BEMIDJI 鈥� When Duluth-based DSGW Architecture decided to open an office in Bemidji, it didn鈥檛 need to look very far to find a manager to run it.
Bemidji High 歪歪漫画 graduate Matt Smith was the clear choice.
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Smith, 34, had worked for DSGW in Virginia, Minn., and Duluth after getting his architectural degree from North Dakota State University, but left the company to pursue other opportunities. He and his wife, Katie, who met in high school, eventually returned to Bemidji. The Smiths welcomed their third child two months ago, and all four grandparents still live in Bemidji. Matt was able to work remotely for a Twin Cities-based company.
Then DSGW came calling again.
鈥淟ast year we went out and said maybe Matt wants to come back,鈥� John Geissler, CEO and President of DSGW Architecture said during a grand opening event at 522 Beltrami Ave. NW on Thursday, Sept. 12. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been targeting this area for a long time. We鈥檝e also done a lot of work with tribal nations all across the Upper Midwest. Now we can be a little bit closer to them and react quicker to them. It鈥檚 good to have a face with the name.鈥�
DSGW, an 86-year-old company, has designed several projects in the area, including the Red Lake Tribal College and Government Center, Bemidji鈥檚 First City Liquor, the Naytahwaush Health Center, and the Northwoods Battered Women's Shelter, which is currently under construction on 30th Street NW in Bemidji.
The company has worked with more than 40 tribal nations across the country, creating culturally respectful spaces that honor tradition while serving modern needs. Projects such as the Red Lake Tribal College and Government Center and Naytahwaush Health Center are testaments to DSGW鈥檚 commitment to integrating cultural values into its designs.
鈥淲orking with Indigenous communities is a privilege and a responsibility we take seriously,鈥� said Mike Laverdure, Principal Indigenous Architect at DSGW.
The company also has an office in Lake Elmo, Minn., and plans to open another one in Washburn, Wis.
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Smith, an avid outdoorsman, said he is looking forward to playing a leadership role in his hometown Bemidji office. He is one of two architects to be housed in the professional office building at Sixth Street and Beltrami Avenue.
鈥淚 will wear a lot of hats,鈥� he said, 鈥減roject architect, building new relationships and bringing in some new work. That鈥檚 what I love about DSGW; you get to do all the different roles on a project. Having the opportunity to establish a home base in Bemidji is a personal milestone for me.鈥�
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