January 20, 2025
Kris Bjerke was awarded the Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship from The American Institute of Architects (AIA) for her role as AIA South Dakota Strategic Councilor. Kris’s focus was to support AIA’s mission to inspire and empower architects to improve society and transform the world by fostering diversity and inclusion in the profession, and advancing the health, safety, and welfare of our communities through design and advocacy for lasting solutions in our built environments.
The Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship is awarded to retiring members of the AIA Strategic Council, enabling them to continue their service as advisors and ambassadors for the organization. This fellowship honors Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first American woman recognized as a professional architect and the first female to receive an AIA fellowship.
We celebrate Kris for her three-year term on the council and her remarkable 45+ year career in the field.