Meet ISG Architect Jeremy Wiesen

Samantha Boeck
,
Director of Talent Engagement
April 12, 2019

Growing up in a small town in southwest Minnesota, ISG Architect Jeremy Wiesen loved the contrast he saw when traveling to larger areas and the idea of being able to positively shape the environment that people interact with every day. Now, with more than 11 years of work in the Mankato area, Jeremy has had the opportunity to do just that. In recognition of his efforts, Jeremy was recently nominated for the Mankato Free Press’ 2019 Best of Mankato: Architect award. Voting began on April 7, and runs through May 6. Let’s learn more about Jeremy!

So which metro area inspired you to be an architect? Chicago? New York?

Not exactly. I grew up in rural southwest MN, so when we would travel to places like Sioux Falls, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Omaha, I became very interested in buildings and urban design, and I began to notice the different ways people interacted with the built environment. The different contexts between the cities were extremely eye opening. When I began thinking about a career in high school, I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to shape the built environment, and have a positive influence—no matter how small—on the people who interact with it daily.

What makes Mankato a good playground for architects?

Mankato is a great place to experience and practice architecture for a lot of reasons, the first being the people. There are so many people and organizations who want to have a positive impact on the region, which has led to great investment and development, and has put Mankato in a period of long-term growth. Working on projects that impact livability, quality of life or help an organization add to that growth—whether a park, community facility, hospitality or office building, is extremely exciting. Increased livability brings more invested people into greater Mankato, creating a domino effect of growth and reinvestment.

What’s it like seeing one of your buildings in the real world?

Well I wouldn’t say any of the projects are really “mine.” In reality, architects, or at least the architects who are doing it right, work with the client throughout the process to make sure the final product best addresses their needs and goals. The final design rarely ever resembles the concept we start with.

So how do you work to get the best final product to clients?

At ISG, we utilize alternative analysis and contextual design to make sure we, along with our partners and clients, can best think through and understand all the unique aspects, challenges, goals and outside influences on each particular project. This allows for all ideas to be considered, encourages creative thinking and leads to the best design solutions. This of course wouldn’t be possible without trust, communication and teamwork!

We’ve talked a lot about Mankato’s growth; what are some of the projects you’ve worked on that have been impactful on your own growth?

Some of the big ones in Mankato are the Verizon Center Expansion, the Minnesota State University, Mankato Hockey renovation, the Blue Earth County Government Center, and the Eide Bailly Center. I’ve also worked on Tailwind projects in multiple states. Each of these projects had certain degrees of complexity, unique users, and accomplish specific needs. This challenges the team at ISG to understand the needs, goals, and budget of the client while considering site constraints and other project influences and performing alternative analysis. While challenging, successfully navigating these factors and producing an optimal final product have been phenomenal learning opportunities.

You’re still learning after 10+ years of practice?

Absolutely. The problem solving nature of our work, the challenge each project brings, and the ability to continually learn and challenge myself means there’s never a dull day at work. Continuously solving the big puzzle of how a building design can best operate and serve its users is fun and challenging, and it fosters constant learning.

What is it about the A/E field that you think has the largest impact on our future as a firm, the industry, or the world at large?

Technology is changing everything, and our industry is no different. The built environment can be made flexible enough to support the needs of today and tomorrow—and done so sustainably. This is all made possible through emerging technologies. Whether it’s our Certified Drone Pilot, Garrett Burgess, flying over a site to collect data, or the team using different modeling and analysis software to help a building better function and operate more efficiently, we’re staying on the forefront of technology by making sure we have the best people using the best tools.

When he’s not in the office shaping the built environment, you can find Jeremy Wiesen serving on Mankato’s City Art committee, speaking to civil engineering classes at Minnesota State University, Mankato for their capstone projects (many of whom are ISG Interns), or outside grilling and running half-marathons (he’s completed the Mankato half-marathon 3 times, and 16 half-marathons in total!).

Vote for Jeremy as the Best of Mankato: Architect by May 6!

Join the conversation #ISGMankato #Architect #EmployeeOwned #ControlYourDestiny

No items found.
Samantha Boeck
Director of Talent Engagement
More from
Samantha Boeck

Related Articles

Making Moves: The Benefits of Relocation

As ISG continues to grow and expand to new geographies, we want to share a few non-traditional benefits that have come with employee owners choosing to relocate. Culture transplants ensure that as we continue to grow, we stay true to our core values, mission, purpose, and culture, which not only benefits ISG employee owners, but our clients as well. This why we encourage relocation across all our locations.

Employee Owners

Meet ISG Senior Graphic Designer Mallorie Schubbe

If you know Mallorie, you know that she is anything short of how she describes her fellow coworkers–friendly, helpful, humble, fun, and knowledgeable. For nearly eight years, this Senior Graphic Designer has been making an impact at ISG with her creativity and bright personality. What brought her to ISG and what is her favorite part about working here? If you guessed the people, Mankato’s patio, and projects, you’re halfway there.

Employee Owners

Meet ISG Director of Marketing Abby Gram

As the leader of ISG’s robust marketing team, Abby Gram is a resilient creative force who is always ready for the next challenge. Read on to learn about ISG’s #Allin culture, some surprises about the marketing team, her time on the muddy Mississippi, and why she encourages others to “just keep swimming.”

Employee Owners

Meet ISG Project Accountant Bill Bartz

As a Project Accountant and former Support Specialist, Bill Bartz continues to serve as an important link between projects and employee owners. Learn more about Bill’s journey to ISG, the importance of a first-class team, and get an inside scoop about the Green Bay office and some of Bill’s favorite post-work activities!

Employee Owners

Meet ISG Civil Engineer Caleb Rasmussen

ISG’s Caleb Rasmussen is a steward for conservation through his role as a civil engineer. Focusing on surface water, Caleb works on the unique waterways of the Midwest to improve water quality and wildlife. Even though he spends much of his time outside while on the job, you can still find him enjoying the outdoors working with his livestock or spending time with his family.

Employee Owners

Not Your Average Internship

What do you get when you combine real-world experiences, a collaborative team environment, strengths-focused personal and professional development, and exposure to a positive working culture? One rockin’ internship with ISG! This year, ISG welcomed 35 interns into our offices—investing in their experiences by providing customized and meaningful opportunities that mutually impact our firm and each student.

Employee Owners