Employee Spotlight: Pederson Brings Passion for Hockey and Design to HTG

Kyle Pederson’s mom, like most moms, knew her son best.

It started at age 2, when he casually took his first strides on Fish Lake in Maple Grove – where she dubbed him ‘an immediate daredevil’ – and saw his passion for hockey.

Then at age 10, noting his love of design and construction, Kyle’s mom suggested a career path in architecture.

The rest is history. Today, Kyle is living his dream as Project Architect specializing in rinks and recreation projects. We sat down with Kyle to learn more about his upbringing and what led him to HTG.

HTG: Any fond memories growing up and playing hockey in Richmond?

Kyle Pederson: I started skating at age 2, and joined a team in second grade. I quickly gravitated toward defense, which is where I stayed the rest of my career. Some of my favorite memories are late night skates with the floodlights on Koetter Lake where I grew up.

HTG: What drew you to HTG Architects?

Pederson: A friend and fellow hockey player referred me to a family friend of his who just happened to be then HTG President, Jeff Pflipsen. Hearing HTG’s unique approach to architecture and focus on rink projects sealed the deal for the makings of an exciting career with the HTG crew and a clear path to exactly what I set out to do with architecture.

HTG: You’re currently helping lead the charge to expand HTG Architects ice arena business. What can ice rinks do for communities?

Pederson: Ice rinks become a major fixture of communities, and a regional draw for activity, entertainment, and all these things that bring people together. I’ve lived that in my childhood. I’ve seen the opportunity these places create, I know the mark my hometown rink left on my own childhood, what it can become for kids, and how it can benefit families and communities. Having the opportunity to build that for the next generation of skaters is an amazing privilege.

HTG: Why did you become an architect? 

Pederson: I have to give 100% credit to my mom on this one. She picked up on my love of design and construction from about the age of 10 when she casually suggested a future in architecture. I landed at NDSU and everything just clicked.

This career wasn’t just about a job but a unique way to combine my two major passions: design and hockey. The idea of making a living by fusing those together didn’t even sound like work to me.

HTG: What is your favorite part of the job?

Pederson: Architecture involves managing the key concerns that are first and foremost on every client’s mind: budget, schedule, and the resulting quality of the completed building. Balancing these is the ultimate design challenge, and when you get it all right, you’ve done your job, your client is thrilled, and construction goes smoothly because proper planning guided the process. That’s the success story we’re all looking for and getting there as a team is the best feeling.

HTG: Are there any new or interesting trends that you’re seeing in the industry?

Pederson: Experiences such as Top Golf, arcade bars, Whirly Ball, and other entertainment destinations point to a rise in demand for casual, convenient, activity-driven entertainment. Our most successful projects combine multiple offerings under one roof in what we call ‘co-branding’. By creating a single destination that appeals to a variety of audiences such as an ice rink with a fitness center and restaurant, this is a winning recipe for higher traffic, increased revenue, and better overall guest experience.

HTG: What does HTG do differently for its clients that really sets it apart?

Pederson: HTG prioritizes a robust pre-design phase before we even get to the construction drawings. When we focus more time and energy up front, we have better success in delivering a right-fit design solution. Traditionally, the process starts with design, followed by bidding, and then construction. But, by bringing the construction insight to the forefront and talking numbers and timelines at the beginning instead of at the end, we help our clients rest assured everything is accounted for.

HTG: Do you still play?

Pederson: Every chance I get, but not as often as I’d like! I’ve stepped down from my team with the AHA League but continue to sub in multiple leagues while focusing more time on designing rinks than skating in them – although hockey remains my no. 1 pastime whether at Koetter Lake, on the outdoor rinks in St. Michael (where I live now), or subbing in various leagues with the old buddies.

HTG: What else do you and your family enjoy doing?

Pederson: Family comes first. I love spending time with my wife, Mandi, and our two kids, Eli (4), and Sienna (1). We stay active year-round from neighborhood walks, trail biking, camping, swimming in the lake, wakeboarding, skating, skiing, and just being together.

Topics: Ice Arena Architecture, Community, hockey, Recreation, Customer Service