ASPEN J THORSTENSON
SAY IT LOUD - SOUTH DAKOTA Exhibitor
South Dakota Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Sara Lum has been a true inspiration and admirable professional. As my first professor, to a colleague, to a guest at my wedding, to an amazing mentor and friend - she is constantly evolving. She represents doing good work no matter the field.
ASPEN J THORSTENSON
Bio:
Aspen is a Licensed Architect in Sioux Falls where she worked on several multi-family, commercial, development, and design-build projects. Aspen is serving her second term as Vice Chair for the Accessible Housing Advisory Board for Minnehaha County, Lincoln County, and the City of Sioux Falls. Aspen was the Elected Mayor for the City of White, SD. Registered Architect: South Dakota | North Dakota | Nebraska Education: B.S. Architecture, B.S. Architecture – South Dakota State University
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I first learned about architecture while studying pre-medicine at SDSU. I was always interested in creating things - whether decorating cakes, rearranging my room for the 50th time, or building something in the garage.
What do you do?
I am an entrepreneur and an architect. I am a licensed architect working in Sioux Falls who also enjoys doing side projects such as flipping properties, building homes, planning small scale developments, and investing. I love to build, design, build businesseS and continually learn and adapt.
What excites you in the work you do?
I get excited by change, growth and opportunity to do good. When ideas come together with the right group of people, it is exciting to do things with good intentions and see the outcomes. I love problem solving and diversity of work! I do not like to be bored and enjoy continually being challenged and resolving things.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by opportunity to make things better, whether architecture, community, creating new ideas, or teamwork. Sara Lum has been a true inspiration and admirable professional. As my first professor, to a colleague, to a guest at my wedding, to an amazing mentor and friend - she is constantly evolving. She represents doing good work no matter the field.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am proud of completing college as a single mother and getting my architecture license! Progressively growing in my career at a quick pace from a student in a production role to a Project Manager, to Design Director, to the Managing Director. This progression taught me a lot about the field and diversity of career options.
Featured Project Name:
Elected Mayor + AHAB Advisory Board
Featured Project Location:
White, SD + Sioux Falls, SD
Featured Project Completion Date:
2023
Role in Featured Project:
Registered Architect having served as Mayor & Accessible Housing Advisory Board (2nd Term)
Featured Project Description:
Thorstenson has been actively involved serving as Mayor for White, SD and two terms on the AHAB board as a cooperative effort between the City of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls School District, and Minnehaha and Lincoln counties to work towards the creation of affordable housing, housing stabilization services and alleviating homelessness. As Mayor, she participated in a major Water/Sewer Infrastructure project of $5.1M, City water tower updates, new Fire hall, and opened a fitness facility.
Photography Credit:
Josie Alman
Featured Project Name:
Modern Lakefront
Featured Project Location:
Wall Lake, SD
Featured Project Completion Date:
2023
Role in Featured Project:
Architect + Builder
Featured Project Description:
In a rural residential zoned lakefront property, many challenges were present with the site constraints, site access, grades, and design. The unique modern home was required to work around an existing structure from 1942 to keep setbacks. The existing cabin was uninsulated, never heated and an army bunker from WWII. The home was completely renovated and Argus Leader articles from 1950 framed and placed in the new home.
