Bio:

The great architect,  Allison Dvorak, AIA, is an architect in Sioux Falls, SD and active member of AIA South Dakota, currently serving as 2020-21 President Elect. She received her M.Arch from NDSU in Fargo, ND and continues to develop her thesis by advocating

for human centered design of publicly occupied spaces. She utilizes her architectural skillset through speaking engagements, design practice, and client education for the implementation of equitable, inclusive and sustainable design practices.

 

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I watched a lot of Brady Bunch as a kid and thought Mr. Brady had a cool work from home job. Later, I saw an interesting building on a cam- pus and wanted to go to school there. Luckily for me, it was for the school of architecture!

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What do you do?

I am currently a healthcare architect for a firm in South Dakota working with the Veterans Affairs Healthcare system. I also am very involved with AIA, creating the Blueprint SD blog, chair of the advocacy committee and state Licensing Advisor.

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What excites you in the work you do?

The ability to use my skills as an architect to be a voice for those without. As a healthcare architect, I provide design solutions for those at their weak- est, and as an AIA member, I advocate for equity and diversity within the profession.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

Seeing the impact of my designs have on those who occupy the spaces. It still amazes me when the things I can think up in my head become reality.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Just three years out of college, I was accepted to an academic conference in Canada and was able to hold my own between two highly regarded pro- fessors of architecture.

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Featured Project Name: 

South Dakota State University American Indian Student Center

 

Featured Project Location: 

Brookings, South Dakota

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

Fall 2020

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect from Schematic Design through Bidding Negotiation

 

Featured Project Description:

The AISC is the visible component of SDSU President Dunn’s “Wokini Initiative” aimed to attract and retain Native American students to SDSU. Great care was taken to subtly reflect the culture of the indigenous tribes of South Dakota within the building. From the exterior cladding designs, to the representation of the Seven Council Fires, and local indigenous murals, all design decisions were based on the main design concept of inclusion: All are welcome.

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Photography Credit:

TSP Inc.

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