Left to right: Meredith Hayes Gordon, AIA; Damaris Hollingsworth, AIA; Amber Sausen, AIA; and Jesse Turck, AIA
Congratulations to the four Minnesota architects who received the 2020 AIA Young Architects Award. The AIA Young Architects Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers. 
The Minnesota architects honored this year are:
Meredith Hayes Gordon, AIA
HGA Architects and Engineers
Meredith Hayes Gordon, AIA, uses architecture as her platform for serving the broader community. She served as AIA Minnesota president in 2017, and currently serves on several committees and task force groups within the state organization. Meredith also heads her firm’s pro bono work, and has completed several significant design projects around the country.
Damaris Hollingsworth, AIA
Design by Melo
A leader on the path to greater diversity, Damaris Hollingsworth, AIA, forges cross-cultural communication skills among architects through her design projects, advocacy efforts, and mentorship programs. Her empathetic nature and ability to listen closely inform her compassionate approach, highlighting the importance of cultural fluency for the profession. Achieving greater social equity and diversity takes time and strong leadership, and the profession is fortunate to have Hollingsworth’s prominent voice. Fueled by her experiences, Hollingsworth creates spaces that all can enjoy.
Amber Sausen, AIA
Alliiance
Amber Sausen, AIA, is a thoughtful designer and committed leader who harnesses the power of the arts and architecture to build community. By blending two disciplines, she has demonstrated that she is a true global citizen who is eager to collaborate locally in Minnesota and across the globe. Sausen relies on her background to focus on design and advocacy for clients in the arts community.
Jesse Turck, AIA
BWBR
An expert in sustainable design, Jesse Turck, AIA, demonstrates his passion for climate change advocacy through his practice and dedication to serving the community. As one of the profession’s most necessary ambassadors, he has driven his firm’s sustainability efforts and amplified the architect’s voice on the global stage. He continues to serve in several AIA Minnesota committees and knowledge communities and is active in climate policy work.