The Legacy of Harold “Spitz” Spitznagel: Building South Dakota by Design
On June 9, 1930, with nothing but $20 and a one-room office in Sioux Falls, Harold “Spitz” Spitznagel (1896–1975) set out to build a business. He wasn’t thinking about legacy. He wasn’t dreaming of decades of success. But nearly a century later, his company, known today as TSP, remains a cornerstone of architecture, engineering, planning, and design across the region.
Spitz, inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2006, left behind far more than buildings. He left core values , stories, and a way of approaching work and life that continues to guide TSP 95 years after its founding.
From Art School to Architecture
Born in 1896, Harold grew up in Sioux Falls, where his family owned a bakery on Phillips Avenue. After graduating from Washington High School in 1916, he headed to Chicago to study at the Art Institute. Two years later, he advanced to the University of Pennsylvania, earning his architecture degree in 1925.
He married Engla Hanson that same year, began his architecture apprenticeship in Chicago, and then faced the devastation of the 1929 stock market crash. With jobs scarce, Harold returned to Sioux Falls with a simple motto: “If I’m going to starve, I might as well starve at home.”
Out of those hard times came the foundation for what would become TSP.
A Visionary Leader with Wit and Warmth
Those who knew Spitz describe him as witty, sharp, and able to command a room. He built relationships everywhere he went, connecting with his community in ways that made people feel part of something larger.
Spitz also brought humor to the workplace. Employees recalled elaborate pranks during his vacations, once returning to find his office boarded up and filled with strangers while his partners looked on laughing. He believed in working hard but also in “Dolce Vita” which means living the good life and taking time to enjoy it.
Growth Through the Decades
From small residential projects in the 1930s, TSP expanded steadily. The firm designed Sioux Falls City Hall in 1932, added engineering disciplines in the 1950s, and opened offices in Rochester and Rapid City during the 1960s and 70s.
Spitz believed in collaboration across fields, blending architecture, engineering, and interior design into a multidisciplinary approach, an innovation that still defines TSP today.
He also insisted on including art in his projects, setting aside 1% of construction budgets – when possible - for artistic elements. For him, architecture wasn’t just about structures; it was about beauty, community, and purpose.
Principles That Last
Spitz’s legacy lives on in TSP’s principles:
Design like we own it – Approaching projects with pride and ownership.
We before me – Understanding that success is a team effort.
Committed to our craft – Striving for excellence and continuous improvement.
CEO Jared Nesje, the fifth leader in TSP’s 95-year history, credits these principles for the company’s longevity. “We take pride in what we do,” he said. “When we lead with accountability, collaboration, and a commitment to doing our best work, we build lasting relationships—and continue to strengthen our legacy.”
Lessons for Future Generations
To young people dreaming big in South Dakota, both Spitz and Nesje would offer this advice: Engage deeply. Ask questions. Spend time learning the craft. Respect the wisdom of those who came before you.
Because building something that lasts, whether a company, a career, or a community, takes time, humility, and a willingness to listen.
A Lasting Impact
Today, TSP’s team members carry forward Spitz’s legacy not just as workers but as owners through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), ensuring the company’s future remains in the hands of those who build it every day.
From a one-room office in 1930 to a regional design leader today, Harold Spitznagel’s story is a testament to vision, resilience, and the power of good design to shape not just buildings but communities.
Learn more about Harold “Spitz” Spitznagel’s legacy on his Inductee page.
Watch the full interview with Jared Nesje, CEO of TSP, hosted by Laurie Becvar, CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame, below to hear the stories in their own words.