The two will shape AIA South Dakota’s mission and programs from both sides of the state. That’s intentional, Michelle says, to reflect the chapter’s membership and maintain its energetic, dynamic momentum.
“We changed the bylaws to require the board membership have equal representation from East River and West River,” she says. “What I’ve really enjoyed about being involved with AIA is the opportunity to get to know architects from across the state.”
Michelle wears multiple hats for the professional association. In addition to chairing the Design Awards Committee and the Scholarship Committee, she serves on the Nominating Committee and the Architecture Forum Committee. AIA South Dakota’s membership currently includes about 60 registered architects plus associate AIA members.
Other TSP staff contribute time and talent, too. Architect Chase Kramer serves on committees geared toward emerging professionals and the chapter’s magazine. He also sits on the Scholarship Committee with Michelle. Architect Jason Kann provided a great deal of support for the recent Design Awards juried competition and helps advance the design: SD initiative, a three-day charrette to assist smaller communities envision their future. And Architectural Graduate Anthony Dyk helped Jenn coordinate Design in the Hills during his time in Rapid City. Chase, Jason, and Anthony all currently work in the Sioux Falls office.
Starting Oct. 11, Michelle will balance her project work and AIA South Dakota duties with another new venture: She’s been selected for the prestigious, eight-month-long Evan C. Nolte Leadership Sioux Falls program. She and 30 other professionals, business leaders, and nonprofit leaders will take part in Chamber of Commerce sessions designed to meet the city’s need for active participation of informed and dedicated community leaders.
Participants must be older than 25, have participated in past community and professional activities, live or work in Sioux Falls, and commit to serving and strengthening the city after the program’s completion.
Applying for Leadership Sioux Falls and agreeing to its future responsibilities meant stepping outside her usual “bubble,” but it’s not the first time she has done so, Michelle said. In her application, Michelle wrote, “I accepted the role of Principal in my company which involved stepping out of my comfort zone. By taking this position I was confirming that I wanted to be an Owner in this company and I was willing to invest my resources into it long-term.
“It also meant changing my day to day routine. I was no longer just working on the design of projects, but taking on the added challenge of going out and securing those projects.”
Michelle, who joined TSP 13 years ago, is the only female Principal in the company. She has served on the TSP Board since 2016. It is important to her that in an age of digital connections personal relationships are not forgotten.
“I am interested in helping this community and growing in my leadership abilities,” she says. “I want to learn how to impact change in our community and the state.”