April Corporate Member Project Spotlight

Corporate Member Project Spotlight: RDG Planning & Design

301 Grand Office Remodel | 2020 | Des Moines, IA

Photo credit: John Hansen & Jacob Sharp

RDG Planning & Design’s work for this 23,000-SF office, which included contributions from IAWIA Past Chair/Chair Naura Godar, AIA, WELL AP, incorporates a variety of spaces for both dynamic group work and quiet individual focus. To encourage a sense of well-being, biophilic elements are woven into the design, notably through Murmuration, the building’s iconic art installation designed and fabricated by the Art Studio at RDG. 

#RDG #RDGUSA #CreateMeaningTogether

March Corporate Member Project Spotlight

Corporate Member Project Spotlight: Saxton Inc.

Collins Community Credit Union | New Cedar Rapids Headquarters

2020 | Cedar Rapids, IA

Collins Community Credit Union’s rapid growth and expansion grew the need to build a corporate headquarters and their new three-story, 100,000 square foot building provides Collins employees space to communicate, collaborate, strategize, and innovate. Falkbuilt’s Digital Component Construction glass walls were used to encourage transparency and breaking down of silos throughout the headquarters - all in all, creating a space where their people could thrive.

#spacematters #digitalcomponentconstruction

@saxton_inc

March Professional Member of the Month

Kerry Weig

INVISION

Principal & Managing Architect

1. What is the most exciting and energizing aspect of your current position?

INVISION is an amazing place to work. Hands down, the most exciting and energizing aspect of my current position is our culture-it is one of focus on the client, working smartly, and creation of opportunities, all while creating beautiful architecture. My position lets me explore each of these facets in many unique ways. I love seeing the application of our culture unfold in our projects and learning more about the people through their development.

2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?

I’m totally a podcast lady. They have helped me survive The last interesting podcast I listened to was Losing 100 Pounds with Corinne. While it was interesting, I’d probably rather share my favorite podcast which is Brendon Burchard’s The Brendon Show. It’s all about high performance, which I could listen to night and day. (My favorite magazine is Harvard business Review!:))  I’ve converted tools and tips and the High-Performance Planner into a digital format in OneNote, combined it with my spiritual journal and daily task planner to set the stage for most days. It’s been a great resource for me to keep focused, keep on track with my short and long-term goals, and keeping gratitude and prayer at the forefront of my life. 

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

The professional accomplishment I am most proud of would be a service award from the Memorial Union at Iowa State. It was so meaningful to me because I stood side by side with some of the amazing people that I developed relationships with over my project work within the MU and represented service, not design. Service means so much to me and has a high value when I list accomplishments.

4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

I’ve learned so much about being a woman in a professional practice in the 2o+ years since I have graduated, it’s hard to sum up it up. To all you ladies out there- You rock, girl. Do not waste one minute doubting yourself. You are where you are meant to be-make the most of that opportunity today, not tomorrow. Align yourself with people that make you laugh and will help you grow. Be grateful. Enjoy life. Live your life. 

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you? 

My role models start at home with my girls. I watch them take on the world with a joy and intensity I’ve taken 46 years to not even come close to achieving, and they are 16 and 9. They are my heroes. In the profession, I’ve been always grateful to Kate Schwennsen who was a masterful instructor and has always had sage advice to offer on navigating this field as a woman. I also admire Mindy Aust and Danielle Herman for blazing trails in all that they do. For the younger population reading this-get to know these two ladies. You will be glad to have crossed paths with them and they are guaranteed to inspire. 

February Corporate Member Project Spotlight

Corporate Member Project Spotlight: Bolten & Menk Inc.

Reconnecting Muscatine | 2018| Muscatine, IA

Muscatine, Iowa, historically known as the “The Button Factory of the World”, rooted in industrial beginnings that shaped the city’s growth along the Mississippi River. Accessibility challenges, dangerous railroad crossings, and aging infrastructure have historically plagued the 1.6-mile corridor. Reconnecting Muscatine created a safe, pedestrian-friendly corridor and reconnection to the Mississippi River.

@boltnemenkstudios

February Student Member of the Month

Kianna Lechtenberg

Iowa State University

College of Design - Freshman

1. Why did you choose the design/construction field?

I considered many professions before deciding on architecture. I was attracted to the creative, research, and problem-solving components of architecture.

2. What is the most unusual medium you have used for a model, and what did it represent?

In one of my core design classes, my group and I utilized chains, vinyl, and hair ties to create a wearable poncho. These materials allowed the piece to have unique movements and sounds.

3. What has been your favorite studio trip so far?

I have yet to go on my first studio trip, but I am looking forward to seeing the challenges architects face in different areas.

4. What is the best advice you have received from a professor or mentor?

The best advice I have received is to look back at my earlier sketches and ideas. When I am not sure how to continue this helps me figure out my overall vision for the project.

5. How has Iowa Women in Architecture influenced you?

Iowa Women in Architecture has greatly influenced me this past year, as I am a first-year student still figuring things out. Many of my classes are online which makes it harder to connect with my professors and peers. This group has been a wonderful resource that has introduced me to other architects I can confide in. When speaking to the professionals in Iowa Women in Architecture they always offer greatly appreciated advice and insight.

Light Interpretation

This series of college models were inspired by the drawing. I especially like how different the models look when light shines through different areas.

February Professional Member of the Month

Courtney Koch

CMBA Architects

Principal

1. What is the most exciting and energizing aspect of your current position?

I love working with people, whether that’s colleagues or clients, I am most energized when collaborating! Being able to solve problems and help clients realize their vision is exciting!

2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?

I absolutely love Cy Wakeman and her No Ego podcast always delivers!!

3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?

Being able to lead our team at CMBA and help shape our future is what I am most proud of. We have an amazing team and getting to work together is so rewarding!

4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Go for it with tenacity and remember a positive attitude always helps!!

5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you? 

I have amazing women in my life that continue to inspire me every day, but the ultimate role model is my mom. She is the true embodiment of working hard but always making sure there was time for her family. She always believed in and supported what I was doing and that pushed me to keep going.