Connect with architects, designers, and industry partners across the Northland – from Moorhead to Duluth, the Brainerd Lakes region to the Iron Range and the North Shore.

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About the AIA Northern MN Chapter

AIA Northern Minnesota is proud to be a nationally accredited chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). With more than 100 members, the chapter serves members from the shores of Lake Superior to the banks of the Red River, from the US border with Canada to the headwaters of the Mississippi. With its membership concentrated in the harbor city of Duluth and strong community representation across the Iron Range and Lakes Region, the chapter provides leadership, networking, education and outreach opportunities for its members, who work across all four of Minnesota’s distinct biological zones in one of the most extreme environments in the country.

Volunteer leaders of the chapter organize the Annual Golf Fundraiser, which raises dollars for student scholarships in architecture, and holds tours and socials that bring together the architecture community and AEC industry. Our continuing education programs focus on topics of concern to members of the Northern MN region. 

 

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Chapter Activities

Learn more about Golf Fundraiser

Fundraiser

Annual Golf Fundraiser for Student Scholarships »

The AEC industry comes together each July for this fun networking and team-building event. More than $100,000 have been raised over the years, resulting in endowed scholarships at NDSU and the University of Minnesota.

CE & Socials

Site Visits, Project Tours & Socials

The chapter regularly organizes tours of in-progress and finished architectural projects, followed by a social. Connect with others for Continuing Education (CE) credits for architects and learning for those pursuing licensure. Suggestions welcome!

Sundew ship AIA Northern MN event
Photo by Peter Markham, transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons by Jacopo Werther

Event

AIA Northern MN - CSI Summer Outing

An annual partnered event of the AIA Northern Minnesota chapter and the local chapter of CSI is a fun social many look forward to each year, often taking place on the Sundew — a great chance to get out on the lake!

Event

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of AIA Northern Minnesota offers time for connection and catching up with members across the state. Held at the AIA Minnesota Annual Conference in Minneapolis, it includes a report on chapter activities and election of chapter leaders.

Other Events of Interest

Lake Superior Design Retreat Committee

Lake Superior Design Retreat (LSDR) »

This annual public event in Duluth is attended by architects, landscape architects, designers, artists, musicians, craftspeople and innovators from across Minnesota and well beyond! A chance for AIA Northern MN members to reset close to home.

Bringing Design into Focus »

Organized by Architecture Advantage, LLC, this annual educational event and trade show brings together the AEC community.

Doors Open Duluth

Doors Open Duluth »

This free, citywide open house invites the public to explore architecturally, culturally, and historically significant spaces—many of which are rarely accessible. Self-guided tours, special programming, and behind-the-scenes access.

Special Projects & Recent Topics

Model RFP for Small Cities

This collaboration with AIA Minneapolis is focused on helping small cities and organizations with small projects gain the information they most need to make sound selection decisions. Interested in joining this effort? Click to email staff.

Infinite Facades

Infinite Façade- Tour & Social

In this presentation and walkthrough hosted by Jace Rossow, attendees learned about the Infinite Façade system and toured the Lakeview at 333 E. Superior building. A social at Sir Benedict's followed. Click to learn more about Infinite Façade.

WholeTrees

Mass Timber

WholeTrees Structures Jonathan Tupper (jonathantupper@wholetrees.com) was the speaker at the 2025 Annual Meeting in November. Click to learn more about WholeTrees Structures.

Contact us to get involved or to suggest a CE or Tour

Interested in getting to know other AIA Northern MN members or working on a program or special project of the chapter? Contact us today!

Volunteer Leaders & Staff

Email AIA Northern MN President

AIA Northern MN President

Melissa Lefebvre, AIA

Email AIA Northern MN President Elect

AIA Northern MN President Elect

Jamie Bieser, AIA

Email Ann

Public Outreach Manager

Ann Mayhew

Email AIA Northern MN

Executive Director

Mary-Margaret Zindren, Hon. AIAMN, CAE