Bettisworth North Welcomes Senior Architect
Bettisworth North
David Popiel joined Bettisworth North Architects and Planners as a Senior Architect. During his twelve years of practice in Alaska, Popiel has been involved in projects for the Alaska State Library, Archives, & Museum in Juneau; Mt. Edgecumbe High School Aquatic Center in Sitka; Kelsey Dock Interpretive Center in Valdez; and Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak.
Popiel is working from Bettisworth North’s Anchorage office, regularly traveling to the firm’s Fairbanks office and project sites across the state.
“David is a thoughtful, creative designer who develops solutions that capture a project’s place and purpose,” says Bettisworth North President Tracy Vanairsdale. “His leadership and design sensitivity align perfectly with our mission to be Alaska’s community builders, and we are delighted to welcome David to the team.”
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March 2026
Popiel earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Washington University and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Colorado. A licensed architect, Popiel holds credentials for LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional) and certification by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Work for a construction company early in his career shaped Popiel’s interest in the way design of a space influences how that space is experienced.
As a board member of the nonprofit Alaska Huts Association, Popiel is currently volunteering his skills to develop a ski hut outside of Spencer Glacier, a railroad whistlestop on the Kenai Peninsula. Popiel is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys mountain running, cross-country and downhill skiing, and Alaska’s seasonal hunting and fishing resources.
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