ISG Establishes New Architecture Scholarship to Honor Bryan Paulsen

The Bryan Paulsen Legacy Scholarship will award $2,500 to a student embodying Paulsen's commitment to design excellence, mentorship, and community impact.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 3:50pm

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ISG, a full-service architecture, engineering, and planning firm, has announced the launch of the Bryan Paulsen Legacy Scholarship to celebrate the life and contributions of Bryan Paulsen, a respected architect, mentor, and community leader who passed away in 2025 after a 40-year career. The scholarship will award a one-time $2,500 scholarship to a student currently enrolled in an accredited architecture program who demonstrates strong character and a commitment to design excellence, mentorship, and community engagement.

Why it matters

The scholarship serves as a way for ISG to invest in future talent and support students who embody the principles that defined Paulsen's career, including his devotion to shaping meaningful spaces and uplifting those around him. It also underscores ISG's belief in supporting the next generation of architects and designers.

The details

Eligible applicants must be in their second year or beyond of an accredited architecture program, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submit an academic transcript, 3-5 design sketches, and written responses describing their interest in architecture and how they plan to advance mentorship, community engagement, and design excellence. While a referral from an ISG employee is preferred, it is not required.

  • The scholarship application period is currently open and will remain so through May 15, 2026.

The players

ISG

A full-service architecture, engineering, environmental, and planning firm with over 50 years of experience and 600+ professionals in offices across the Midwest and Eastern United States.

Bryan Paulsen

A respected architect, mentor, and community leader who passed away in 2025 after a remarkable 40-year career devoted to shaping meaningful spaces and uplifting those around him.

Chad Surprenant

ISG's Chief Strategy Officer, who stated that the scholarship is a way to invest in future architects who share Paulsen's devotion to shaping spaces that bring people together.

Jeremy Wiesen

ISG's Architecture Practice Group Leader, who shared that Paulsen's balance between strong client relationships and a desire to drive good design was always present in his work.

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What they’re saying

“Bryan believed deeply in the power of architecture to connect people. This scholarship is a way to invest in future architects who share his devotion to shaping spaces that bring people together.”

— Chad Surprenant, Chief Strategy Officer, ISG

“This balance between the art of relationships and the desire to drive good design was always present. Every Friday Bryan took time to sketch by the window, and that commitment to his passion was evident in his work.”

— Jeremy Wiesen, Architecture Practice Group Leader, ISG

What’s next

The scholarship application period is currently open and will remain so through May 15, 2026. Students can review the full requirements and submit their materials at https://bit.ly/PaulsenLegacy-ISG.

The takeaway

The creation of the Bryan Paulsen Legacy Scholarship underscores ISG's commitment to investing in future talent and supporting students who embody the principles that defined Paulsen's career, including his devotion to design excellence, mentorship, and community impact. This scholarship serves as a pathway for emerging architects to pursue their goals while carrying forward Paulsen's legacy.