable attention, a home modification crisis is approaching as the baby boom generation attempts to age in inaccessible homes. Beyond the preference of boomers to remain in the home, efforts are being made to provide long-term services and supports in lower cost setting (e.g., home, adult day center, etc.). This is critical given that two-thirds of long-term services and supports are paid for by public sources. In fact, Medicaid paid for 42.1% of long-term services and supports in 2020. Compared to Medicare which covered only 18.2% of long-term services and supports spending. As the single largest payer of long-term services and supports, Medicaid is working to delay entry into higher cost facility-based care. Unfortunately, professionals working to keep people with mobility limitations in the home report difficulties finding home modifications for the clients they serve. For these reasons, the Voices for Home Modification of the Dakotas project was launched in the spring of 2021. Early achievements of these collaborative efforts include identifying existing resource databases, collecting testimonials from stakeholders, recruiting additional stakeholders, development of a mission and vision, and creation of a web page. These activities allowed us to refine the specific outcomes this project proposes to achieve. For example, the group decided it would make more sense to raise awareness about existing resource databases (211 Helpline Center, ND Aging and Disability Resource Link, etc.) than to develop a new resource website. This presentation will provide an overview of the project, accomplishments to-date, and next steps for education and outreach. 1 LU/HSW

SESSION SPEAKER BIOS

• Leacey E. Brown, MS — Leacey E. Brown is a gerontologist advocating for broader discussions about aging and older adults in South Dakota. Her educational background in electronic systems, sociology, psychology, and gerontology. Early in her professional training she recognized the important role design plays in outcomes among older adults. She is convinced the key to mitigating challenges older adults face is through the implementation of universal design in products and the built environment. She currently serves as the South Dakota State University Extension Gerontology Field Specialist. Troubleshooting skills gained as a member of the U.S. Air Force enhance her professional capacity, allowing her to break aging issues into more manageable parts to create meaningful understanding. Leacey’s professional interests include aging well, aging in the home and community, family caregiving, fall prevention, ageism, and care and end-of-life planning
• Gene Fennell, AIA — Gene Fennell is an Architect and the owner of his own Architectural/Project Management/Master Planning Firm. Gene’s professional experience includes Crazy Horse Memorial – Mountain Carver & Museum Builder, site manager of a 200 Home AFB Housing Project, Project Manager & Designer of Dock-side Casino Resorts in Bay St. Louis & Biloxi, MS and various other projects across the United States. He has been a Registered Architect (CO, SD, WY & WI) since 1995 and served as President of AIA SD Chapter. Gene’s Architectural Projects have helped redefine the approach for re-purposing of existing structures, taking collaboration to a new level. Gene formed his own firm in 2006, taking on a variety of projects with a concentration in municipal, county and State projects (City Hall, County Courthouse, County Jail, County Master Facilities Plan and Planning/Budget setting projects). Recent experience with Aging Parents (both lived to 101+) and their desire to remain in their typical farm home to their “end” led Gene to involvement with Aging in Place considerations and Adaptable Home development. In-home care was not an option for Joe & Veronica as their home was not adaptable, with many levels and a very small bathroom; narrow doorways, etc. Offers to remodel for them were met with fierce resistance to disturbing their “set-in-concrete” daily routines. This experience pushed Gene to search for a way to take that sociological and psychological resistance out of the equation; trying to get in front of the non-adaptable housing stock by working toward adaptable housing at the outset.

EmBe Tour — 300 W. 11th St., Sioux Falls (Parking at First Congregational Church - see map below)

EmBe is the oldest and largest women’s organization in South Dakota, with over 250 employees who steward its mission to empower the community through four pillars: women, children, youth, and families. In 1922, the founders of EmBe’s mission believed women needed a place to realize their gifts and full potential. Today, EmBe holds space for women, children, and families so that our community may thrive through the empowerment of individuals. Leading the way in workforce development for women, childcare, aquatics, and youth programming, EmBe continues to meet the needs of members of our community. This multi-phased remodel project will allow EmBe to continue to provide value to the growing Sioux Falls community for years to come. Join in to see the extents of this remodel from added office spaces, updated daycare rooms, a fully renovated reception area, an added Dress For Success boutique, and a completely remodeled locker room space. Prior to the tour, we will show some “before” pictures to help show the magnitude of this transformational project. 1 LU/HSW

SAY IT LOUD SD Gallery Exhibit Opening and Champagne Toast
— Washington Pavilion, Jerstad Gallery, 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls

SAY IT LOUD South Dakota sponsors: McGough Contruction, Gage Brothers, Lloyd Companies, Journey Group, Interstate Office Products and Syverson Tile & Stone.

The Beyond the Built Environment’s Say It Loud exhibit, which is hosted by Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP, focuses on elevating the contributions of diverse designers. The concept 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 Say It Loud South Dakota project is organized by a committee representing a number of design professions.

Midco Arena Tour — W. 33rd Street and S. Grange Avenue, Sioux Falls (see map below)

PPE Required: Long pants and closed-toe shoes required. Bring your own hard hat, high-vis jacket and protective eyewear if you can. Fiegen Construction has made arrangements to provide PPE for people traveling from out-of-town.

Midco Arena, which will debut as the home of Augustana University's NCAA Division I hockey team in January, will seat 3,082 fans and include a luxury club area and 12 suites. The 154,000 square-foot arena will also feature amenities for the hockey program, house the GreatLIFE Strength & Conditioning Center and offer a locker room and lounge area for the Augustana Vikings soccer team. 1 LU/HSW

5:30 p.m.

SAY IT LOUD South Dakota Gallery Walk and Reception

SAY IT LOUD South Dakota sponsors: McGough Contruction, Gage Brothers, Lloyd Companies, Journey Group, Interstate Office Products and Syverson Tile & Stone.

Join us for refreshments as we walk the Augustana University version of the SAY IT LOUD South Dakota exhibit prior to the public lecture by SAY IT LOUD founder Pascale Sablan.

6:30 p.m.

Public lecture: Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP

SAY IT LOUD South Dakota sponsors: McGough Contruction, Gage Brothers, Lloyd Companies, Journey Group, Interstate Office Products and Syverson Tile & Stone.

Pascale Sablan, the founder of Beyond the Built Environment and SAY IT LOUD, gives a talk on the campus of Augustana University.