Kodet Architect Receives Young Architects Award

Kodet Architectural Group, Minneapolis, announced that Michael Schellin, AIA, NCARB, will be honored with a 2008 Young Architects Award from the American Institute of Architects–Minnesota. A project architect and associate, Schellin will receive the award at an AIA–Minnesota celebration on Dec. 5. The Young Architects Award recognizes architects who are members of AIA–Minnesota; have been licensed for less than 10 years; and have shown exceptional leadership in service to the profession, the community, design, planning and education. An AIA member since 1995, Schellin currently serves on six AIA–Minnesota committees and as the North Central Regional Liaison for the American Institute of Architects National Young Architects Forum. Schellin is a graduate of North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., and holds bachelor’s degrees in architecture and science/environmental design. He decided to be an architect in the fourth grade. Schellin explained: “I was always drawing. When I wasn’t drawing, I was building something or taking something apart and trying to put it back together. There are a lot of engineers in my family, and architecture was a way to combine the two. My parents encouraged me to think about what I was actually drawing, building or disassembling. This ignited my curiosity to play with design and details.” Schellin joined Kodet as an intern in 1999. He earned his license in 2004 and became an associate in 2007. In less than a decade, he went from student to award-winning architect. “We were immediately impressed with his passion and commitment to design and the profession. He excelled at his studies, his daily work and his volunteerism,” said Edward J. Kodet Jr., FAIA, the fi rm’s president. “It’s rare that someone can become a licensed architect within 10 years. To achieve this, our profession requires seven years of academic study; three years of guided, hands-on practice through the AIA Internship Development Program; and the successful passing of nine test components. Mike’s effi ciency, technical profi ciency and enthusiasm energize all of us.”