Business Details
37 Years
experience
Iowa Architectural Foundation
Since 1989, the Iowa Architectural Foundation has been dedicated to inspiring appreciation for architecture and design across Iowa. Our mission focuses on education and outreach, connecting architects, designers, educators, and enthusiasts to enhance community quality through design. We offer diverse programs like architectural walking tours, community education courses, and youth initiatives such as Adventures in Architecture, a weeklong day camp for middle schoolers. Governed by a statewide board and led by an executive director, we collaborate with local institutions to promote thoughtful stewardship of built environments.Our volunteer-driven efforts include events like Architecture Month and partnerships with organizations like Knoll and Drake University to highlight Iowa's architectural heritage. By engaging residents and visitors alike, we aim to provoke positive change and inspire future generations to invest in design excellence.
Services
Walking Tours
Youth Programs
Community Workshops
Design Education
Volunteer Opportunities
Public Lectures
School Partnerships
Event Programming
Historic Preservation
Design Exhibitions
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer educational programs connecting architecture professionals with communities.
- Our volunteer-led initiatives include seasonal walking tours and youth design camps.
- We collaborate with universities and design firms for specialized architectural events.
- We provide community education courses on architectural history and urban design.
- Our statewide board ensures programs reflect Iowa's diverse design heritage.
Services
Architectural Walking Tours
Seasonal public and private walking tours explore Des Moines' architectural heritage. Led by professional architects, these tours examine historic buildings, modern developments, and urban design patterns. Participants gain insights into how architecture shapes community identity and functionality.
Youth Education Programs
Adventures in Architecture summer camps engage middle schoolers with hands-on design projects. Professional mentors guide students through architectural concepts using interactive activities that demonstrate practical applications of math, science, and art in building design.
Community Workshops
Interactive workshops teach architectural principles to diverse audiences. Topics include historic preservation, sustainable design, and urban planning. Participants learn to analyze built environments and contribute meaningfully to community development discussions.
School Partnerships
Collaborative programs with K-12 schools integrate architecture into standard curricula. Activities include classroom presentations, field trips to significant buildings, and design competitions that develop critical thinking and spatial awareness skills.
Public Lectures
Expert-led lectures cover architectural history, innovative design practices, and urban development challenges. These events foster dialogue about design's impact on daily life while showcasing Iowa's architectural heritage and contemporary projects.
People
Laura Porter
Executive Director
Laura Porter leads the Iowa Architectural Foundation's initiatives, connecting communities with architectural resources. With extensive nonprofit experience, she manages educational programs and develops partnerships to advance design appreciation across Iowa.
Scotney Fenton
Volunteer
Scotney Fenton contributes to the foundation's educational programs as a dedicated volunteer. His expertise in historic preservation helps highlight Iowa's architectural heritage through public lectures and community outreach initiatives.
Michelle Sacco
Past Chair
Michelle Sacco served as IAF Board Chair, guiding strategic initiatives to promote architectural education. Her leadership helped expand youth programs and develop partnerships with design professionals across Iowa.
Gina Verdoorn
Board Member
Gina Verdoorn contributes architectural expertise to the foundation's board. She develops educational content and leads tours that demonstrate how design principles shape functional, aesthetically pleasing built environments.
Steve Stimmel
Volunteer
Steve Stimmel volunteers for the foundation's outreach programs, sharing architectural knowledge through public lectures and educational events. His work focuses on connecting historic design principles with contemporary urban development needs.
Questions
What is the Iowa Architectural Foundation's primary mission?
We inspire appreciation for architecture and design through educational programs, community engagement, and cultural events across Iowa.
What youth programs do you offer?
Adventures in Architecture summer camps and school partnerships teach design principles to K-12 students through hands-on projects.
How can I participate in architectural tours?
Seasonal walking tours in Des Moines explore local landmarks, with expert-led discussions about architectural history and urban design.
Are there volunteer opportunities available?
Yes! We welcome volunteers for event planning, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives related to architecture.
What community impact do your programs create?
Our initiatives foster understanding of design's role in quality of life, encouraging stewardship of Iowa's built environment.
