Iowa Architectural Foundation

09/02/2026

🏆 2026 Community Enhancement through Historic Vitalization Award: Why Not Us, LLC

The Iowa Architectural Foundation is proud to recognize Why Not Us, LLC for demonstrating how historic preservation can strengthen a community and create new opportunities for the future.

In Jefferson, 73 local women came together to form Why Not Us, LLC and take on the challenge of revitalizing the historic Centennial Block after a devastating water leak left the building unusable. Built in 1876, the building underwent a $1 million rehabilitation that restored its street-level commercial space and brought the upper stories back to life as housing.

The project preserved important historic features while creating a renewed destination in the heart of Jefferson’s downtown square. Today, Centennial Café once again serves as a gathering place, while the rehabilitation has helped bring increased activity and investment to the surrounding area.

The project is a powerful example of what can happen when community members take an active role in preserving the places that define their community.

👏 Congratulations to Why Not Us, LLC on this important recognition!

Read the full story and learn more about the 2026 Community Enhancement Awards: https://www.iowaarchfoundation.org/news/iaf-announces-2026-community-enhancement-award-winners

Why Not Us

09/02/2026

🏆 2026 Community Enhancement through Architecture and Design Award: Vera French Community Mental Health Center

The Iowa Architectural Foundation is proud to recognize the Vera French Community Mental Health Center for demonstrating how architecture can directly advance a community mission.

At the Vera French Clinic at Central Park in Davenport, a 2025 renovation and addition transformed a cramped, clinical entry into a welcoming and accessible environment. Designed in collaboration with Streamline Architects, the project uses natural light, views to the outdoors, warm wood, improved accessibility, and a trauma-informed design approach to create a space that is calmer, more comfortable, and more dignified for the people Vera French serves.

The project also expanded the clinic’s capacity, allowing Vera French to maintain its same-day walk-in model while supporting additional mental health services.

As juror Chad Rasmussen noted, the project is a great example of “what architecture can do for a mission.”

👏 Congratulations to the Vera French Community Mental Health Center on this important recognition!

Read the full story and learn more about the 2026 Community Enhancement Awards:
iowaarchfoundation.org/news/iaf-announces-2026-community-enhancement-award-winners

📸 Photo Credit: JMH Photography

09/02/2026

🏆 2026 Community Enhancement through Architecture and Design Award: Dave Morgan – SingleSpeed Brewing Co.

The Iowa Architectural Foundation is proud to recognize Dave Morgan, owner of SingleSpeed Brewing Co., for demonstrating how thoughtful investment in existing buildings can help revitalize communities.

Across Cedar Falls, Waterloo, and Des Moines, Morgan has transformed underutilized and historic buildings into vibrant destinations while preserving their architectural character. From the former Wonder Bread bakery in Waterloo to the century-old Earl’s Tire building in Des Moines, these projects show how adaptive reuse can support sustainable development, strengthen neighborhood economies, and create welcoming places for people to gather.

As juror James Spiller, AIA, noted, Morgan has helped turn structures that were “abandoned, underutilized, and in need of a vision” into places where Iowa communities can gather, connect, recreate, and celebrate.

👏 Congratulations to Dave Morgan and SingleSpeed Brewing Co. on this well-deserved recognition!

Read the full story and learn more about the 2026 Community Enhancement Awards:
iowaarchfoundation.org/news/iaf-announces-2026-community-enhancement-award-winners

📸 Photo Credit: Integrated Studio, Cameron Campbell

The TapRoom at WonderBread SingleSpeed Brewing - CF TapRoom

08/25/2026

⭐ Sponsor Spotlight: FEH Design

FEH Design is a community of architects, engineers, and interior designers with a passion to create. With locations in Sioux City, Des Moines, Dubuque, and Milwaukee, each team member brings unique strengths and perspectives. Together, we collaborate to create vibrant communities through thoughtful, creative design.

Why FEH Design supports IAF:
“Our mission at FEH Design is simple: to create better communities through design. But to truly uplift a community, we must honor its heritage and invest in its youth. That’s why our team partners with the Iowa Architectural Foundation.

