News

Alliiance Principal, Ken Sheehan, AIA, LEED AP, is retiring. Throughout his career, Ken has built a legacy defined by technical excellence and an unwavering commitment to serving clients and communities. As an Alliiance board member and Public Studio leader, Ken has consistently approached architecture as more than design. For Ken, architecture has meant taking responsibility for…

Alliiance is thrilled to announce the opening of our new Chicago office to serve clients and partners in the region and support our talented Chicago-area employees. For 55 years, we have worked alongside clients across the country and around the world to create inspired places for learning, discovery, work, travel, community, and everyday life. Let’s…

After more than 30 years of dedication to our firm and the aviation industry, we are proud to celebrate the retirement of Alliiance Principal, Stuart Stephens, AIA, LEED AP. Since joining the firm in 1995, Stuart quickly became a respected architect and leader in our Aviation Studio, leading complex projects across the country while building lasting…

We are pleased to announce the following promotion to principal:   Greg Frenzel, AIA Greg joined Alliiance in 2015 and has played key roles in both local and national aviation projects. Clients and project partners value Greg for his steady leadership, clear communication, and ability to manage complex projects while coordinating closely with design partners. Greg…

We are pleased to announce the following promotions to associate: Laura Adams Laura joined Alliiance in 2020 as a receptionist and has since grown into her current role as an HR assistant. She supports onboarding for new staff and provides a welcoming, positive experience for clients, guests, and employees through her professionalism and positive demeanor. Laura provides consistent and dependable administrative support and contributes to the coordination of office operations and events.…

Honored at the AIA Memphis 2025 Celebration of Architecture Gala, this recognition reflects a tremendous team effort. Since 2013, Alliiance has worked in close partnership with UrbanARCH to design a world-class passenger experience defined by state-of-the-art amenities, character, and convenience expressed through an uplifting and regionally sensitive design. The $245 million concourse modernization renovated nearly…

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has been named the Top Mega Airport in North America three of the past four years by J.D. Power. With a reputation for aesthetic, functional, and accessible design; a unique sense of place that connects travelers to the region; and customer-focused amenities, MSP continues to set the standard for world-class…

Exciting changes are underway at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The airport officially broke ground on the Concourse E Redevelopment Project. In partnership with American Design Inc., Alliiance led the planning and design to replace the international arrivals terminal with a new concourse. The updated facility will serve both domestic and international flights and significantly improve operational…

Congratulations to Washington County on the grand opening of their Central Service and License Center! Alliiance is proud to have helped bring this welcoming, eco-conscious facility to life—a one-stop hub that unites a wide range of county services under one roof. From licensing and passports to public health and career resources, the center streamlines access…

Check out our work at Quad Cities International Airport (MLI), recently featured in Airport Improvement Magazine! As part of the larger Project GATEWAY initiative to modernize the airport, Alliiance partnered with MLI to develop the vision guiding the long-term transformation of the airport. Following this effort, Alliiance led the design of Phase One—delivering modern ticket…

Mamie Harvey, president and co-leader of the Science & Technology Studio at Alliiance, recently spoke with Joel Hoekstra for AIA Minnesota’s ENTER publication to discuss the design of science and technology (S&T) spaces. In the interview, Mamie recounts what initially drew her to the architecture for S&T; discusses the challenge of balancing rigorous technical requirements…

Alliiance marks a major milestone in 2025: 55 years of design that endures. As we approach this anniversary, Finance & Commerce has featured Alliiance in recognition for our decades of innovation, growth, and impact. Since 2022, the firm has grown by 20 percent and now includes over 130 professionals. Our new president, Mamie Harvey, brings…

The Twin Cities are home to some of the most beautiful and inspiring buildings in the Midwest—and we are proud to have played a role in several of them. Mpls.St.Paul Magazine recently published a “Field Guide to Urban Exploring: Architecture Edition,” celebrating the architecture that defines the Twin Cities and inviting readers to see familiar…

Alliiance’s new president, Mamie Harvey, was featured in the Star Tribune! In the article, she shares how she got started in architecture, her thoughts on the evolving industry, and what initiatives she is focusing on as president. Mamie has played a key role at Alliiance for more than 25 years, shaping major projects such as…

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is in the spotlight! Our work on the MSP Baggage Claim Expansion and Modernization Project at Terminal 1 was recently featured in Airport Improvement Magazine, showcasing how the project enhances both operational efficiency and the passenger experience. As a component of MSP’s multimillion-dollar, multiphase Terminal 1 Operational Improvements Program, Alliiance…

As Alliiance enters an exciting new chapter, our new president, Mamie Harvey, sat down with Twin Cities Business to share her perspective on women’s leadership in architecture and the art of balance. She describes her approach to balanced leadership as: “Toughness, fairness, and knowledge without overload. Confidence, humility, and consistency with innovation.” Explore Mamie’s vision…

