MINNEAPOLIS, April 23, 2025 — Matthew Erickson, AIA, and Katie Loecken, AIA, are the 2025 recipients of the AIA Minnesota Residential Emerging Architect Award.
The award is given every two years to an emerging residential architect, licensed 10 or fewer years, who demonstrates the emergence of a strong architectural voice through thoughtful attention to design, craft, and materials, or who has made early contributions to the advancement of residential design. Residential Emerging Architect Award submissions are anonymous.
Matthew Erickson, AIA, an architect at TEA2 Architects in Minneapolis, has risen from design team member to project manager and senior project manager to an associate in the firm. “This progression highlights the candidate’s exceptional design ability, a key driver for leadership roles in our firm,” wrote a TEA2 principal in a letter supporting Erickson’s nomination. “The candidate does not advocate a particular style but creates a particular aesthetic based on the goals of the client. This insight and approach drive his designs, integrating all functional aspects into a cohesive whole that is completely tailored to the clients’ values.”
The projects highlighted in the submission ranged not only in aesthetic but also in size and complexity, from modest in scale and budget to some of the firm’s most demanding projects, including an estate that required strategic planning and collaboration between the client and the community. “The common traits among the projects are a refined sense of materials and detailing and a natural relationship between exteriors and interiors,” noted the award jury. “The quality of the work and the architect’s broad capability were amply demonstrated in the submission.”
The jury was also impressed with Erickson’s efforts to help develop younger staff and ensure organizational consistency across projects.
Katie Loecken, AIA, an architect with Mitlyng Design in Minneapolis, specializes in “modernizing existing homes without losing the character that homeowners love,” architect Ashley Mitlyng, AIA, wrote in a letter recommending Loecken for the award. Loecken’s contributions to the firm extend much further. “In a small design firm, you get to do everything,” Mitlyng continued. “The candidate has been instrumental in the growth of our practice. From creating our digital drawing software standards and project workflow systems to mentoring new staff, she has helped us build a smooth system of project delivery and a reputation for honest, quality work and happy clients.”
Loecken’s focus on transformational renovations aligns with the Design for Resources measure in the AIA Framework for Design Excellence, as sustainable remodeling reduces waste, supports reductions in carbon emissions, and counteracts sprawl. Her sensitive renovations to existing homes also help preserve the character of streets, neighborhoods, and cities. “This architect’s consistently thoughtful approach to reuse and reconceiving floor plans in very practical ways isn’t just preservation-minded and sustainable—it’s life-changing for the homeowners,” said the jury. “The projects and letters of support in the submission show the architect’s thorough understanding of interior architecture and its impact on clients and their everyday lives.”
Serving on the 2025 AIA Minnesota Residential Emerging Architect Award jury were 2024 Residential Emerging Architect Award recipient Carl Gauley, AIA, Beth Halstenson, AIA, Samantha Mendiola, AIA, Chris Schmitt, AIA, and 2005 Residential Emerging Architect Award recipient Geoff Warner, FAIA.
Erickson and Loecken will be honored at an AIA Minnesota Awards Celebration at Crown Roller Mill in Minneapolis in August. Learn more about the Residential Emerging Architect Award here.
The American Institute of Architects Minnesota, founded in 1892, is dedicated to strengthening our communities, improving our built environment, and providing exceptional design. For more information on the organization and Minnesota architectural firms, visit our website and subscribe to ENTER, our digital monthly newsletter that explores the people and ideas shaping a better built environment for Minnesota.