One of 17 architects nationwide to receive a national American Institute of Architects (AIA) Young Architects Award, MSR Design director of sustainable practice Simona Fischer, AIA, CPHC, is being recognized for her leadership in the critical areas of climate action and sustainability. According the AIA award announcement, “Leading by example, Simona deftly uses her technical knowledge in service of our planet. The solutions she is engaged in developing will continue to bolster a built environment that promotes the health of all people.”

The AIA Young Architects Award honors early career architects who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the architecture profession, including environmental advocacy, increasing access to great design, and mentoring future architects. AIA members who are in good standing and have been licensed to practice architecture fewer than 10 years are eligible.

As MSR Design’s director of sustainable practice and a firm associate, Simona is known nationally for her commitment to advancing sustainable architecture through design, education, research, and political advocacy. She is passionate about developing and testing processes to integrate building science and sustainable design into the workflow of architectural practice. In addition to her professional experience, she has presented at national conferences and served as a guest lecturer and research fellow at the University of Minnesota. Simona is cochair of the AIA Minnesota Committee on the Environment (COTE) and serves as the liaison to the AIA Minnesota Government Affairs Committee (GAC).

“Simona has demonstrated through testimony at the state legislature, service on a critical state task force on building codes, and her one-on-one meetings with legislators and government officials that architects make a difference when they share their expertise in service to the greater good,” states AIA Minnesota executive vice president Mary-Margaret Zindren in her nomination letter.