Iowa Architectural Foundation

06/03/2026

🏆 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS 🏆

Do you know an individual, organization, or community that has made a lasting impact on Iowa through great design, architecture, or historic preservation?

The Iowa Architectural Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Community Enhancement Awards, including recognition for excellence in Architecture & Design and Historic Vitalization.

Nominations are open to anyone and are due by June 30, 2026. Help us celebrate those who are making Iowa's communities stronger and more vibrant through the built environment.

Learn more and submit a nomination: www.iowaarchfoundation.org/cea-2026

Photos Representing 2025 CEA Recipients:
EMC Insurance
Mainframe Studios

05/29/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Architecture By Children (ABC) Art Contest! 🎨🏆

We’re excited to share the 1st and 2nd place winners from each age division and celebrate the creativity, imagination, and thoughtful perspectives Iowa students brought to this year’s contest. Thank you to all of the students, families, and teachers who participated and supported this program.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors, Prairie Meadows and West Bank, for helping make this program possible through their support of arts education and design awareness.

05/28/2026

Congratulations to Larry Mendenhall, winner of the 2026 Snapshot Iowa Photography Contest, for the stunning image "Hancher Curve."

Jurors praised the photograph of Hancher Auditorium as “a classic vignette” that beautifully captures the sweeping curves, textures, reflections, and sense of scale within the architecture.

We would also like to recognize this year’s Honorable Mention recipients:
📸 "Angled Airspace" by Jared Oosterhuis (Principle-750 Park St.)
📸 "Art Center Abstract" by Larry Mendenhall (Des Moines Art Center)

Thank you to our Snapshot Iowa contest sponsors, Prairie Meadows and Chris Boeke Studio, and to everyone who shared their unique perspectives on Iowa’s built environment. The jury received several truly outstanding photos! Stay tuned for our ABC Art Contest entries and opportunities to experience architecture across Iowa.

05/26/2026

Downtown architecture, food & drinks, and a chance to connect with other young professionals — all in one evening.

Join YPC’s Sips, Samples & Sights this Thursday, May 28 from 5–9 PM as the Iowa Architectural Foundation leads guided architectural tours through downtown Des Moines with featured stops hosted by ISG, The Weitz Company, and Casey’s Center.

🎟 $20 for YPC members | $40 for non-members
All are welcome!

Tickets at: https://ypcdsmia.chambermaster.com/events/details/2026-sips-samples-and-sights-2956

Tag a friend and make plans to explore the city with us.



Young Professionals Connection Weitz Company Casey's Center

05/21/2026

There’s still time to register for this year’s Sips, Samples & Sights with the Young Professionals Connection — happening one week from today on Thursday, May 28, from 5–9 PM!

Join the Iowa Architectural Foundation for an evening of downtown architecture, local food and drink, and the chance to connect with other young professionals while exploring Des Moines from a new perspective.

Registration is $20 for members and $40 for non-members. All are welcome!

Tickets at: https://ypcdsmia.chambermaster.com/events/details/2026-sips-samples-and-sights-2956

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

🏙️ New This Summer: Architecture Studio Intensive

Designed for students entering grades 8–9, this new half-day camp gives aspiring designers the chance to experience architecture like a real studio team. Participants will tackle a hands-on design challenge, develop creative problem-solving skills, and present their ideas in a collaborative environment.

📅 June 29–July 1
🕘 Half-day program
💡 Partial scholarships available

Perfect for creative students interested in architecture, art, engineering, or design thinking.

Space is limited—register today!
👉 bit.ly/IAFStudio26

DATE AND TIMEMon, June 29 – Wed, July 1, 20269:00 AM – 12:00 PMLOCATIONDrake UniversityCarnegie Hall2507 University AveDes Moines, IA 50311This summer, 8th and 9th-gra...

05/08/2026

Guided architectural walking tours of downtown Des Moines, presented by the Iowa Architectural Foundation

05/04/2026

Kick off the season with us this Friday!

Architecture on the Move returns May 8. Explore the stories behind Des Moines’ buildings, uncover hidden details you’ve walked past for years, and see the city through a new lens with a local design professional as your guide.

🎟️ Tickets: AOM2026.eventbrite.com
📍 Capital Square Atrium
🕔 Tours launch at 5:30PM

Guided architectural walking tours of downtown Des Moines, presented by the Iowa Architectural Foundation

04/30/2026

⏰ Last Call: ABC Art Contest Entries Due Today!

📅 Deadline: Thursday, April 30
🏆 Win up to $200

Open to all Iowa students in grades K–8. Submit your artwork and find full details at the link below. 🎨
https://www.iowaarchfoundation.org/our-programs/architecture-in-schools/2026-snapshot-iowa-abc-art-contests/