These architects, engineers, contractors, and real estate developers are being recognized for their career achievements, passion for the AEC profession, involvement with AEC industry organizations, and service to their communities.
Christian Lawrence, Founder, CEO
RISE Modular, Minneapolis, Minn.
AGE: 29
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts/Science, Economics, Yale University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founding partner at Lake Harriet Development in 2018
Founded RISE Modular in 2019, and by 2021, completed the five-story, 192-unit modular project Alvera Apartments in St. Paul. “I saw modular working in other countries and starting to come to the U.S. I wanted to build a project that way, but there weren’t any suppliers in the central U.S. and not enough suppliers in the U.S. overall. So, I decided to become one.”
Has grown the company to 159 employees in just four years
OFF THE CLOCK
Christian had his first ski lesson when he was just one year old and is still an avid skier today. He enjoys anything outdoors: skiing, hiking, biking, golfing, and fishing
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
“One piece of advice that I think is imperative, particularly as an entrepreneur, is: ‘Never get too high or too low.’ Taking everything in stride and maintaining an even keel will sustain you and help you keep a level head through all times—good, bad, and everything in between.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
“Starting RISE Modular in 2019 was my biggest achievement so far. We broke ground on our first commercial volumetric modular project in 2020, and in 2021, we completed one of the country’s largest and most complex modular projects to date, Alvera Apartments in St. Paul. It’s 192 units on a tight urban infill site in St. Paul, with five stories of modules atop two stories of concrete. The uniqueness of the building shape and design of the building demonstrates that modular can deliver great quality, and great design almost anywhere, and I’m really proud that our team could deliver an award-winning project like Alvera as our second project.”