Architecture Advantage announces the retirement of Lee Tollefson, FAIA, on October 8, 2025. After a distinguished career spanning 55 years, Lee leaves behind a legacy of innovative design, community impact, and mentorship that has shaped the built environment across the region.
Lee in 1965 starting at University of Minnesota’s School of Architecture.
Lee graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1970, after which he was one of only 23 students (out of 225 applicants) to be accepted to the prestigious Louis Kahn Studio at the University of Pennsylvania. While there, he won the Schenk Competition and was awarded three months of European study before returning to work with Ralph Rapson & Associates in Minneapolis from 1971 – 1973. Beyond his professional practice, Lee served as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota for 40 years, mentoring generations of architects.
Ralph Rapson & Lee Tollefson, circa 1971.
In 1975, Lee formed Lee Tollefson Architects, and in 1985, his firm joined Rafferty Rafferty Mikutowski Architects. Following the merger, Lee became a partner, leading to the formation of Rafferty Rafferty Tollefson Lindeke Architects (RRTL). In 2015, RRTL brought Architecture Advantage onboard to the Hibbing Community College Rightsizing & Renovation project, forming a new partnership that would lead to a merger in 2018. Lee has remained active and involved in projects, while Architecture Advantage continues to honor and build upon the legacy of RRTL.
Architecture Advantage’s new St. Paul office ribbon cutting, September 2021
Lee’s contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the National Institute of Architectural Education’s award for Best Undergraduate Thesis, serving as President of AIA Minnesota in 2005, induction into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) in 2010, and multiple AIA Minnesota Honor and 25-Year Awards for projects such as Saint Jude Catholic Church, Saint John the Evangelist Church, and Sexton Commons at St. John’s University. During his tenure as a principal, RRTL Architects received the AIA Minnesota Firm Award in 1997, a reflection of the collective vision and leadership of its principals.
(Left to right) Kane Tewes, Chip Lindeke, Lee Tollefson, Craig Rafferty, and Melissa Graftaas accepting the 2023 AIA 25 Year Award for Sexton Commons, November 2023
The Architecture Advantage team shares immense gratitude in getting to work alongside and learning from Lee. His humor, perspectives, and commitment will be greatly missed as he steps into this next chapter. Congratulations to Lee Tollefson on his many wonderful years of dedication and achievement in the architecture and design industry!
Architecture Advantage will honor Lee on November 6, 2025 during its 20th anniversary celebration. Details and RSVP information are available on Eventbrite.
