HGA has announced that its Board of Directors unanimously elected Mia Blanchett, FAIA, LEED AP, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 26, 2024.
She succeeds Tim Carl, FAIA, LEED AP, who has served as HGA’s CEO since 2015.
“I am grateful for the impact Mia has had throughout her successful career at HGA,” said Carl, who will return to his role as Design Principal. “Through her contributions and insight over the years, Mia has demonstrated a sense of curiosity and thoughtful brand of leadership that will benefit HGA for years to come.”
Blanchett has more than 35 years leadership experience with HGA, advancing from Project Manager to Vice President and Principal in the Public/Corporate practice, and most recently Government Market Sector Leader before moving into her new role.
“The nature of architecture and our world has become increasingly complex, from new technologies to social changes,” Blanchett said. “Since our founding more than 70 years ago, we have supported a collaborative culture that has equipped us to remain nimble and anticipate the growing needs of our teams, clients, and communities. As CEO, I’m looking forward to fostering the business of design and the consistent value that HGA brings to clients. Our future will be sustainable, resilient, adventurous, and recognized nationally.”
As Principal and past member of the Board of Directors (2013 – 2016), she has contributed to HGA’s long-range planning, including expanding expertise in key markets. She played a key role in the recent acquisition of the Oakland office. Her contribution to HGA’s updated strategic plan this past year included insight from more than 100 colleagues across offices. Focusing on three core pillars—Holistic Design, Our People, and Intentional Growth—the strategic plan will guide the firm over the next three years.
Blanchett has also initiated ongoing conversations around gender equity in architecture with the internal Equity Council and Steering Committee, distinguishing HGA as an industry model for workplace equity, mentorship, and career growth. When she started 35 years ago, she was one of few women architects in the firm. Today, HGA employs more than 50 percent women across disciplines and roles, including 78 percent on the Board of Directors as of 2023.
As Government Market Sector Leader, she grew the firm’s design footprint, partnering with government and public agencies and corporations to deliver complex, secure, and sustainable facilities.
Among her notable projects are the Minnesota State Capitol restoration; F. Edward Hebert Federal Building; restorations for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA); Surly Brewing Destination Brewery; multiple projects for General Mills World Headquarters; and Sherwin-Williams Global Headquarters and R&D Center, in development.
“The Board of Directors selected Mia because she will carry forward HGA’s design legacy while leading with empathy, humility, and confidence,” said Rebecca Kleinbaum Sanders, AIA, NCARB, Chair of the Board, who led the national search committee that interviewed both internal and external candidates. “Throughout the interview process, we learned where Mia draws inspiration—joy from our people and our projects. We believe she will continue to share that inspiration as CEO.”