Joel Anderson, AIA

Since 2004, Joel Anderson, AIA has excelled at Cushing Terrell—an integrated architecture and engineering firm whose focus is on research, design, and sustainability—advancing from a designer to its design director. For the past 15 years, he has worked to facilitate clients and teams through the creative process of sustainable building design. Alongside two other design principals, he spearheads the creative direction of the firm, through which he oversees a team of more than 50 professionals, including architects, interior designers, and landscape architects, and is responsible for project development, team alignment, and design reviews to ensure adherence to standards. Licensed in Montana, Wyoming, Maine, Ohio, Iowa, Illinois, and Nevada, he also contributes his architectural expertise to a net zero design studio based in Chicago as well as the Illinois Institute of Technology, and provides education and mentorship on various ongoing projects.

Mr. Anderson has accrued numerous accolades over the course of his career, including several from the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations. Engineering News-Record awarded Cushing Terrell “Best Design Firm,” which holds great significance for him and the entire team. He was also recognized with the Best Forensics Renovation Under $20 Million for his involvement in the construction of the Alberta Blair Theater from the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations and the State Design Award for his significant contribution to the Rose Park Pool Operations Building. Outside of his immense pride in these honors, he considers his most notable achievement to be the transformation of the firm under his leadership and push for proactive, ambitious mindsets.

Attributing his success to his optimistic outlook, resilience in the face of challenges, and dedication to projects he works on, Mr. Anderson’s professional journey began with a Bachelor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a passion for climbing rocks. A skilled rock and alpine climber from a young age, he secured sponsorships from climbing gear companies that afforded him opportunities to climb in Montana and document his experiences. This high-adrenaline endeavor was his supplementary occupation for a decade while interning for VOA Associates Incorporated and being an architect in training at Aria Group Architects, Inc. Remaining passionate and active in it in the midst of his architecture career, he established Steepteam, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth rock climbing team driven by the mission of instilling a lifelong interest for climbers among youth in the Billings, Montana area. This organization, dedicated to offering need-based scholarships, has cultivated a love for the outdoors in numerous children.

Looking toward the future, Mr. Anderson strives to lead his team to secure more design awards from the American Institute of Architects as they undertake projects with minimal environmental impact.