LHB is pleased to announce that Stacee Demmer, AIA, WELL AP, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, has been named to lead the firm’s Integrative Design Team (IDT), which serves clients across a wide range of markets.
A registered architect since 2005, Demmer previously managed LHB’s Commercial Studio. She replaces longtime IDT leader Michael Fischer, AIA, LEED AP, who will remain at the firm with an increased focus on city and county government clients.
In her new role, Demmer will be responsible for the overall performance and development of the building and sites team. In addition to managing operating and capital budgets, she will set goals and shape strategies for expanding design culture and mentoring emerging talent within the business group.
“Stacee has spearheaded the development of dozens of projects, including designs for United Properties’ $60 million Nordic/Sable complex in downtown Minneapolis,” LHB CEO Rick Carter said. “Her innovative approach to architectural design and careful management of projects make her a natural choice to lead our IDT practice.”
Last spring, the Nordic was awarded WELL Certification at the Gold level. “LHB is increasingly focused on the well-being of people and the health of our planet,” Demmer said. “I’m excited to expand our work in sustainable and regenerative design for LHB’s clients.”
Demmer has been involved in the design of the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN; the remodeling of Ever-Green Energy’s historic Jemne building in downtown St. Paul, MN; and the development of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s Base Camp at Mt. Telemark Village near Hayward, WI.
She is particularly passionate about growing the business case for sustainability, wellness, and resilience in the built environment. Her projects include high-performance goals for indoor air quality, occupant comfort, biophilic design, and use of materials with reduced environmental impact.
An active member of the Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW) organization, Demmer was a finalist for the Finance and Commerce Top Women in Construction awards in 2022 and recognized in 2021 with a MNCREW Excellence in Environmental/Sustainability Project award for her work on the renovation of the Saint Paul Port Authority headquarters. She is an avid gardener and after hours can be found restoring woodlands and shorelines in her neighborhood with native plantings. Her commitment to furthering the design profession includes participating in STEAM education events in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Fischer joined LHB in 1990, founding the firm’s government and urban design teams, and spent several years leading the Minneapolis office and Integrative Design Team. He has served on city councils in Edina, MN, and Superior, WI, and has been a member of more than 50 municipal boards, community task forces, and redevelopment committees. In his new role, Fischer will focus on assisting city and county governments as they redesign their buildings, sites, and operations to thrive in clean-energy future.
“I have always been passionate about cities, sustainability, and urban design,” Fischer said. “This new focus will allow me to leverage my professional passion and expertise to benefit our clients, guiding them as they prepare for a carbon-free future.” ∎