During Johnson’s tenure, he supported the national board of directors by forecasting trends and strategies to ensure the profession stays relevant and serves local communities. He worked closely with other council members to develop a strategy to promote the hiring of architects to key leadership roles within city government to lead building and development groups in all aspects of planning — from economic development, zoning, building codes, and more. This effort also aligned with Johnson’s work as an elected city council member for the City of Savage, Minnesota.

Johnson has practiced architecture for more than 30 years, with a primary focus on the design of hospitality, mixed-use, and workplace facilities. Some of his recent work includes the Mall of America’s waterpark expansion, as well as Moxy Hotel properties in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

This fellowship is named in honor of Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first American woman recognized as a professional architect and the first female to receive a fellowship in the AIA.