Since the founding of Erstad Architects in 1998, giving back to the community has been important to Andy Erstad, AIA. His career is marked by significant service in state and local government, advocating for the advancement and public awareness of the profession of architecture, mentorship of students and interns and leadership service in the AIA.
While maintaining a 21-person firm with award-winning projects throughout the western U.S., he designs projects that enrich the quality of life and improve the surrounding environment through thoughtful and sustainable design. Andy has the unique ability to create projects that weave the soul of an artist into each design while allowing the client to join him on the journey. His work reflects the human experience of place and makes space for human memory to thrive.
Andy has demonstrated significant personal commitment to many cultural projects in his firm’s portfolio. His devotion to education, storytelling and the power of culture to transform lives is evident in the Anne Frank Memorial — Marilyn Shuler Pavilion, where his work reminds us to be mindful of human justice.
In addition to running the firm, Andy makes time to follow his passion for humanity through non-compensated public service. Andy participates on multiple volunteer boards, task forces and oversight committees for medical institutions, civic organizations and the Idaho Chapter of AIA. Of note, he helped establish a weekly Legislative Update, which is emailed to AIA members statewide during Idaho’s Legislative session. The channels of communication he opened with the weekly update allow and invite engagement so members can do their part in keeping the industry strong.
In 2019, Andy initiated an annual gathering of the University of Idaho and the College of Art and Architecture alumni groups and encouraged his peers to become architecture scholarship donors and collectively promote architecture as a profession. Each year, through this endowment, there are five architecture academic scholarships awarded to deserving students at three institutions in two states.
He transformed the Treasure Valley Institute for Children’s Art (TRICA) from a deteriorated, vandalized structure into a focal point for the community that provides teacher training, curriculum development, classrooms and a vital community meeting place. Andy has also served on the Idaho Shakespeare Festival Board as chairman of numerous committees.
On Sept. 29, during the 2023 AIA Idaho Conference, Andy was presented with the Public Service Award, which recognizes members who have made a significant impact in their community, the profession and through public service. Andy embodies the true spirit of public service. He sets an example for others to follow — of doing your best to make a difference in people’s lives and creating a better society.
Congratulations, Andy!
