Emerging Architects Gather for Arch30 Minneapolis

The Arch30 program celebrates the rising stars of architecture, recognizing young leaders selected by top firms in cities across the United States. This year’s Minneapolis cohort represents the future of architectural innovation, with participation from leading practices including BWBR, Gensler, HDR, Perkins&Will, MSR Design, ESG, Leo A Daly, Cunningham, MG2, LSE Architects, Mohagen Hansen Architecture, PKA Architects, SALA Architects, Snow Kreilich Architects, and Studio b-v for a day of inspiration, education, and industry connection.

This interactive workshop facilitated by METROPOLIS Editor in Chief Avinash Rajagopal challenged participants to align their professional ambitions with meaningful, purpose-driven work while developing critical leadership capabilities for tomorrow’s design landscape.

Special thanks to MSR Design for hosting this workshop.

In-Person Education Drives Specification Decisions

Interactive exercises throughout the workshop, including a Mentimeter activity and Ikigai exploration, revealed critical patterns in how emerging architects engage with products and advance their careers.

In-person educational events prove essential for new and innovative product discovery: 90 percent of architects reported specifying materials encountered through these types of learning experiences. The finding underscores the enduring value of face-to-face interaction and collaborating in an increasingly digital industry.

Specialized Knowledge Fuels Career Growth

This group of architects identified expertise in emerging technologies and materials as their primary career accelerator. Yet, paradoxically, they currently rely heavily on mentorship and leadership guidance for product selection—highlighting both the importance of knowledge development and the critical role senior architects play in shaping specification practices in their firms.

A curated product fair and networking session led by METROPOLIS partners—AHF Products, Armstrong Flooring, Patcraft, J+J Flooring, Impact Acoustic, Turf, Tate, and Airfixture—provided these architects direct access to products at the forefront of design innovation. Overall, the event served as a space for meaningful dialogue between highly engaged young professionals and manufacturers, fostering relationships for collaboration.

METROPOLIS Arch30 Event Honorees