MINNEAPOLIS, July 14, 2026 — Nathan Davies, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, a designer with Perkins&Will, and Olivia Sprosty, AIA, founder of Resilience Architecture, are the winners of the 2026 AIA Minnesota Next Gen Award.

The Next Gen Award is given to recent graduates of an NAAB-accredited architecture program who have demonstrated early leadership potential or exceptional service to the AIA, the architecture profession, or the broader community.

Nathan Davies, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, has impacted the profession early in his career through volunteer leadership. He served as president of the student chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMAS) at the University Minnesota and is now co-chair of the AIA Minnesota Next Gen Initiative and the AIA State/Territory Associate Representative on the AIA Minnesota board of directors. He is also an adjunct instructor at the University of Minnesota

“One of the most impressive aspects of Nathan’s leadership is his ability to bridge communities,” wrote Jennifer Christiaanen, AIA, managing director of Perkins&Will Minneapolis, in her nomination letter. “His work co-leading the AIA Minnesota Next Gen Initiative has focused on strengthening support systems for emerging professionals. During my time as AIA Minnesota president, I witnessed his ability to convene people, build trust, and foster authentic dialogue around the future of the profession. But he doesn’t just convene; he delivers, transforming conversations into meaningful action.”

Olivia Sprosty, AIA, who received her architect’s license and launched her own firm in 2025, has been active in licensure efforts and support of fellow emerging professionals since her time as a graduate student and architectural intern. She co-chairs AIA Minnesota’s Architect Licensing Advisory Committee, is the creator and host of Lattes and Licensure (see below), and leads core competency sessions, among other volunteer roles.

“A defining example of Olivia’s leadership is her creation of the Lattes and Licensure initiative,” wrote D. J. Heinle, AIA, vice president–architecture at TKDA, in a letter recommending Sprosty for the award. “This program, structured similarly to academic office hours, provides an accessible and informal setting for students and early-career professionals to engage with licensed architects, ask questions, and receive guidance on the licensure process. It reflects Olivia’s ability to identify gaps in engagement and develop thoughtful, practical solutions that directly benefit the next generation of architects.”

Serving on the 2026 AIA Minnesota Next Gen Award jury were AIA Minnesota member leaders Nancy Blankfard, FAIA; Debanjana Chatterjee, Assoc. AIA; Daniel Kodet, AIA, NOMA; Scott Schlotthauer, AIA; and Justin Wang, AIA, NOMA.

Davies and Sprosty will be honored at an AIA Minnesota Awards Celebration on August 26, 2026, at the Room & Board showroom in Edina. Learn more about the AIA Minnesota Next Gen Award.

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.