MINNEAPOLIS, July 29, 2025—Michael Fischer, AIA, is the 2025 recipient of the AIA Minnesota Louis Lundgren Award for Service. The award recognizes an individual AIA Minnesota member for their prolonged, outstanding contributions in community and professional service.

Fischer, a vice president with LHB, has devoted his career to the role of citizen architect. He served on the Superior, Wisconsin, City Council from 1993 to 1997, including terms as vice president and president. During this time, he also co-chaired the Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Planning Commission, leading the allocation of federal transit funds for a bi-state region.

After being awarded a Bush Fellowship in 1997, Fischer earned two master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)—in real estate development and urban design, respectively. He returned to Minnesota and to private practice at LHB in 1999 and deepened his civic engagement. In 2000, he was appointed to the Urban GEIS Task Force for the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board. From 2002 to 2017, Fischer served on seven different committees and commissions for the City of Edina, including a role as Planning Commission chair, helping guide land use policy and comprehensive planning efforts. In 2017, he was elected to the Edina City Council, where he also served as secretary to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

Fischer’s lifelong dedication to public service, community development, and the integration of architecture with civic life exemplifies the spirit of the Louis Lundgren Award for Service. His work has left a lasting imprint on communities across the region and serves as a powerful model for architects seeking to lead through service.

“Michael’s work in community governance and bringing architectural thinking to decision making in the public realm is a remarkable example for all architects and designers,” said one of the Louis Lundgren Award jurors. Added another: “We are so impressed with the story of Michael’s career-long public service and advocacy for inclusion and compassion in city planning.”

Serving on the 2025 AIA Minnesota Louis Lundgren Award for Service jury were AIA Minnesota member leaders Eric Amel, FAIA, Nicole Bauknight, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, Doug Bergert, AIA, Monica Hartberg, AIA, and Ananth Shankar, AIA Emeritus, NOMA.

Fischer will be honored at an AIA Minnesota Awards Celebration on August 19, 2025, at the Room & Board showroom in Edina. Learn more about the Louis Lundgren Award for Service 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.