Ackerman-Estvold Architecture Involved in New Exhibit for Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, SD

Minot, N.D. - Ackerman-Estvold is excited to announce its involvement as the lead designer for the Lion & Meerkat Exhibit for the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, SD. Ackerman-Estvold has a long standing relationship with design in local zoo projects but this is the first zoo project to be designed and constructed outside of the state of North Dakota. “We are thrilled with the opportunity to share with the rest of the country the niche design specialty Ackerman-Estvold is well known for. Not many firms our size, or located in North Dakota, can say they are engaged as a consultant or designer in many large-scale animal exhibits, this is an exciting partnership,” said Ryan Anderson, AIA, Vice President.

This wonderful addition dramatically expands the African exhibit at the Great Plains Zoo. This design adds 27,000 square feet of exterior space with unique viewing areas for visitors and an additional 2,000 square feet of interior dayroom space. These indoor spaces help with training of the animals, in conducive to breeding and also adds another interactive space to see the animals in their habitat.

Jeremy Bickel, Lead Project designer has been involved with the project from the very beginning; including project design, liaison during construction, and is now in the construction management and project wrap up phases of this project. “In my career I have been fortunate to develop wonderful connections, these partnerships allowed me to work with Becky Dewitz, Chief Executive Officer for Great Plains Zoo, in her former role in Minot, ND. Working with Becky, I have gained a much deeper understanding of how animal safety and enrichment should impact the exhibit design and make for a much better visitor experience. I am really proud of the work our team has done for Great Plains Zoo,” said Jeremy Bickel, Assoc. AIA, Lead Project Designer.

NDSU ALUM LAVACHEK DISCUSSES PHILANTHROPIC IMPACT

We look for opportunities to help our staff develop and get them involved with partners, finding spaces that matter to them within our community.

Emma Lavachek, a civil engineer in our Minot location, took part in the NDSU Foundation Trustee Breakfast Plenary on the North Dakota State University Campus. This event focused on philanthropy in action. Questions were asked to panelists about their experience as an NDSU student, how philanthropy made an impact on them during their time at NDSU, and how they’re thriving since graduation.

Emma is passionate about giving back, service to the community, and truly loves North Dakota. The panel moderator asked Emma why she choice to stay in her home state and become a part of her community, these were 3 great reasons she provided:

1. Emma serves as the City Engineer for the town she grew up in, Velva, ND and in turn is giving back to the community she grew up in. Things have come full circle; Emma works to plan, improve, repair, and transform the same roads she rode her bike on, the park she played in, the school she attended, and the municipal resources (water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, etc.) she & her WHOLE community use every day.

2. Emma remembers getting out of school to help sandbag in the Flood fight of 2011. She vividly recalls being at an appointment in Minot when she heard the sirens sound signaling to everyone, they had to evacuate their homes and hope for the best and wait to see what the Mouse River left behind. These are experiences she can never forget. Flash-forward, Emma is now deeply involved with her team working on the design and implementation of the Mouse River Enhanced Flood Protection Projects. These projects help provide future flood protection for all of the citizens in the basin.

3. Emma speaks and volunteers in many classrooms and at career fairs in our region to discuss careers in STEM and engineering. She shares with all students the path she took, how she put things she loved doing when she was younger to use in a career, and her passion for ND. She tells them about how she gets to shape the communities and cities we live in, doing a job she loves, and it comes to life when she sees a project finish. She grew up in ND, it is why she chose to make it her home and why she will continue to work, live & play here – to make a difference for those around her.

Emma asked her NDSU advisor and professor in civil engineering to join her in this experience as a mentor in her education. Dr. Achintya Bezbaruah was excited to reconnect with Emma on her experience since graduation in 2017 and provide some insight on the panel.

WAY TO GO Emma! Thank you for sharing your connection to the community and looking for ways to grow in your role.

Ackerman-Estvold announces promotion of Scott Huber to Senior Architect

Scott Huber, AIA

Minot, N.D. – Scott Huber has been promoted to Senior Architect, he has been with Ackerman-Estvold since 2019. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota. Huber has spent over thirty years in the field of architecture working in all facets from preliminary design, construction documentation and the bidding process to construction administration and project completion. In this role, Huber will focus on leading design and oversight of projects, assemble design proposals, and act as a client manager and business development lead.

Ackerman-Estvold is a professional engineering and architectural firm headquartered in Minot, ND, with additional offices location in Fargo, ND, Williston, ND, and Boise, ID. The firm provides planning, design, and construction services for public and private clients throughout North Dakota and surrounding states. For more information about Ackerman-Estvold and services they provide visit www.ackerman-estvold.com.