Shannon Christensen, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Principal
Cushing Terrell
Shannon Christensen, AIA, NCARB, LEED BD+C is an architect and principal with Cushing Terrell, a multidisciplinary design firm founded in 1938 with more than 425 team members in 13 offices and remotely across the country.
Shannon joined Cushing Terrell in Billings, Montana in 2006 after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design and Master of Architecture from Montana State University. She was named principal-in-charge of architecture in 2021, taking on responsibility for guiding the vision, strategy, and growth of the firm’s architecture team across all its locations. Shannon recently added the role of Billings Location Director, providing strategic leadership for local business development and community engagement. Additionally, she is a leader of Cushing Terrell’s project management initiative, which works to develop new resources, coordinate training, implement standards, and ensure continuous process improvement.
Shannon has served as AIA Montana Associate Director and the AIA Northwest and Pacific Region Young Architect Regional Director. Shannon has volunteered on several committees and task forces for NCARB including the Experience Committee, Education Committee, and Internship Advisory Committee. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of architects, serving as a NCARB Architect Licensing Advisor the past 15 years, on the advisory council for Montana State University’s School of Architecture for 10 years, and currently as president of the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, connecting students of all ages with the architectural profession.
Shannon was recognized in 2017 with the AIA Young Architect Award, the first person to receive the award in Montana. She was also featured as an AIAS 60th: Legacy Alumni and told her story at the AIA 2019 Women’s Leadership Summit. Today, Shannon serves as the 2024 chair of the AIA Construction Contract Administration Knowledge Community and serves on the AIA Strategic Council as the first councilor appointed by AIA Montana.
Shannon joined Cushing Terrell in Billings, Montana in 2006 after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design and Master of Architecture from Montana State University. She was named principal-in-charge of architecture in 2021, taking on responsibility for guiding the vision, strategy, and growth of the firm’s architecture team across all its locations. Shannon recently added the role of Billings Location Director, providing strategic leadership for local business development and community engagement. Additionally, she is a leader of Cushing Terrell’s project management initiative, which works to develop new resources, coordinate training, implement standards, and ensure continuous process improvement.
Shannon has served as AIA Montana Associate Director and the AIA Northwest and Pacific Region Young Architect Regional Director. Shannon has volunteered on several committees and task forces for NCARB including the Experience Committee, Education Committee, and Internship Advisory Committee. She is passionate about inspiring the next generation of architects, serving as a NCARB Architect Licensing Advisor the past 15 years, on the advisory council for Montana State University’s School of Architecture for 10 years, and currently as president of the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, connecting students of all ages with the architectural profession.
Shannon was recognized in 2017 with the AIA Young Architect Award, the first person to receive the award in Montana. She was also featured as an AIAS 60th: Legacy Alumni and told her story at the AIA 2019 Women’s Leadership Summit. Today, Shannon serves as the 2024 chair of the AIA Construction Contract Administration Knowledge Community and serves on the AIA Strategic Council as the first councilor appointed by AIA Montana.
- Architects in Work Boots
WE104 - 6/5/2024