MICHELLE KLOBASSA
TSP, Inc.
SAY IT LOUD - SOUTH DAKOTA Exhibitor
South Dakota Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I’m inspired by the fact that my work can help others. I also enjoy sharing what I do with my daughters. They get to see my projects around the region and understand that they can also pursue their passions.
MICHELLE KLOBASSA
Bio:
Growing up in North Dakota, Michelle found her passion for architecture at a young age. She pursued this interest in high school drafting classes often as the only girl in the class. Her college studies took her to Montana State University where she earned her Master of Architecture. She currently works for TSP, Inc. in Sioux Falls, SD as an architect and serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors. She is blessed to share life with her husband and two daughters.
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 became interested in architecture in elementary school. I would spend time laying on the floor of my bedroom and drawing imaginary buildings and floor plans. I just knew that was what I wanted to do and never considered anything else!
What do you do?
I am an architect working in a regional firm designing commercial, civic, and educational projects across the north central US.
What excites you in the work you do?
I always tell people, the thing that keeps me interested in my work is that no two projects are alike. I get to keep learning each day which is fun and challenging.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
I’m inspired by the fact that my work can help others. I also enjoy sharing what I do with my daughters. They get to see my projects around the region and understand that they can also pursue their passions.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I am proud of the relationships I’ve made as an architect that people trust and that I’ve helped many people achieve their goals for new facilities.
Featured Project Name:
South Dakota School for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Featured Project Location:
Aberdeen, SD
Featured Project Completion Date:
December 2019
Role in Featured Project:
Architect
Featured Project Description:
The South Dakota School for the Blind & Visually Impaired was one of those projects that “opened my eyes” as an architect. This new school serves students from birth to age 21. During the design process, I had the opportunity to learn from and interact with students and adults with blindness or visual impairments. That influenced the design by requiring careful consideration of things like daylight and glare, acoustics and material selections in an entirely new way than I had in the past.
