AIA Iowa Excellence in Design Awards

Presented at the 2021 AIA Iowa Awards Celebration

Des Moines, IA (September 24, 2021) - Iowa Architecture firms were recognized at the American Institute of Architects, Iowa Chapter's (AIA Iowa) Annual Awards Celebration held Thursday, September 23rd at the Des Moines Heritage Center. Members of AIA Iowa attended the Awards Celebration to honor the recipients of the AIA Iowa Design Awards recipients in the categories of Excellence in Design Honor, Merit, and Honorable Mention as well as Excellence in Craft Honor. These awards recognize excellence in design by members of AIA Iowa and emphasize architecture and its importance across Iowa and beyond. 

The Awards Celebration was held in conjunction with the 2021 AIA Iowa Convention, ‘ENERGY,' held in-person at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa on September 23-24.

AIA IOWA EXCELLENCE IN CRAFT AWARDS

AIA Iowa Craft Award, Honor: Mass Timber Assembly - 111 E. Grand Ave by Neumann Monson Architects. The jury commented: ‘Very well crafted throughout. We would love to work in a building like that. It’s clear the whole building is well built and well crafted.’

AIA IOWA EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS 

AIA Iowa Design Award Honorable Mention: The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center by BNIM Architects. The jury commented: ‘We are impressed with the sculpting of space, this is exuberant architecture. The building pleasingly captures views into the surrounding neighborhood.

AIA Iowa Design Award Honorable Mention: Reconstruction of Bridges by Substance Architecture. The jury commented: ‘We loved the fact that this project makes a connection to the history of Des Moines and the emblem on their flag. This is a large civic contribution, well done.’

AIA Iowa Design Award Honorable Mention: Market House by Neumann Monson Architects. The jury commented: The use of materials on the façade are clever and clean. The building boasts nice interiors and a nice in plan.’

AIA Iowa Design Award Merit: Treehuis by Substance Architecture. The jury commented: ‘The interiors for a conference center are very strong. The project introduces mass and volume with a focus on the horizon. This building is a lovely gesture in an untamed landscape. The quality of materials used speaks to it’s longevity.’

AIA Iowa Design Award Merit: 219 E. Grand Ave. by Neumann Monson Architects. The jury commented: ‘The metal panel siding lends itself well to the location’s look and appeal. The interiors are cleanly designed.’

AIA Iowa Design Award Merit: Student Innovation Center, Iowa State University by Substance Architecture. The jury commented: ‘This building is quite interesting. We particularly like the design diagram used and really enjoy the interiors.’

AIA Iowa Design Award Honor: Marion Fire Station No. 1 by OPN Architects, Inc. The jury commented: ‘ This is a very strong building. The design really honored the idea of service to the community, we hope this is a point of pride in the community.’

AIA Iowa Design Award Honor: University of Iowa Psychological and Brain Science Building by BNIM Architects. The jury commented: ‘The architect used good material choices, they are very tailored, minimal, and ungimmicky. The exterior of the building and integration of shading and the shadow play as part of the finish is wonderful.’

AIA Iowa Design Award Honor: MidAmerican Energy Corporate Office and Conference Center Renovation by BNIM Architects. The jury commented: ‘The level of composure to the interiors was not overdone, the accents are just right. We are impressed because it was a renovation, the design gave a powerful architectural solution to the existing building. The way the ceiling captures the natural light and draws it in is very striking.’