Zoë Lindgren Builds Her Career After Constructing a Tiny House With Her Peers

Zoe working on the Tiny House
Zoë Lindgren ’19

Bemidji State University’s Zoë Lindgren ’19 grew up helping her dad with projects around the house in her hometown of Bozeman, Montana. Her love for hands-on work led to her pursuit of a degree in project management at Bemidji State and eventually her involvement in constructing a tiny house with her peers.

Zoë Lindgren
Lindgren was recruited to play for Bemidji State’s women’s tennis team in 2016.

Starting at Bemidji State in 2016, Lindgren took advantage of the many opportunities offered by the university’s project management program including the construction of a 206 square foot tiny house. She was inspired to get involved in the tiny house project during her sophomore year because of the experience she knew she would gain.

“Throughout my three years of involvement, the most valuable lesson I acquired was the importance of initiative and team work,” Lindgren said. “This tiny house brought the technology, art & design department and community together to execute a live project with relevant setbacks and rewarding success.”

At Bemidji State Lindgren spent most of her time in Bridgeman Hall, home of the university’s TAD department, construction and design labs, and numerous art galleries.

“I loved Bridgeman Hall because it was the heart of the TAD Program. I enjoyed having access to the multiple labs and shops where we could establish the strengths that we would later use in industry,” Lindgren said.

After graduating in Spring 2019, Lindgren secured a job with Wanzek Construction in Fargo, North Dakota, where she serves as a field engineer.

“Bemidji State by and large has helped me obtain many of my goals and helped structure a foundation for my professional career,” Lindgren said. “My degree initiated my interest and focus in the construction industry. The structure of the TAD program introduced me to the importance of safety, industry standards and also provided an opportunity to network. I felt this program offered endless opportunity and the proper skillsets to be well equipped when seeking employment.”

BSU Students, faculty and staff cut a ribbon at the completion of the tiny house
Zoë Lindgren (fourth from the left) with President Faith C. Hensrud and other key university stakeholders at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Tiny House

Bemidji State’s tiny house was listed for sale in August 2021 using a sealed bid process. Bids started at $50,000 which will cover the university’s $25,000 of direct expenses and $43,000 of in-kind donations. The sale will also sponsor a Bemidji State student endowment fund.

“Acquiring this particular Tiny House is desirable not only because of its several amenities but also its representation of collaboration in Bemidji State University’s versatile community,” Lindgren said. “Owning this unique Tiny House would truly be one of a kind.’”

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2022-B-015