The IAF bridges Iowa's past and future by showcasing our state's historic architectural legacy and providing transformative design education to our community’s youth. Supporting the IAF allows us to live out our mission beyond our project work, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the spaces we share and empowering tomorrow's leaders to create a better world.”

Thank you to FEH Design for supporting the Iowa Architectural Foundation and our mission to inspire appreciation for architecture across Iowa!

08/24/2026

Tomorrow in Iowa City!

The Iowa Architectural Foundation and FilmScene are proud to co-present a special screening of LEWERENTZ DIVINE DARKNESS on Tuesday, August 25, a documentary exploring the work and legacy of Swedish architect Sigurd Lewerentz.

Before the film, Matt Niebuhr will share a few reflections and slides from his experience visiting Lewerentz’s work. The filmmaker will also provide a brief video introduction.

🍿 Popcorn for the screening is sponsored by Shive-Hattery Architecture+Engineering.

Join us for an evening of architecture, film, and conversation.

🎬 Watch the trailer and get tickets through FilmScene: https://icfilmscene.org/film/lewerentz-divine-darkness/

📍 FilmScene, Iowa City
📅 Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m.

08/19/2026

Sponsor Spotlight: Pigott

We’re proud to spotlight Pigott, an Iowa Architectural Foundation sponsor and a leader in creating inspiring spaces since 1942.

Pigott is the exclusive MillerKnoll dealer and Falkbuilt Factory Direct Branch serving Iowa and South Dakota. They support commercial, healthcare, education, and government clients to create environments that empower people to do their best work and help companies prosper.

Pigott proudly supports the IAF and its mission to inspire appreciation for architecture through education, outreach, and community engagement.

Thank you, Pigott, for helping us connect people with the built environment!

08/18/2026

The Iowa Architectural Foundation and FilmScene are proud to co-present a special screening of LEWERENTZ DIVINE DARKNESS on Tuesday, August 25, a documentary exploring the work and legacy of Swedish architect Sigurd Lewerentz.

Before the film, Matt Niebuhr will share a few reflections and slides from his experience visiting Lewerentz’s work. The filmmaker will also provide a brief video introduction.

🍿 Popcorn for the screening is sponsored by Shive-Hattery Architecture+Engineering.

Join us for an evening of architecture, film, and conversation.

🎬 Watch the trailer and get tickets through FilmScene: https://icfilmscene.org/film/lewerentz-divine-darkness/

📍 FilmScene, Iowa City
📅 Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m.

08/14/2026

With BRAVO, we’re helping people discover the architecture of Greater Des Moines.

With support from Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Iowa Architectural Foundation is able to offer Architecture on the Move, a series of guided walking tours that invite residents and visitors to explore the buildings, neighborhoods, and stories that shape our community.

Each year, more than 200 people join us across six tours. In recent years, we’ve also welcomed visitors from across the U.S., Europe, and South America—sharing the story of Des Moines architecture with audiences near and far.

And today, we’re doing it again! Join us for our August Architecture on the Move tour and see Des Moines from a new perspective.

Thank you, BRAVO, for helping make these experiences possible!

🎟️ Tickets & details: https://AOM2026.eventbrite.com

08/05/2026

Discover Des Moines through the eyes of an architect.

Join the Iowa Architectural Foundation for the next Architecture on the Move walking tour on Friday, August 14. Explore the stories behind the buildings, neighborhoods, and design that shape our city, guided by local experts.

Whether you're passionate about architecture or simply looking for a unique evening out, this tour offers a fresh perspective on the places you thought you knew.

🎟️ Reserve your spot today through the link in our bio or at AOM2026.eventbrite.com.

08/04/2026

Have you ever stopped to look up and really notice the buildings around you? The Greater Des Moines Partnership recently highlighted this idea in their story “Look Up, Des Moines,” featuring how the built environment shapes the way we experience our city.

Join the Iowa Architectural Foundation for Architecture on the Move and discover the details, stories, and design decisions behind some of Des Moines’ most interesting spaces. Our guided walking tours offer a new perspective on the places we pass every day.

Read the Partnership story and then come explore with us:
https://www.dsmpartnership.com/stories/look-up-des-moines

Learn more and register for the next Architecture on the Move on August 14: https://AOM2026.eventbrite.com