We are pleased to announce the following promotions to senior associate:   Amanda Arnold, AIA, LEED Green Associate Since joining Alliiance in 2018, Amanda has steadily expanded her expertise as a project architect. She has deepened her experience in the Science & Technology sector and has played a key leadership role in the Environmental Learning…

Higher education spaces are rapidly evolving. Nina Ebbighausen, principal at Alliiance, and adjunct associate professor at the University of Minnesota, shared her insights in The Chronicle of Higher Education’s recent article “The Evolving College Classroom.” The piece explores the current challenges facing higher education institutions and the future of learning environment design. Nina, whose experience…

Congratulations to Clinton National Airport on the groundbreaking of their curbside canopy project! Designed by Alliiance, this project marks a significant step forward in enhancing the passenger experience throughout the airport. As part of the ambitious 2020 Vision Plan, the new curbside will provide travelers with protection from the elements, enhanced accessibility, and improved security.…

Alliiance is excited to announce that several of our team members will be featured speakers and panelists at the upcoming A’24 MN Conference on Architecture, taking place from November 11-13, 2024. This annual gathering is an important platform for thought leadership, innovation, and collaboration in the local architecture and design community—and our team will be…

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) has been named the Top Mega Airport in North America in the prestigious Airport Satisfaction Study by consumer barometer J.D. Power. Known for its seamless blend of smart design and customer-focused amenities, the airport continues to set the standard for world-class travel experiences. Working on Terminal 1 since 1978, Alliiance…

With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of former Alliiance Principal, Tom DeAngelo, FAIA. Tom served as our firm’s president from 1993 to 2009 and retired in 2023. Tom’s passion for design excellence left a lasting impact on our firm and the world of architecture. His design contributions represent a holistic commitment to the art,…

The Alliiance designed Hennepin County Public Works Facility received the 25 Year Award by AIA Minnesota. This prestigious award celebrates projects that have withstood the test of time through exceptional architecture. Completed in 1998, the Hennepin County Public Works Facility was a groundbreaking project—redefining maintenance facilities as high-performing and environmentally friendly. Nestled atop a natural…

The Barkley Regional Airport new terminal was awarded a 2024 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award! This honor recognizes projects that embody excellence beyond design, emphasizing public interest and the varied forces that shape a building. Here’s how the terminal excelled across the award’s key criteria: Client The terminal design prioritizes passenger and staff well-being with technologies…

Alliiance, along with local architectural partner, Wolfe Architectural Group (WAG), joined airport representatives and community leaders to celebrate the completion of the first phase of Spokane International Airport’s Concourse C six-gate expansion. This important milestone marks the halfway point of the Concourse C Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) program. Highlights include: Inclusive and accessible features catering…

We are pleased to announce the following promotions to Principal: Brent Greer Brent joined Alliiance for technology support and now oversees the firm’s IT. He took Alliiance from a one-server network to an in-house data center and then ultimately transitioned the firm to a cloud-based network. A true problem solver, Brent has been critical in…

We are pleased to announce the following promotions to Associate: Savannah Belcher Savannah is critical to the smooth running of Alliiance. She has filled several positions from project assistant at Alliiance’s airport office; general administrative work at the headquarters; to her current role leading accounts payable, employee expense report processing, and the huge task of…

This week, AIA Minnesota’s ENTER features the MnDOT Clear Lake and Des Moines River Safety Rest Areas near Jackson, MN, designed by Alliiance. In a few short vignettes, readers can get a glimpse into the unique design elements of each location and further understand how these spaces fit into their surroundings. Read all about it…

Jens Vange does more than just design buildings—he photographs them, too. Through November, you can view his intriguing work, “Hidden Dimensions of Urban Architecture,” on display at Concourse G of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Exploring buildings from a unique perspective, Jens hopes to “ignite a deeper curiosity [in viewers] about their surroundings.” Read more…

The Memphis International Airport Concourse B Modernization received a People’s Choice Award for the Renovation and Restoration category at this year’s AIA Memphis Awards Gala! Since 2013, we have worked in close partnership with UrbanARCH to design a world-class passenger experience through state-of-the-art amenities, regional character, and enhanced convenience. Congrats to the team for this…

Congratulations Kyle Palzer on receiving this year’s Young Architects Award from AIA Minnesota! Recipients were judged on their design excellence, demonstrated leadership, and industry contributions. Jurors highlighted Kyle’s extensive service background within the profession, as well as his commitment to delivering high quality design within any budget. You can learn more at https://bit.ly/3Y4lbDa and listen to Kyle talk about…

