About the Adkins Association inc.

At 17, when my mother asked what I wanted to do for a living, I answered without hesitation: “A cabinet maker, carpenter, or architect.” She smiled and said, “Great—at 17 you know what you want to be, an architect.” And that’s where the adventure began.

While in college, I gained hands-on construction experience working for Acton Construction on heavy concrete formwork crews, tunneling crews, and—my favorite—the Mississippi River dredging operation. I later worked with Har-Con, a precast manufacturer, and Bockelman Associates Architects before joining The Adkins Association Inc. in 1984.

At Adkins, I was drawn to the firm’s emphasis on long-term client relationships and supporting every stage of a facility’s life cycle. Over the years, I developed a particular passion for the challenges and fast pace of mission-critical projects, forensic investigations, and helping large clients strategically manage their real estate portfolios.

I became a licensed architect in 1992, was named Vice President and shareholder in 1995, and in 2007, I assumed my current role as President of The Adkins Association Inc.

Outside of work, I’ve been fortunate to share my life with my high school sweetheart—now my wife of 40 years. Together, we raised three daughters on a small farm northeast of the Twin Cities. Much of our free time is spent with our kids and grandchildren. We also enjoy ranching and summers on our houseboat, and in the winter months, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and traveling.

Education
Associate in Applied Science in Architecture 1983
North Hennepin Community College

Current Registrations
Minnesota
Wisconsin

Organizations
* American Institute of Architects Minnesota
* Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce

Career Profile
1984-Present the ADKINS ASSOCIATION inc.
1983-1984 Bockelman Associates, Architects
1982 Acton Construction Company

I bring over 40 years of experience in the building and construction industry, beginning with early hands-on work that sparked my lifelong passion for architecture. As a child, I experimented with cement and plaster borrowed from my father’s supplies—sometimes to the dismay of my parents. Those formative years evolved into more constructive experiences in concrete and masonry, which laid the foundation for my architectural education and career.

After completing my studies, I combined my construction background with architectural practice, detailing buildings and contributing to design. My practical understanding of how buildings are built made it natural to conduct audits and surveys, preparing reports and assessments for a wide variety of facilities.

With the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), I was able to apply this expertise to quickly assess government and public facilities and provide buildable solutions. For many buildings, this was the first time wheelchair users and others with mobility challenges could enter and navigate the spaces. Given the mandated timelines, these projects often required rapid, phased accessibility implementation plans—work that later grew into system-wide strategies for large facility operations.

My fieldwork experience also sharpened my eye for evaluating building performance. I made it a practice to observe what failed—or what could have been improved—in new construction. This habit shaped my holistic design philosophy: treating the building envelope and systems as an interconnected whole rather than isolated parts.

My early masonry background deepened my interest in restoration and repair, particularly in historic masonry and concrete structures. I continue to pursue ongoing education in evolving restoration techniques and methodologies to bring forward-looking solutions to traditional materials.

At the core of my approach is a belief in being holistic and well-rounded—understanding where materials and methods come from, how they interact, and how they impact the larger system. This philosophy applies not only to architecture but also to relationships and community.

That outlook has shaped both my professional and personal life. I have lived in both rural and urban settings and today enjoy the balance of working in the metro while living on a small farm, staying connected to nature, family, and multiple ways of life.

My philosophy has always been to be a holistic and well rounded. I try to realize where things come from and how do they impact everything else. This concept relates to people as well in relationships as well as architecture.

Because of my philosophy I have lived both rural and urban and continue to enjoy working in the metro and living on a small farm staying connected to many lifestyles and nature.

Education
Bachelor of Architecture
North Dakota State University, 1990

Current Registrations
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Montana
South Dakota
North Dakota
Wyoming
Iowa
Nebraska
Michigan

Career Profile
1990 – Present
Vice President / Principal Architect
The ADKINS ASSOCIATION Inc.

1988-1989
Designer/Drafter
Yeater, Hennings & Ruff Architects

1980-1988
Laborer/ Mason
Ostlie, Inc. (Masonry Construction)