AIA Minnesota

Connect with architects, designers, and industry partners throughout Minneapolis and the Southwest region of Minnesota. 

Board of Directors
Minneapolis Preservation Awards

2026 Minneapolis Preservation Awards: Nine winners »

Learn about the wonderful projects and people celebrated at The Granada Theater March 5th. This program is a collaboration with Preserve Minneapolis.

Merit Awards

Merit Awards Entries Open April 1st; Close May 15 »

Unique in their approach to creating a jury, these awards encompass the views of business professionals, real estate developers, community advocates, and academic leaders in addition to architects.

AIA Minneapolis Golf Outing

Golf Outing to benefit the MAF - Save the date! »

Mark your calendars for Monday, July 27, 2026 at Majestic Oaks. This annual tournament raises funds for the scholarships and grants of the Minnesota Architectural Foundation.

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About the AIA Minneapolis Chapter

AIA Minneapolis is proud to be a nationally accredited component of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). AIA Minneapolis is the largest local chapter of the AIA in Minnesota with more than 1,600 members. While most chapter members are based in Minneapolis, the chapter territory includes the southwestern portion of the state. As a large metropolitan-area chapter, AIA Minneapolis participates with other large local chapters nationwide to focus attention on significant issues facing urban areas.

The chapter provides leadership, networking, and public outreach opportunities for members — from the Merit Awards program to CEs and socials, the annual golf outing that raises funds for the Minnesota Architectural Foundation (MAF), and special projects.

Merit Awards & Celebration Event

The AIA Minneapolis Merit Awards are special – they are an expansive recognition of the collaboration involved in creating great built projects, and the social that accompanies the recognition event is a great chance to network and reconnect.

Learn more

Other Chapter Activities

Minneapolis Preservation Awards

Awards

Minneapolis Preservation Awards »

Recognizes the architects, developers, volunteers, enthusiasts, and preservation professionals that protect and celebrate the city’s built history. Award categories include preservation projects, additions to historic structures, small projects, and more.

Advocacy

Day on the Hill in Washington DC

A delegation from the AIA Minneapolis chapter joins with the other local and state chapters of the AIA in Minnesota for the annual AIA Leadership Summit and Day on the Hill. We share concerns with Congressional staff and often members of Congress.

Public Outreach

Little Africa Festival

An annual event in early August, this community festival brings together people of the African diaspora. AIA Minneapolis partners with the AIA MN Youth in Architecture (YA!) Committee to create and staff a booth with youth activities.

Funding

Scholarships for Students

AIA Minneapolis provides scholarships to students enrolled in Minnesota's NAAB-accredited architecture programs.

AIA Minneapolis Golf Outing

Fundraiser

Annual Golf Outing Benefiting the MAF »

The AEC industry comes together each July at Majestic Oaks, taking over 2 courses for nearly 300 golfers. A great event for networking and team building that supports MAF scholarships and grants!

Event

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting offers the opportunity to connect with members of across the Minneapolis and Southwest MN region. Held at the AIA MN Annual Conference in Minneapolis, it includes a report on chapter activities and election of chapter leaders.

Curious about getting involved? Reach out anytime!

Whether you are wanting to get to know other AIA Minneapolis members, connect with the broader community, or grow your leadership experience, we will find an opportunity that matches your interests and availability.
Email us to learn more

Special Projects

These multi-year strategic initiatives involve research, hands-on work, and outreach to the architecture community and stakeholders. They’re a great way to get involved through micro-volunteering for specific tasks, or in ongoing leadership roles.

Podcast Telling Stories of Architects, Project Teams, and Firms

This new effort will get underway in Spring 2026, with the aim of having the first episodes ready to share at the Annual Meeting in November. Interested in joining this effort? Click to email staff.

Model RFP for Small Cities

AIA Minneapolis is partnering with AIA Northern MN in an effort to help 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.

Volunteer Leaders & Staff

AIA Minneapolis President

Daniel Kodet, AIA, NOMA

AIA Minneapolis President Elect

Chris Schmitt, AIA

Deputy Executive Director

Amber Allardyce, Hon. AIAMN, CAE

Executive Director

Mary-Margaret Zindren, Hon. AIAMN, CAE