Bio:

Allison Dvorak, AIA, an architect in Sioux Falls, SD and active member of AIA South Dakota, serving as the 2022-23 President. She received her M.Arch from NDSU in Fargo, ND and has continues to build upon her design research to leverage "other-focused" design principles to provide dignified and inclusive design for all. She leads community development through meaningful design engagement and advocates for the value of architecture through local, national and international speaking engagements.

 

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 campus and wanted to go to school there. Luckily for me, it was for the school of architecture!

​

What do you do?

I am an architect with a healthcare system in the Midwest overseeing the design and construction of all renovation and new construction throughout the systems 350 clinics, hospitals and office buildings.

​

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 inclusive design solutions for critical patient care, and as an AIA member, I advocate for equity and diversity within the profession.

​

Who or what inspires you professionally?

Elevating others through design is inspiring to me. Providing collaboration with those who typically do not have a seat at the table allows for a richer, more diverse perspective through the design process.

​

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Just a few years out of college, I was accepted to an academic conference in Canada and was able to hold my own between two highly regarded professors of architecture that I deeply admire.

​

Featured Project Name: 

South Dakota State University American Indian Student Center

 

Featured Project Location: 

Brookings, South Dakota

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

Fall 2020

​

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.

​

Photography Credit:

TSP Inc.

​

Featured Project Name: 

Barb Iverson Skatepark

 

Featured Project Location: 

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

June 28th, 2024

​

Role in Featured Project: 

Owner's Rep/ Board Member

 

Featured Project Description:

Since the Sioux Falls Skatepark Association’s (SFSA) formation in 2017, a team of determined volunteers have been committed to changing the perception of skateboarding by building Sioux Falls’ first concrete skatepark. Through feasibility studies, many public forums, design and diligent fundraising, construction will begin on the 20,000 square foot park in a highly visible corner near downtown Sioux Falls. Sioux Falls.

​

Photography Credit:

Personal- Allison Dvorak