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2026 Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

These 13 leaders in architecture, engineering, and construction demonstrate how far-reaching the effects of these intersecting industries are, whether their leadership influences public well-being, environmental impacts, or business performance.

Methodology: The individuals featured did not pay to be included. Their profiles were drawn from nomination materials. This list is not comprehensive; it includes only people who were nominated and accepted after editorial review. To qualify for this list, individuals must have at least five years of experience in their field and have shown the ability to effect change in their roles or areas of practice.

To nominate other best-in-class executives in their fields, click here.

2026 Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Kristine Anderson

Kristine Anderson

Design principal and partner, PKA Architecture
With 28 years of experience in the architecture world, Kristine Anderson has spent the past several years working to redefine what residential architecture can mean for clients and community. Under
Bill Baxley

Bill Baxley

Principal, Gensler
Bill Baxley is a design principal in Gensler’s Minneapolis office whose current work focuses on the future of the city’s urban core and the role design can play in its
Bernard Furlow

Bernard Furlow

President and CEO, Zuri 3 Construction
In his five years with Zuri 3 Construction, president and CEO Bernard Furlow has overseen some monumental projects. The St. Paul-based construction management company recently broke ground on the buzzy
Trevor Gilbertson

Trevor Gilbertson

Director of mechanical engineering and principal, Hallberg Engineering Inc.
In his 20 years with Hallberg Engineering, Trevor Gilbertson has led the White Bear Lake-based company in advancing sustainable engineering solutions across Minnesota. Over the past year, he played a
Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson

Transportation division leader and principal, Bolton & Menk
At Bolton & Menk, based in Chaska, Eric Johnson oversees the delivery of complex initiatives that have produced improvements in transportation safety and performance. His recent work on Anoka County’s
Erica Larson

Erica Larson

President, Pope Design Group
Erica Larson has been with Pope Design Group for 25 years, starting as the St. Paul-based firm’s first interior design intern and stepping into the role of president this year.
Andy Lindus

Andy Lindus

Owner, Lindus Construction
With 36 years of experience, Andy Lindus has transformed Lindus Construction into a nationally recognized company. Under his guidance, the company, with dual headquarters in Hastings and Baldwin, Wisconsin, has
Chris Schmitt

Chris Schmitt

Principal of architecture and co-founder, RoehrSchmitt
For more than four decades, Christ Schmitt has helped shape the commercial and residential landscape of the Twin Cities. He co-founded RoehrSchmitt 20 years ago with business partner Michael Roehr,
Khan Shahrukh

Khan Shahrukh

Senior director of construction and engineering, Comcast Corp.
Over the past several years with Comcast Corp., Khan Shahrukh has led the St. Paul office’s construction and expansion efforts across Minnesota with a focus on delivering connectivity to communities
Nathaniel Shea

Nathaniel Shea

Principal and owner, Tanek Architects
As principal and owner of Tanek Architects, Nathaniel Shea has developed the Minneapolis-based company into a full-service architecture and interiors firm serving diverse client needs. Along the way, he has
Scott Shifflett

Scott Shifflett

Vice president of construction, Opus
As vice president of construction at Opus, based in Minnetonka, Scott Shifflett has expanded the firm’s contract construction strategy nationwide, securing a five-year average increase of 158% in commitments while
Mythili Thiagarajan

Mythili Thiagarajan

Principal, Auromira Architects
As the founder and principal of Burnsville-based Auromira Architects, Mythili Thiagarajan specializes in medical, dental, and commercial projects, bringing more than 26 years of leadership experience with her from firms
Greg Trende

Greg Trende

President, MCE
Greg Trende brings nearly three decades of industry experience to his role as president of MCE, based in Minneapolis. Over the past 18 months, he has been the driving force