Looking back on 2025, it’s incredibly rewarding to reflect on the growth we experienced, the milestones we reached, and the community and connections we continued to build. As we kicked off our 20th year in business this past fall, I’ve been especially humbled by the team we’ve created and the passion they bring to what they do every single day.
Paired with the incredible partnership we share with our clients and consultants, it’s something I truly never could have imagined 20 years ago when I first took that leap. I often joke that I love what I do a little too much sometimes—but it’s only because of the people around me. This team challenges me, inspires me, and makes me better, and in turn, they make this firm stronger and our projects better every day.
Growing Our Team & Celebrating Milestones
This past year, we were excited to welcome Anna Ashton as an Architectural Designer, joining our team in March, and Deino Wonosikou, who returned full-time in June after graduating from Dunwoody College. Anna has already played an integral role in the design and management of the CHUM Renovation and Addition in Duluth, which is now under construction. Deino previously worked with us as an intern, and we’re proud to officially have her on the team full-time. She’s been involved in several predesign efforts and is currently contributing to multiple projects at Carleton College.
This summer also marked a major achievement for Royce Pichetti, who completed his ARE exams and became officially licensed in the State of Minnesota. It’s a tremendous milestone, and we’re excited to see him continue growing in his role and leadership with clients and projects.
We also had the opportunity to honor meaningful anniversaries and career milestones within our firm. Kane Tewes celebrated 10 years with Architecture Advantage—a decade that somehow flew by, as it often does when you truly enjoy the work and the people you do it with.
In addition, we were honored to celebrate Lee Tollefson’s remarkable legacy—both within our firm and across Minnesota’s architecture community. His 55-year career is nothing short of inspiring. Lee has been and continues to be a valued mentor and friend to our team, and we wish him all the very best as he begins this well-deserved retirement.
Projects in Motion: Breaking Ground & Breaking Walls
2025 was a year of visible progress—projects moving from planning into construction, and major campus and community spaces taking shape across the region. From early-stage demolition and renovations to groundbreakings that will carry into 2026, we’re proud of the momentum these milestones represent.
Construction Milestones
- Central Lakes College Student Center — broke wall in February (on track for early 2026 completion)
- CHUM Renovation and Addition — broke ground in September (completion expected late 2026)
- Cook County Law Enforcement Center Expansion — broke ground in October (completion expected 2026)
Projects Completed: Spaces Ready to Serve
We also celebrated several project completions in 2025—spaces now fully operational and supporting learning, building community, student life, worship, and hands-on training.
- Lake Superior College Manufacturing Renovation and Addition
- Minnesota North College – Vermilion Classroom Building Renovation
- Musser Hall Dorm Upgrades at Carleton College
- Lincoln Park Community Center
- Kirby Student Union Rafters Room
- Minneapolis College Bookstore & Ceramics Relocation
- St. Thomas More Catholic Church Addition, St. Paul
Designing What’s Next
As we look ahead, we’re energized by the projects shaping our next chapter—work that reflects our ongoing commitment to thoughtful design, long-term stewardship, and spaces that better support the people who use them every day. From campus housing and accessibility improvements to civic infrastructure and community redevelopment, these efforts represent both meaningful impact and exciting momentum moving into the year ahead.
- Minnesota State Academies for the Deaf & Blind—dorm renovations focused on comfort, accessibility, and student experience
- St. Louis County Historic Depot Infrastructure Upgrades
- Chisholm City Hall Infrastructure Upgrades
- Watson Hall Dorm Upgrades at Carleton College
- Annual Small Projects across the University of Minnesota–Duluth Campus
- Iron Exchange at 400 Mixed-Use Development in Hibbing, MN
Community, Connection & Engagement
In 2025, we continued to invest in what matters most—our people, our relationships, and the communities we serve. From strengthening collaboration within our team to showing up for meaningful events across the region, this year was filled with moments that reminded us how important connection is to the work we do every day.
A major highlight of the year was our continued focus on learning and growing together as a team. Our 2025 team workshop centered around conflict styles and resolution, giving us tools to better understand one another and strengthen the way we communicate and collaborate. We also made time to simply enjoy being together—during our annual team outing in St. Paul, we spent time volunteering at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden before wrapping up the day with a St. Paul Saints game.
Architecture Advantage team at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
This year also brought some exciting moments of celebration and recognition. As we marked 20 years in business, we reflected on how far we’ve come and the relationships that have carried us along the way. We were also honored to be named an AIA Emerging Professionals Friendly Firm, reinforcing our commitment to supporting growth and mentorship within our industry. In May, we hosted the 8th annual Bringing Design into FocUS event at Blacklist Brewing in Duluth, gathering together around the theme “Connecting People to Place,” and celebrating the power of design to shape stronger communities.
Ongoing learning remained a priority as well with a few highlights listed here. Tiffany attended Living Future 2025 in May, our team had a strong presence at the AIA Minnesota Conference in November, and Meghan and Melissa participated in the Duluth Chamber’s Women in Leadership Conference, continuing to gain insights that help shape our practice and leadership.
(L) Seann, Royce, Craig, Kane, and Deino attend AIA Minnesota’s 2025 conference; (R) Melissa and Meghan attend the Duluth Chamber of Commerce’s annual Women in Leadership conference
Throughout the year, we also stayed engaged with our broader communities—attending the St. Paul Area Chamber’s Power of One Annual Meeting, connecting with emerging designers at Dunwoody College’s Spring Career Fair, and hosting BOLD’s May meeting in our office to share our journey toward our JUST Label. We enjoyed plenty of fun along the way too, including team participation in the NAWIC Pickleball & Golf Tournament, and an unforgettable UMD hockey game outing thanks to the generosity of Northland Constructors.
Altogether, 2025 reminded us that the relationships we build—within our team, across our partners, and throughout our communities—are what truly make this work meaningful.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, we’re filled with gratitude for the people who make this work possible—our clients, consultants, partners, and the many friends and families who support our team along the way. Your trust, collaboration, and encouragement continue to shape who we are and what we’re able to accomplish together.
We are eager to stay connected for big things we have in store for the year ahead are excited for another year of meaningful work, shared success, and continued momentum in 2026!
