Minneapolis, October 25, 2024 — AIA Minnesota is pleased to announce that Ann Voda, AIA, is the 2024 AIA Minnesota Gold Medal recipient. Given biennially, this prestigious award is among the highest honors bestowed by the American Institute of Architects Minnesota; it recognizes an individual or two individuals (living or deceased) who have made lasting contributions to the field of architecture.
Voda is the president and principal owner of BTR Architects, a Minneapolis firm with a 50-year legacy of high-quality and award-winning architectural planning and design. Since joining Bentz/Thompson/Rietow in 1994, Voda has led the planning and design of libraries, education facilities, community and performance spaces, and interiors projects. Her work almost exclusively serves the public, community, and nonprofit sectors with the mission to support positive life experiences for those who work, play, and learn in these spaces. She received Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Women in Business—Industry Leader Award in 2009.
A small selection of notable and award-winning projects from Voda’s 30-year career at BTR Architects includes the expansion and renovation of Fergus Falls Public Library, Hennepin County Plymouth Library, the renovation of Hennepin County North Regional Library, Bemidji State University’s Academic Learning Center, Schoenecker Commons at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Carver County Service Centers in Chanhassen and Chaska, and Central Park Band Shell in Red Wing.
The 2024 Gold Medal jury, composed of AIA Minnesota board members and volunteer leaders, lauded Voda both for her achievements as an architect and a firm leader and for her decades of service to AIA Minnesota in a range of leadership roles. Voda served as AIA Minneapolis president in 2004 and AIA Minnesota president in 2013. She has led or co-led several association task forces and campaigns, including the AIA Minnesota Licensure Pathways Task Force (2024). Voda is also a past co-chair of the Leadership Forum, a highly successful leadership development program for mid-career members of AIA Minnesota and MSP NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects).
Voda has also had an enormous impact as an advocate on issues relating to the practice of architecture and the protection of public health, safety, and welfare. “Ann dug into this responsibility with gusto,” wrote Beverly Hauschild-Baron, Hon. AIA, past executive director of AIA Minnesota, in a letter recommending Voda for the award. “She did this with testimony at the legislature, discussion with the State Licensing Board, and advocacy with the State Designer Selection Board. Ann’s tenacity . . . has been a valuable gift to AIA Minnesota.”
Another letter writer spoke to Voda’s commitment to supporting the development of early-career designers and architects in her firm. “Ann’s approach to projects is very collaborative, giving all team members opportunities to contribute and feel a sense of ownership over the completed building or space,” wrote Jessica Kraft, AIA, whom Voda mentored at BTR Architects.
Additional excerpts from the recommendation letters highlight the deep impression Voda has made among her peers in the Minnesota architecture community. “Ann has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professional excellence, and her work has positively influenced both the built environment and the next generation of architects,” wrote Alliiance principal Tom Hysell, FAIA, who served with Voda on the AIA Minnesota board of directors.
“Ann stands out in compelling and influential ways among many accomplished AIA Minnesota architects because of her resolute calm, respectful persistence, willingness to lean into issues and topics of importance to our profession, ability to co-create with and lead others, and sincere desire to do what is right and just while advancing the profession of architecture,” wrote Jon Buggy, AIA, director of healthcare and life sciences at RSP Architects.
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award from the Minnesota architecture community,” says Voda. “While the Gold Medal is given to an individual, architecture is a collaborative endeavor, and I am forever grateful to all the clients, community members, and colleagues I’ve worked alongside over the past 40 years to bring our work to life.”
Voda will be honored at an awards celebration at the AIA Minnesota Conference on Architecture on November 13, 2024. Learn more about the Gold Medal here.
The American Institute of Architects Minnesota, founded in 1892, is dedicated to advancing a vital profession, vibrant communities, and architecture that endures. 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.