Did you hear? In “St. Anthony: Alliiance, the architecture firm with two i’s, is remaking Minneapolis landmarks,” author Neal St. Anthony highlights a few of Alliiance’s people and recent projects in and around the Twin Cities. Included in these spotlights is the new conceptual design for Chameleon Shoppes, which will provide retail space for women…

Recently, Alvera was awarded the win for the Multi-Family Mid-Rise category at the NAIOP Awards of Excellence ceremony. As a design consultant for exterior and interior common spaces, Alliiance worked with the project team to seamlessly integrate art with architecture. The exterior design incorporates a mural by Aaron de la Cruz that weaves around the…

Alliiance is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to create one of the most successful guest experiences in the world. This past Wednesday, J.D. Powers named MSP #1 in North America in passenger satisfaction for airports with 33 million or more passengers per year. We look forward to helping…

In ENTER’s recent article, “A Flexible, Neighborhood-Welcoming Expansion Takes an Arts Center to the Next Level,” Principals Amber Sausen and Marcelo Pinto share insights behind the design of the Center for Performing Arts addition in South Minneapolis. From community and character to connection to place and time, their considerations achieve a design that is functional,…

We are excited to welcome Dan Boivin to Alliiance! He will be joining our Business Development leadership team. Dan will foster client relationships and support the firm’s business development efforts in the Public, Workplace, and Science & Technology studios. Dan comes to Alliiance with decades of experience in a wide variety of industries, from law…

Julie MacLeod AIA, CID, LEED AP Since rejoining Alliiance in 2014, Julie has led the design of many projects across the full spectrum of our practice. Her aviation portfolio includes the Memphis Concourse Modernization, Lincoln Airport expansion, Grand Rapids International Airport, planning for the Quad City International Airport, and on-going projects at Clinton National Airport.…

Amanda Arnold AIA, LEED GA Amanda joined Alliiance in 2018. With over 20 years of experience, she is a very knowledgeable project architect with a strong technical foundation. An engaged listener and strong communicator, Amanda applies her extensive knowledge to guide teams in solving complex challenges by coordinating and detailing successful projects. Amanda has contributed…

Mamie Harvey AIA, LEED AP BD+C and Anna Pravinata, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA have been named as two of the Twin Cities Business 2021 Notable Women in Construction, Architecture, and Engineering. Fueled by a focus on collaboration, inclusivity, and design excellence, these two Science + Technology experts are committed to building the best future for…

The Riverland Community College Transportation, Trade, and Industrial Education Center (TTIEC) was selected by Finance & Commerce as one of the Top Projects of 2020. The project was a renovation of the existing lower level of the building on the Riverland Community College Albert Lea campus. As a result, the college saved nearly $3,000,000 in…

Integrated with Alliiance’s architecture at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, artist Jen Lewin created “The Aurora” to bring the natural beauty of Minnesota indoors through the playful use of movement and light. https://bit.ly/3qoT9lD

As we return to the office, do our workplaces enhance employee experience and foster innovation? Rochelle Maresh, CID, LEED AP of Alliiance, and Cristina Kelly, WELL AP of Entro share how positive employee experience promotes productivity and innovation through connection and community. READ MORE

Co-authored by Alliiance, the ACRP Research Report 226 provides a thoughtful, step-by-step process to help airports provide a higher level of accommodation for passengers through the planning, design, and implementation of well-functioning restrooms and ancillary amenity spaces such as lactation rooms, pet relief areas, and shower facilities. READ MORE

Rochelle Maresh, CID, LEED AP of Alliiance, and Cristina Kelly, WELL AP of Entro dive into the importance of creating an engaging, safe, and healthy work environment through a sense of place, behavioral nudging, and access to nature. READ MORE

After 25 years with Alliiance, Bruce Albinson (Albi), is retiring. Albi joined the firm in 1995 and worked on movie theaters, shopping malls, financial retail, specialty retail, restaurants, and the Norwest / Wells Fargo branch banks in grocery stores. In 1998, he was promoted to Principal. As Principal-in-Charge for the Lifestyle Studio, Albi led projects…

In Passenger Terminal World’s 2021 Showcase, Alliiance shares how both passenger experience and equity can be significantly improved by industry developments – now and in the future. https://bit.ly/3280pYf

Riverland Community College celebrated the completion of its new $10.1 million Transportation, Trade and Industrial Center at the Albert Lea campus! The project transformed portions of the campus by replacing obsolete and derelict spaces with new state of the art classrooms, makerspace/automation lab, student support spaces, and upgrades to the auto and diesel labs. A…

The Williston Basin International Airport wins its third design award! The Great Lakes Chapter of the AAAE selected the project as the Commercial Airport Project of the Year. The functional, capacity, aesthetic, and amenity improvements of the terminal have dramatically transformed the passenger experience into a state-of-the-art, world‐class facility. “The Alliiance team worked tirelessly over…

