Andy Erstad – Low Income Housing in Idaho

Andrew (Andy) Erstad is motivated and inspired by family, friends, and the community
at large.
Andy founded erstad in 1998. His experience is in all phases of architecture and design
from concept, master planning, and imagery through construction. He has served as
Principal-in Charge for projects throughout the western United States.

Maintaining a 22-person firm is Andy’s primary focus; followed by his passion and
commitment to public service. He strives to create projects that enrich quality of life
and improve the surrounding environment through thoughtful and sustainable design.
Because of his architectural prowess and community contributions, five consecutive
Idaho Governors (1998 to present) have appointed Andy to the Idaho Capitol
Commission for over 25 years. In 2022 Andy was recognized by Governor Brad Little
with the Governor’s Award for Support of the Arts in Idaho for his stewardship of The
Capital.

For the past 15 years, Andy has served as Chair of the Idaho Capitol Commission.
During his tenure, as Commission Chair and as ten-year Chair of the Design and
Conservation Committee, he has stewarded over $150M to restore and maintain
Idaho’s Capitol building as a daily-workplace and as an ongoing legacy for the
people of Idaho.

Andy’s architectural knowledge and sensibilities guide all efforts when he serves on
non-profit boards and in roles appointed by Idaho Mayors including Zoning Rewrite
and Design Review Committees, Building Code Councils, a Development Services
Advisory Committee, and additional jurisdiction services related to developing design
district standards, and municipal signage standards.

Andy annually participates on multiple volunteer boards, task forces, and oversight
committees for medical institutions, civic organizations, and the Idaho Chapter of AIA.

Fundamental to the profession’s future growth is the education of the next generation
of architects. To this end, Andy supports AIA and architectural education through the
endowment of five architecture/interior design academic scholarships at three
institutions in two states, and by providing critiques, mentorships, and internships.