From an early age, Bailey Wanner aspired to make the world a better place — and for her, that vision has always included a deep commitment to nature.
Her passion for the environment drives both her personal values and professional pursuits, inspiring her to advocate for sustainable, thoughtful design that respects and enhances the natural world.
Now, as an architectural graduate in the Rapid City office, Bailey looks forward to making a positive impact through community-focused projects that reflect these values.
She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from North Dakota State University and brings design experience in K-12, higher education, healthcare, and other sectors to TSP.
While in graduate school, Bailey centered her entire thesis around nature – specifically the unique landscapes of National Parks. Her work focused on designing a biomorphic visitor center for the Painted Canyon at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota.
The design was solely based on the form and behavior of North Dakota’s state bird (the Western Meadowlark) and used biomorphic principles to operate. This year-long project, fueled by dedication and passion, earned Baliey the prestigious Peter F. McKenzie Memorial Thesis Award, which is presented annually by the NDSU Department of Architecture for the best thesis.
Another meaningful project for Bailey is the Endazhi-Nitaawiging Charter School on the Red Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota. While working for a firm during her college years, she gained firsthand experience contributing to a project design that supported both the cultural and educational needs of students.
These experiences have deepened Bailey’s interest in community-focused pursuits. She is eager to take part in TSP’s community involvement projects and is also exploring the idea of joining a women’s golf league.
“Back home in northwest Minnesota, I was a tennis, softball, and t-ball coach,” Bailey said. “I am very sports oriented, so I would enjoy doing something to help the community in that area.”
Bailey and her husband, Jordan, always appreciate the opportunity to be outdoors, whether it be hiking, walking, or playing with their dog, Juno (a Sheepadoodle).