Alliiance is pleased to announce that the Williston Basin International Airport is among ENR Mountain States 2020 Best Projects Winners! The competition spans across a seven-state region that includes Utah, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In addition to this award, this airport previously won the 2020 Airport Business Project of the…

Alliiance is proud to announce Amber Sausen has been selected by the American Institute of Architects as a recipient of a 2020 Young Architects Award. This prestigious award honors individuals who have made significant strides early in their careers. Amber will be presented with the Young Architects Award in May at the 2020 AIA National…

Mamie Harvey of Alliiance and Diane Rucker of University Enterprise Laboratories (UEL) presented at Customer Focus North 2019, an event that discusses “breaking down silos to focus on people and experience.” Featuring the recently completed UEL expansion in St. Paul, Mamie and Diane focused on why space matters to drive innovation and the link between…

The University of Minnesota John T. Tate Hall was selected by Finance & Commerce as one of the Top Projects of 2018. Sustainable, state-of-the-art, and equipped for evolving technology, the renovation of Tate Hall created a plan for the 21st century building user while respecting the original building and integrating with the larger district campus…

Congratulations to Jens Vange of Alliiance and Alan Howell of the Metropolitans Airports Commission on making AARP Minnesota and Pollen Midwest’s 50 Over 50 list! These “Restroom Remakers” are recognized for their leadership in the redevelopment of the restrooms at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Get to know the other 2019 disruptors and their contributions…

We are proud to announce Alliiance pulled in at #160 on Architectural Record’s Top 300 Architecture Firms list! See the full list of 2019 rankings here  

Featured in The Architect’s Newspaper, Facades+ 2019 conference co-chairs, Joe Simma of Alliiance and Will Babbington of Studio NYL, discuss the upcoming conference along with Alliiance’s and Studio NYL’s work. https://bit.ly/2IkrQV3  

The two-story, 19,000 SF addition to University Enterprise Laboratories’ main building is now open. The project includes 18 labs and a shared work space. It also provides a renovated shared entrance hall and new office and conference rooms. Read the full article here.

SENIOR ASSOCIATES Paul Anderson  RA, LEED AP BD+C Paul joined Alliiance in 2016 and brought with him a deep résumé of public and community-oriented work with a particular focus on environmental learning and visitor centers throughout the Midwest and Alaska. While at Alliiance, Paul has provided business development leadership and design for a number of unique…

Tom Hysell leads complex project teams to achieve exceptional civic architecture. He exemplifies the technical and communication skills needed to optimize project quality while supporting the profession through specialized knowledge sharing and AIA leadership. –Statement of Achievement, American Institute of Architects, College of Fellows, 2019 It is with great privilege to announce that Tom Hysell…

Alliiance proudly supports its employees’ creative endeavors both in and outside the office. Angela Enroth, an architect at Alliiance, has work showing at the 2018 Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Employee Art Show.To learn more about the program follow the link below.https://airportfoundation.org/programs-services/arts-culture/

Science Mill was selected as a recipient of a 2018 AIA Minneapolis Merit Award. The award recognizes a project that exemplifies a story of excellence beyond design, a design that focuses on the public’s interest, and a design solution that embodies all of the influences that shape the building. In addition, the Science Mill received…

Tyler Bares Tyler Bares, a designer at Alliiance, was in the first class to graduate from Dunwoody College’s Bachelor of Architecture program and received the 2018 Academic Excellence Award from the Construction Sciences and Building Technology department. Every year, one graduating student from each academic area at Dunwoody receives the award reflecting a solid work…

SENIOR ASSOCIATES Julie MacLeod  AIA, NCIDQ, LEED AP Senior Associate Julie brings strong design leadership to a wide variety of projects across the spectrum of Alliiance’s portfolio from corporate to aviation. She is a compelling communicator of design ideas, both graphically and verbally, and has gained the confidence of our clients. Julie has served key design…

Minneapolis, MN – February 3, 2017 – Alliiance is pleased to announce the promotion of the following individuals from left to right, top to bottom: Joe Allen, Gretchen Koncan, and Susanna Strand to Senior Associate; Michael McClimon, Shilo Phillips, and Kristen Salkas to Associate.

May 17, 2016 – The Xcel Energy Hiawatha Substation Enclosure in South Minneapolis is another award winning and community enhancing project planned and designed by Alliiance. Xcel Energy’s video shares their story of working with the City of Minneapolis, the community, and Alliiance. More information on this project can be found on the project page…

March 17, 2016 – Gerald R. Ford International and Louisville International Airport in the news at Airport Improvement  

Minneapolis, MN – February 29, 2016 – Target Center in the Business Journal Read more here