Meet The Design Professional: Chelsey Johnson, Prairie Design Studio

Featured in Trendsetters publication
December 2023

Chelsey Johnson grew up immersed in her family’s architecture firm located in Horace, ND. Prairie Design Studio (PDS), started by her father, Kim Stokes, in the early 1980s, designs structures from large-scale apartment complexes and skilled care facilities (nursing homes) to office buildings and residential properties. Chelsey has worked at PDS for 20 years, managing commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Her sister Leah Petersen works alongside her as the next generation of owners in their family firm.

She recently served on Horace city council helping shape the growing community, “It was a wonderful experience, I have immense respect for anyone serving their community and the time and effort it requires,” she said. Now she volunteers at Jeremiah Program, which supports single mothers as they get their college degrees by providing housing, daycare, and tools to help them excel in life. Her free time consists of yoga, golf, and time with her family.