Des Moines, Iowa (August 11, 2010)

Several members of the American Institute of Architects, Iowa Chapter (AIA Iowa) have been recognized as participants in the AIA Iowa Citizen Architect Program by AIA Iowa for his service to the community of Des Moines Metro Area.

Among the participants is Scotney Fenton, AIA, of RDG Planning & Design. Scotney is incredibly active advocating and educating about Historic Preservation in the state. He currently serves on the Des Moines Historic Preservation Commission. On the commission he is an advocate for local historic preservation efforts. The commission reviews applications for proposed changes to historic buildings within Des Moines, and then recommends approval or denial of these changes to the Des Moines city council.

Naura Heiman Godar, AIA, of StruXture Architects is also active with Historic Preservation in the state of Iowa. She is a board member and incoming president of Preservation Iowa. Preservation Iowa works to educate and advocate for historic preservation. They build partnerships enhancing our economic and cultural future through the preservation of Iowa's historic resources. Yearly events include "Preservation at it's best" awards, "Iowa's most endangered properties list" and other awareness programs. The annual Preservation Convention is September 17-20 in Red Oak, Iowa. http://www.vintageredoak.com/

Iowa's Chapter of USGBC (United States Green Building Council) is represented by two participants in the Des Moines Metro Area; Tim Bungert, Associate AIA, and Eric Wessels, AIA. Both members serve on the Programming and Education Committee where they arrange continuing education opportunities for their members. This year the USGBC is launching a new push to offer continuing education opportunities for LEED APs who want to transition to the new LEED AP+ accreditation. These architects are taking a lead in the solutions to the energy and environmental advancements that will take place. Tim Bungert is employed at Brooks Borg Skiles Architecture and Engineering, Eric Wessels is the owner of PencilWERKS.

Clause Architects owner and architect Tom Clause, AIA, sits on the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners. At the request of the Governor's office for the last three years Tom has helped institute the National Council of Architectural Registration Board's (NCARB) standards and worked toward building code coordination with Iowa's State Fire Marshal's office.

Several participants in the Citizen Architect Program use their expertise in architecture and project planning to help their cities. Each commission serves as a recommending body on proposed building projects to their city council.

Among Planning and Zoning Commissioners are: SVPA's Scott Hatfield, AIA, is the West Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission's Vice Chair. Scott was appointed 15 years ago, and is an advocate for quality design and sustainability in the City of West Des Moines. The commission meets every two weeks to review various potential projects in the City of West Des Moines.

The Waukee Planning & Zoning Commission has engaged the skills of Frank Hoifeldt, Associate AIA, of RDG Planning & Design since 1992. Waukee has gone through a significant amount of growth since he became involved. The commission is now actively is promoting LEED design as much as possible in potential building projects.

Potential building projects for the City of Urbandale are reviewed individually by the Board of Appeals group for code compliance, ordinance compliance, and design critique. Rod Stevens, AIA, of Pioneer Hi-Bred is currently the Chair of this committee. For nearly 20 years he has put his skills and knowledge as an architect to use on the Board for the City of Urbandale.

Paul Mankins, AIA, serves as the President of the Board of Directors for the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation. He is from Substance Architects and has served on the board for five years. Paul works with the Foundation because of the important role art plays in the public realm. The organization currently has several projects in the planning stages for areas in and around Des Moines Central Business District as well as programs in several Des Moines neighborhoods.

Also working to beautify the City of Des Moines is Tim Hielkema, AIA. He serves on the Neighborhood Revitalization Board of Des Moines. Five years ago he was appointed by his city councilperson. The Neighborhood Revitalization Board advises City Council and Board of Supervisors on housing improvement and neighborhood revitalization efforts through the oversight of the Community Development, Community Housing and Neighborhood Development departments. In addition, they provide funding for the City of Des Moines SCRUB (clean-up)days and sponsor the recent National Night Out.

Daniel Willrich, AIA, of Hy-Vee, Inc. is an elected official for Dallas Center. Elected first in 2005 then re-elected in 2009, he saw an opportunity to help lay the groundwork for responsible growth in a community that will see considerable growth in the next 10 to 15 years. In addition to serving on the Council he serves as Mayor Pro-tem. Currently Dallas Center is working with the Iowa Stored Energy Park (ISEP) on their location in Dallas Center. ISEP is a sustainable source of energy wherein air is pumped into a rock formation 3,000 feet below ground then released to turn turbines and generate energy. On the city council and as part of the Citizen Architect Program Daniel strives for environmentally friendly solutions whenever the city takes on a project.

The Citizen Architect Program recognizes AIA Iowa members who represent AIA's values in their community through public service. To find out more about this program please contact Jessica Reinert at AIA Iowa, (515) 244-7502, or e-mail her at jreinert@aiaiowa.org.

Since 1857, the American Institute of Architects has represented the professional interests of America's architects. AIA Iowa, headquartered in Des Moines, is a statewide affiliate of the national AIA.

AIA members express their commitment to excellence in design and are proactive in the design of livable communities. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public, and colleagues of an AIA member architect's dedication to the highest standards in professional practice. For more information, go to www.aiaiowa.org or call 515.244.7502.

For interviews or pictures, please contact Jessica Reinert at AIA Iowa, (515) 244-7502, or e-mail her at jreinert@aiaiowa.org.