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Substance architecture was selected for this project to design a space that would deliver upon the new workplace goals identified by FHLB: increased collaboration, increased mobility and flexibility, promote concentration and activity-based solutions for the work environment.
Yasmine Killeen, AIA - Project Architect
1. What is the most exciting and energizing aspect of your current position?
I am able to work on multiple jobs at a time to really learn about what architecture is all about.
2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?
I don’t really listen to Podcasts… but the last one I listened to was a black spectacles study material session.
3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am a working mother. I had a baby back in February of 2021 and being able to have a balance of working and being a mom is one of the most difficult things I have had to do.
4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Encourage one another and look out for one another.
5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?
Courtney Koch, a Principal at CMBA, is my role model who I look up to and aspire to be. She is fun, energetic, and always knows what to say in every situation. Another role model is my coworker, Anna Bednarko. We are working towards our licensure together and is so very encouraging. And finally, my mom, who is not an architect, but is just an overall amazing woman. She pushed me to follow this career path and dream of mine.
1. What is the most exciting and energizing aspect of your current position?
Making knowledge accessible to everyone. I love working with people to collect their expertise and turn that into information others can draw on.
2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?
I don’t really listen to podcasts, but I love surfing through Apple News and catching up on everything from news and current events to science and business articles.
3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud that I’ve been able to combine my passion for knowledge with my years of industry experience to create my current role.
4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
Connect to other women so that you can draw on their collective experiences. Advocate for each other.
5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?
My mom is my greatest role model. She is a brilliant woman who wasn’t afraid to pursue a wide range of roles throughout her professional life. When my sisters and I were young, she stayed at home with us, but she went back to teaching German, French and Spanish when I was in middle school. When I was in college, she decided to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a lawyer and went back to law school. She showed by example that you can define your own career path.
Photography credit: IRIS22 Productions
Strong public involvement was the cornerstone of the RDG Planning & Design process for the Mason City Federal Avenue Streetscape and Utility Improvements. Based on this extensive process, the design team, which included IAWIA Past Chair Laura Kessel, PLA, AICP, developed a design that takes cues from turn-of-the-century catenary lighting, past and existing architectural significance, and the rich cultural foundation that exists within the community.
#RDG, #RDGUSA, CreateMeaningTogether
1. What is the most exciting and energizing aspect of your current position?
I like to learn things in general, whether they relate to effective educational environments for K-12 students or cost-effective materials. Some are less exciting, but if they can help me solve a client's concerns, then that's pretty energizing.
2. What was the last interesting podcast you listened to?
Playing catchup on my list but the Invisible Women by 99% Invisible was very interesting to listen to. It starts to lay out how male data is used for most universal products while women’s are ignored. A snip from the description is “This bakes in bias and discrimination in the things we design.”
3. What professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
Becoming licensed. My goal was to be licensed as soon as possible after graduation but, life happened. Juggling work, kids, and studying took time and patience but it wasn’t impossible.
4. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
You have a voice, so let it be heard.
5. We are Iowa Women in Architecture; who were the female role models that inspired you?
Growing up, I didn’t have many female role models. When I went back to finish my degree, I heard about a group called Iowa Women in Architecture and was asked to join their student chapter. Through this group, I’ve found strong female role models that have taught me to stand up for myself and not be afraid to let my voice be heard.
Located in Des Moines’ historic East Village, 111 East Grand is Iowa’s first modern mass timber building—the first dowel-laminated timber (DLT) office building in North America and, at the time of construction, the largest DLT project on the continent. The project was built by Ryan Companies US, Inc. and designed by Neumann Monson Architects, both of which now have offices in the building.
Best of the Best Project — Office/Retail/Mixed-Use
ENR Midwest, 2021
Best Project — Office/Retail/Mixed-Use
ENR Midwest, 2020
Masters Award — $10-25 Million
Master Builders of Iowa, 2020
Wood Design Award — Commercial Mid-Rise
WoodWorks Wood Products Council, 2020
2019 AIA Iowa Design Award
AIA Iowa, 2019
@ryancompanies