JLA Architects Expands Team with Addition of Senior Project Architect Tony Solberg (AIA)
MILWAUKEE — JLA Architects, a full-service architectural firm with offices in Milwaukee, Madison, and Denver, is pleased to announce the addition of Tony Solberg, AIA. Solberg’s role will span all the firm’s offices, working closely with project teams in developing design documents from the design phase through construction.
Solberg brings 20+ years of experience in all aspects of a building life cycle. He has worked in various market sectors including corporate office, hospitality, senior housing, multifamily, industrial, and healthcare. In Wisconsin, he’s worked closely with Epic in Madison, building out their campus including the addition of a 500-seat auditorium and two additional office buildings. Two of his most notable projects are CHS Field, a minor league baseball stadium, in Saint Paul, Minn. and Target Plaza Commons in Minneapolis, both projects were recognized with American Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards.
When asked what drew him to JLA, Solberg explained: “I was drawn to JLA from previous professional relationships with leadership as well as the variety and quality of the firm’s project types. I also love how much JLA gives back to their communities and truly supports a quality work/life balance.”
Milwaukee Office Director/Vice President Steve Wagner is pleased to welcome Tony to the JLA team. “Tony has a wealth of experience that he brings to JLA. His approach & personality exemplifies our values and culture here. He’ll be a great resource for our internal team and I’m confident that our consultants & clients will enjoy working with him as well,” he explains.
Solberg holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Minnesota. He’s a licensed architect in Wisconsin, Colorado, Minnesota, Georgia, North Dakota, and Arizona.
Learn more about Tony
What drew you to architecture as a career?
I have always loved puzzles, building things, and seeing how things work. I fell in love with how there’s always a solution with architecture but not always a right answer, there’s room for creativity. Although projects can be similar in scope, you can come up with a new solution each time, there’s always nuances.
Throughout my career, I didn’t want to get into a niche of working in just one market type, I’m grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to work in several, so every day is different for me.
What’s your favorite (or most unique) project you’ve worked on and why?
It would be CHS Baseball field in Saint Paul, MN. It’s my most unique project because of the relationship we built with the Saint Paul Saints and the community to bring the project to life. We were the architect of record and were able to work closely with well-respected architect Julie Snow and her team at Snow Kreilich Architects who developed the initial design.
Once it was complete, the new stadium activated the area, bringing more people to downtown Saint Paul and spurring growth. It’s been a great (and rewarding) experience to have family and friends come experience the stadium.
Later, the project received national recognition by being awarded a 2016 AIA award for Architecture.
What do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
I’m a big sports fan. My wife and I go to a lot of baseball & football games. When we travel, we also try to visit new stadiums. We love live events in general, like attending concerts.
Are you involved in the community? If so, what causes/organizations mean the most to you?
I’ve been involved with multiple organizations over the years including Ronald McDonald House, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and People Serving People Charities. My wife and I are big animal lovers so we do what we can to support our local Humane Society as well.
