A Her-Story of Women in Architecture in Minnesota
#unseenshinelightonhervalue
I moved to the Twin Cities in 1992 right after graduate school. It was my first real job working for 3M as an Advanced Project Engineer. One of the first female architects that I met was Ellen Luken. She had a company called Luken Architecture and was a consultant on one of my projects. I admired her courage and conviction as she shared her design insights with me. It’s funny how someone’s else path ignites a desire to pursue a deep-down passion. I had always wanted my own firm and seeing her made me even more determined to have a practice one day.
Fast forward to 2025, Ellen and I still remain friends. She is one of my go-to wise women for advice. I am fortunate to have many of these women in my circle of colleagues. Trailblazers in their own right and now being recognized for their contributions to the built environment in Minnesota.
The Northwest Architectural Archives has a new exhibit called “Making Room” that will feature the achievements of women whose works were previously unseen. “These women made room for themselves in a field once reserved exclusively for men.” The incredible work of women like Su Blumentals, FAIA and Sarah Nettleton, FAIA are featured in an exhibit that shines a light on their valuable contributions.
The FAIA Legacy Project is another way to learn more about women architects in Minnesota with the goals of “increasing visibility of women architects to break down stereotypes that may be instrumental in the formation of unconscious bias about women in the profession and to encourage more women to seek a career in architecture. Started in 2018 by AIA Minnesota’s Women in Architecture Committee, this project amplifies the achievements of female fellows by documenting the stories of the Minnesota women architects recognized with the AIA’s highest membership honor.”
For more info on the Northwest Architectural Archives and The FAIA Legacy Project, here’s some links:
Making Room: Women’s Histories From the Northwest Architectural Archives
About 25% of the 209,000 licensed architects in the United States are women with one half of 1% being Black women so it’s critically important to elevate these stories to not only change the perception of who gets to design, but also create a path forward for others. I want to especially thank FAIA Legacy Project for allowing me to share my story. I hope that it inspires others to pursue this profession that touches people’s lives in meaningful ways every day.
