Business Details
Your Trusted Architects in Iowa City, IA
At Horizon Architecture, we believe in a collaborative design and build environment that creates delightful and durable solutions tailored to our clients' needs. Our team brings extensive experience across a wide range of projects, including commercial, residential, healthcare, and educational facilities. With a focus on high-performance building design, we integrate sustainability and functionality to deliver structures that stand the test of time. Our principals include licensed architects with LEED and Passive House certifications, ensuring expertise in environmentally conscious design. As a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, we combine military precision with creative innovation to provide client-focused solutions.Our process begins with understanding your unique requirements and evolves through iterative collaboration to transform ideas into reality. We specialize in construction project management, master planning, feasibility studies, and code compliance, ensuring every project meets regulatory standards while exceeding client expectations. Our commitment to community is reflected in our involvement with local organizations and sustainable initiatives, such as 3D printed concrete homes for affordable housing. With offices in Iowa City and serving clients across multiple states, we bring a deep understanding of regional contexts to every project.
Services
Architecture
High-Performance Building Design
Construction Project Management
Master Planning
Feasibility Studies
Code Review
Facility Analysis
Development Advisory
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in commercial and residential architecture.
- Our team includes LEED-certified and Passive House professionals.
- We provide collaborative design processes with direct client engagement.
- Our firm holds registrations in four U.S. states for broader service capability.
- We combine military precision with innovative design thinking.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- CPHC
- Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services focus on creating functional, sustainable spaces tailored to client needs. We specialize in commercial, residential, and institutional projects, combining technical expertise with creative design. Our team ensures compliance with all regulatory standards while prioritizing energy efficiency and long-term durability.
High-Performance Building Design
We design buildings that optimize energy efficiency and environmental impact. Our approach integrates passive house principles, LEED certification standards, and innovative materials. This service ensures structures meet rigorous performance metrics while maintaining aesthetic appeal and occupant comfort.
Construction Project Management
Our project management services coordinate all phases from concept to completion. We ensure timely execution, budget adherence, and quality control through experienced oversight. This includes contractor coordination, regulatory compliance, and client communication throughout the construction process.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive plans for long-term property development needs. This service analyzes site potential, zoning regulations, and sustainability opportunities to create phased implementation strategies for residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments.
Feasibility Studies
Our feasibility studies assess technical, financial, and regulatory aspects of proposed projects. We analyze site conditions, building codes, and cost projections to determine practicality and identify potential challenges before development begins.
People
Mike Nolan
Principal Architect
A licensed architect with LEED AP and CPHC certifications, Mike brings 15+ years of experience in residential and commercial projects. A former Air Force pilot, he founded Horizon Architecture to combine military precision with creative design thinking.
Lena Michalek
Sustainable Design Architect
LEED BD+C accredited architect specializing in sustainable design. With a master's in architecture and historic preservation, Lena focuses on environmentally conscious solutions that balance functionality with aesthetic appeal across diverse project types.
David Houston
Design Consultant
25-year architecture veteran with expertise in commercial, residential, and historic preservation projects. Founder of Homes 4 My Peeps nonprofit, David emphasizes sustainable solutions for community development and blight reduction.
Scott McDonough
Project Manager
Former owner of McDonough Structures, Scott contributes 20+ years of building and remodeling experience. His background in healthy housing and energy efficiency ensures practical, sustainable project execution from concept to completion.
Rawya Osman
Architecture Designer
LEED GA certified designer pursuing a Master of Architecture at Iowa State University. With academic and professional experience in Sudan and the U.S., Rawya integrates cultural perspectives into designs that balance personal expression with universal functionality.
Questions
What architectural services does Horizon Architecture offer?
We provide full-service architecture including design, construction documentation, and project management for commercial, residential, healthcare, and institutional projects.
Do you specialize in sustainable building design?
Yes, our team includes LEED-certified and Passive House professionals who integrate energy-efficient solutions into all project types.
What areas do you serve?
We operate from Iowa City and serve clients across Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, and Massachusetts with projects nationwide.
Can you handle historic preservation projects?
Yes, our team has extensive experience in historic preservation, including adaptive reuse of existing structures and maintaining architectural integrity.
Are you a certified minority-owned business?
We are registered as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Iowa Targeted Small Business (TSB).
What is your design process?
Our collaborative process begins with understanding client needs, followed by site analysis, conceptual design, budgeting, and detailed planning before construction begins.
