MINNEAPOLIS, September 8, 2026—Jon Frost, founder and owner of Frost Cabinets, is the recipient of a 2026 AIA Minnesota Collaborative Achievement Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations for exceptional contributions to the American Institute of Architects, the architectural profession, or the quality of the built environment.

A designer and maker of fine cabinetry and furniture, Frost founded Frost Cabinets in St. Paul in 1983. The company is known for its custom solutions for residential kitchens, bars, bathrooms, closets, and more. For his exceptional work, Frost has earned the trust of architects, builders, and homeowners across Minnesota and beyond.

“Jon’s craftsmanship, design skills, and collaboration with designers and builders are of the highest caliber,” wrote Rehkamp Larson Architects’ Jean Rehkamp, AIA, and Mark Larson, AIA, in a letter nominating Frost for the award. “He creates highly detailed shop drawings and iterates through multiple versions with subtle refinements to find an integrated solution.

“People often say, in reverence for buildings of the past, that ‘we don’t do it like that anymore,’” they continued. “Well, Jon is still doing it like that.”

Collaborators credit Frost with bringing the same level of attention to every design element, whether a modern detail or a flourish on a Victorian sideboard.

“Jon’s deep understanding of historic architecture and traditional woodworking consistently elevates already great designs,” wrote Dovetail custom builders cofounder Doug Tanner. “Time and again, he finds ways to make the architecture stronger.”

Serving on the 2026 Collaborative Achievement Awards jury were AIA Minnesota member leaders Michael Fischer, AIA, Michael Friebele, Assoc. AIA, Kelly Martinez, AIA, Amber Sausen, AIA, and Geoff Warner, FAIA.

Frost was honored at the AIA Minnesota Summer Awards Celebration on August 26, 2026, at the Room & Board showroom in Edina. Learn more about the Collaborative Achievement Awards here.

The American Institute of Architects Minnesota, founded in 1892, is dedicated to strengthening our communities, improving our built environment, and providing exceptional design. For more information on the organization and Minnesota architectural firms, visit our website and subscribe to ENTER, our digital monthly newsletter that explores the people and ideas shaping a better built environment for Minnesota.