Join us in Duluth for the 38th Annual Lake Superior Design Retreat
March 6-7, 2026

Brought to you by AIA Minnesota in partnership with ASLA Minnesota, the Lake Superior Design Retreat (LSDR) is an annual, winter weekend extravaganza in Duluth, Minnesota. Since its inception over 30 years ago, LSDR is an interdisciplinary and rejuvenating event that explores design ideas and creative processes that push boundaries in the worlds of architecture, landscape architecture, planning, engineering, literature, craft, dance, music, the fine arts, the environment, and more. Come for inspiration, unexpected synergies, and commaraderie.

LSDR 2026 will take place at Zeitgeist Arts – 222 E Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802.
Zeitgeist Arts is “a nonprofit arts and community development organization committed to growing and sustaining a community that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable; artistic and vibrant; environmentally conscious; and a place where every individual can thrive. Working in partnership across our region, Zeitgeist connects like-minded organizations and people to collaboratively create programs that make lasting change.”

Lodging

A block of rooms has been reserved for LSDR attendees at the Sheraton Duluth Hotel (right across the street from Zeitgeist) at a rate of $199 per night. This block is available through February 12, 2026. Make your reservations now!

Visit duluthbandb.com for B&B options or call 1.800.4.DULUTH for other lodging suggestions.

LSDR Speakers

  • Amir Berenjian is the CEO of REM5 Studios, an immersive technology company focused on empowering its partners with emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), spatial computing, and artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Jennifer Guthrie, FASLA, is a founding partner of GGN and a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Her work ranges broadly, encompassing urban districts of green streets and mixed-use housing, public squares, rooftop gardens, urban farms, and cultural institutions.
  • Mary Jo Hoffman is a former aeronautical engineer turned artist, photographing found nature every day for over a decade. Her 2024 book STILL: The Art of Noticing features 275 of her photographs and personal essays, illustrating how “the art of noticing is the same as the art of living.” She has collaborated on collections with Target and West Elm.
  • Amy Noble Seitz is the founder and CEO of Exhibit Development Group (EDG) and CultureNut, a division of EDG. EDG ignites and promotes cultural exchange by bringing high-quality traveling exhibitions of art, science, history and popular culture to a diverse audience worldwide. CultureNut is a sustainable solution to help cultural institutions and the attractions industry upcycle idle assets, transforming unused inventory into income while reducing storage needs and landfill waste.
  • Suyao Tian is a water-based abstract painter and independent curator based in the Twin Cities. Her work has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions nationally and internationally, and her paintings are included in the permanent collections of prestigious museums, institutions, and distinguished collectors. She has collaborated with MSP International Airport and partnered with leading companies including Target, West Elm, and Room & Board.
  • Kathy Yerich is a forager specializing in mushrooms and co-author of Mushrooms of the Upper Midwest, a field guide for lay folks to identify fungi around them.

Continuing Education for AIA and ASLA Attendees

AIA Minnesota is a registered provider with the AIA Continuing Education System. We anticipate up to 6.0 Learning Unit/Hours will be approved for the 2026 Lake Superior Design Retreat.
New this year! ASLA Minnesota will apply for Professional Development Hours for landscape architects attending the Design Retreat.