Firm Ground Architects and Engineers, Inc. is an experienced group of architectural, design, engineering and development professionals committed to creating livable and sustainable environments for our clients and their communities. Our principals are experienced in complicated entitlement processes. We are active in several markets including student, multi-family and supportive housing, office, showroom/warehouse and retail commercial projects, restaurant, hospitality & entertainment venues and public work. We are an approved Master Contract consultant for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU).Successful completion of many unique projects and our experience working both for and with public & private developers and design/build contractors has honed tools that are specifically geared toward the successful completion of your project. You will benefit from our ability to document the decision making process and to lead a team through a complex project all while maintaining excellent communication. We use 3D rendering to convey effective visual images to help with project development and client understanding. By using a process known as “visual listening” we help you establish a common language of design, creating confidence that you are heard and understood.Firm Ground is also committed to sustainability by integrating green initiatives. Energy Star fixtures, low VOC paints, and green label carpets have become the products of choice for all of the firm’s projects. The firm not only has a commitment to sustainability, but believes that taking these measures not only benefits the environment but strengthens community by instilling a sense of stewardship.By choosing to work with us you can be confident that you will be building your project on Firm Ground!

Spearheaded the efforts to repair, renew and remodel the church facility to serve for the next fifty years. Acting as designer, team leader, and general contractor throughout the duration of the work on the building.

Architecture Minnesota, the primary public outreach tool of AIA Minnesota, is published to educate the public about architecture designed by AIA Minnesota members, and communicate the spirit and value of quality architecture to both the public and our membership. In so doing, Architecture Minnesota fulfills the following objectives:* Educates the public about the profession of architecture.* Informs AIA Minnesota members about the work and ideas of fellow practitioners.* Enhances public awareness and appreciation of architecture.* Advocates quality design in architecture and the urban/regional/rural contexts.* Reaches individuals in Minnesota and beyond (either through paid, gift or complimentary subscriptions), who are in positions of influence, to select AIA Minnesota architects for projects both in and out of the State of Minnesota.If you are interested in being featured in our magazine, please direct all inquiries to Christopher Hudson, Editor. If you have questions about circulation of the magazine or your subscription, please contact Amber Allardyce, Architecture Minnesota Circulation Director.Copies of previous articles are available in PDF form. Article PDF Request FormIf you are interested in purchasing reprints of articles in bulk from our printer, please download the Price Sheet.If you have any questions regarding reprints, please contact Stephanie Pelzer, Editorial Assistant, 612-338-6763

The Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir, through its soulful interpretation of the Africal-American gospel music tradition, creates community across racial, cultural, and economic boundaries. The 45-member community choir, under the artistic direction of David Hurst, shares a message of hope and joy with audiences around the country.

The Professional Business Consortium (PBC) is a private, membership-based organization of Business Owners, Executives, and Professionals from a variety of industries across the Twin Cities.We have organized to promote and foster business, professional, and personal growth among our members.The PBC is much more than a networking group.We are an organization of Twin Cities professionals who are dedicated to ensuring the healthy, continued growth of our members and their businesses.We accomplish this through relationship selling, lead generation, endorsements, education, and mentoring.

An initiative for the study and practice of philanthropy, leadership and personal and community improvement. The Buckman Fellowship program is a unique opportunity for faculty, staff, graduate students, and alumni of the University of Minnesota to learn about the world of philanthropy and fundraising. Buckman fellows are chosen on the basis of their commitment to a specific philanthropy project and awarded a stipend to assist in the implementation of their project. They participate in a year-long series of seminars with university and community experts on fundraising. Buckman fellows are selected by an advisory board of Twin Cities philanthropy and fundraising experts.The program is available to individuals affiliated with the Department of Design, Housing, and Apparel, the Department of Family Social Science, the School of Social Work, and the Department of Food Science and Nutrition.The fellowship is made possible by the Mertie W. Buckman Endowed Fund for Leadership in Philanthropy, established in 2002. Mrs. Willigar Buckman, a dedicated philanthropist and former College of Human Ecology faculty member, through her generous gift provides ongoing opportunities for fellows to become experts and leaders in philanthropy and will continue to do so for years to come.

Mr. Wasmoen is the Director of Architecture for Hartford Group A/E, Inc. Tom is responsible for effectively managing the architecture department in addition to preparing detailed, creative designs and plans for the Company’s developments. He ensures that all work is executed in a timely manner, within budget and exceeds the expectations of our clients. Tom has more than twenty three years of architectural experience with leading national real estate and architectural firms. His experience includes the design of retail, commercial, office, healthcare and hospitality projects. He is a Registered Architect in the States of Minnesota, Florida, Colorado and Wisconsin, holds an NCARB certification and is a Certified Interior Designer in Minnesota. Tom graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree and a Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree with a minor in history.

Project Manager, Marketing & Human Resources

Coordinated team efforts on multiple projects, maintained P&L tracking forms. Led design efforts and client interface.

Interior Architecture

Project Architect