The 2026 AIA Leadership Summit group from Minnesota in Washington DC on the steps of the Supreme Court-Widseth’s Jamie Bieser is in the front row on the right
Widseth architect Jamie Bieser was elected the 2026 President‑Elect of the AIA Northern Minnesota Chapter, marking a meaningful milestone in a journey that began long before any official title.
Jamie joined Widseth in 2019 while finishing his Master of Architecture, jumping quickly into project design, facility assessments, cost estimating, site planning, and client presentations. Over the years, he’s become known for his thoughtful approach to design and his ability to translate big-picture goals into clear, actionable concepts. Working closely with clients and communities has shaped his belief that architecture is at its best when it’s collaborative, accessible, and rooted in real human needs.
His path toward AIA leadership started casually—a conversation at a past AIA Minnesota Conference on Architecture sparked the idea of getting more involved. “It got me thinking about the value of personal involvement,” Jamie says. “But the timing wasn’t right yet.”
The 2026 AIA Leadership Summit group from Minnesota in Washington DC with Senator Amy Klobuchar-Widseth’s Jamie Bieser is second from the left
That changed after he was selected for the 2025 AIA Leadership Forum, an experience he describes as energizing and eye-opening. Shortly after, the Northern Chapter president reached out—encouraged by a recommendation from AIA Minnesota Executive Director Mary-Margaret Zindren. Jamie didn’t hesitate. “How could I say no?”
Now stepping into a multi‑year leadership track, Jamie is helping guide two major initiatives: a Model RFP for Small Cities, a template and selection resource for small cities and organizations, and the statewide NextGen Initiative, aimed at empowering emerging professionals through mentorship, licensure support, and healthier work cultures.
Outside the chapter, Jamie serves on the AIA Minnesota Finance Committee, participates in the state’s leadership cohort for the 2026 AIA Leadership Summit, and teaches at Dunwoody College.
“It’s humbling. I’m grateful for the chance to make a real, positive impact on the profession—and on the communities we serve.”
Jamie Bieser, NCARB, AIA – Architect
