Vermillion architect Sandra Lea Dickenson, AIA Emeritus, is one of 26 South Dakota architects, interior designers and artists included in an exhibition at the Washington Pavilion running Sept. 24-Oct. 24. The exhibit is called “Beyond the Built Environment/Say it Loud” and is part of a national network of exhibits to recognize the contributions of women, people of color and other underrepresented professionals.
The project being featured by Ms. Dickenson is the renovation of the Main Street Inn, a Vermillion Bed and Breakfast. The project converted a vacant 100-year-old fraternity house into a residence for a family of five and five en suite rental rooms. The project was completed in 2021. Ms. Dickenson served as architect, interior designer, and graphic designer for the project.
“Beyond the Built Environment” is a non-profit organization founded by New York architect, Pascale Sablan, FAIA. As a female black architect, she wanted to celebrate the work of women and people of color in the profession of architecture and related fields. In an interview with NPR, Pascale emphasized the importance of the connection between the professionals conceiving and constructing our environments and the people they should serve.
Pascale’s impressive career and advocacy work make her an inspiration to architects and activists around the world. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and justice is a powerful reminder of the potential of design to create a better world for all people.
Ms. Sablan will be a keynote speaker during the annual convention of the South Dakota American Institute of Architects, Sept. 25-26. She will also be making presentations in Sioux Falls schools and with Augustana students. Ms. Sablan will host a reception to open the “Say it Loud” exhibit at the Washington Pavilion at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26. This event is open to the public.