SARAH L. NELSON
ID8 Architecture
SAY IT LOUD - SOUTH DAKOTA Exhibitor
South Dakota Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The desire to leave a place "better than I found it" and contribute to lasting impact.
SARAH L. NELSON
Bio:
Sarah describes herself as an enthusiast of meaningful experiences and well-crafted environments. The variety of previous professional experiences she has had provided a foundation for understanding how businesses and organizations, large and small, function and collaborate. Through those experiences she gained operational and project management skills through the corporate event planning world which have crossed over well into planning and design.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I had always planned on being a Landscape Architect and began college in that field, but found myself pursuing non-profit work and landed in event management. Well-crafted environments exist in a variety of ways!
What do you do?
I'm a Project Manager with the primary responsibility to set schedule, assign our design team, manage budgets, and communicate with clients. I get to also participate in the design process and support the design team as I'm able.
What excites you in the work you do?
The connection between architecture, planning and economic development resulting in an increased quality of life in our community. I.e. A business expands resulting in more jobs; or a housing development aimed at first-time buyers, it matters deeply.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The desire to leave a place "better than I found it" and contribute to lasting impact.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
The last couple of years, I've had to transition from 10 years in one industry into a whole new one. That was a really hard change, but also a really good one. I'm proud of how I've embraced the learning curve and have come to love what I get to do.
Featured Project Name:
The Ivy Center
Featured Project Location:
Brookings, SD
Featured Project Completion Date:
Fall 2025
Role in Featured Project:
Project Manager; Project Design Support (Interior Space Planning and Site Plan)
Featured Project Description:
This project is the renovation and expansion of The Ivy Center, the primary facility for Brookings Behavioral Health and Wellness serving Brookings County. Their services are available regardless of one's ability to pay. The expansion adds 13,600 sf of much needed program and staff space resulting in a 20,000 sf facility that allows the agency to meet the increasing need for mental health support services for our surrounding communities.
