Look Up, Des Moines

Architecture is often thought of as something static — buildings, skylines, blueprints. But in Greater Des Moines (DSM), architecture is also a conversation. It is the stories behind our neighborhoods, the people shaping our communities and the experiences that connect residents to the places they call home.

That idea is at the heart of the work of the Iowa Architectural Foundation.

For nearly four decades, the Foundation has worked to inspire an appreciation for architecture and design across Iowa. Through walking tours, youth programs, photography and art contests, public events and volunteer engagement, the organization helps people see their communities in a new way, not just as places to pass through, but as places intentionally shaped by creativity, history and civic investment.

Iowa Architectural Foundation walking tour

Iowa Architectural Foundation Programming

One of the Foundation’s most visible recurring programs is Eat|Drink|Architecture in Downtown Des Moines (DSM), an event that kicks off the spring walking tour season by pairing architectural storytelling with food and drink stops. Once the monthly May–October Architecture on the Move tour season begins, attendees might find themselves exploring the Historic East Village one evening, learning about adaptive reuse in a former warehouse district the next or hearing firsthand from architects and designers who helped bring a space to life.

The IAF’s tours and workshops attract longtime design enthusiasts and first-time attendees alike. For many, it becomes a new way to experience the city.

“I can’t count the number of times people have walked away saying “I’ve driven past this building my whole life but have never looked up!” said Ryan Ellsworth, AIA, longtime guide and IAF trustee. “Once you begin to understand the history and contextual influences that shape our buildings, you start looking at our city in a different way.”

Building Momentum in Greater Des Moines

That sense of connection is something the Foundation sees as closely aligned with the mission of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and the broader momentum happening across the region. As Greater Des Moines continues to grow, conversations about placemaking, quality of life, downtown vitality and talent attraction increasingly intersect with architecture and design.

The Foundation’s impact extends well beyond adult tours and events. Each year, volunteer architects, designers, engineers, and allied professionals help lead educational programs for students across Iowa. Through Architecture in the Schools presentations, summer camps, art contests and career fairs, students are introduced to the ways design influences everyday life.

Those programs rely heavily on volunteers who donate their time and expertise.

“One of the most rewarding parts is seeing students realize that architecture isn’t just iconic buildings, it’s the everyday spaces around us,” said Stacey Hanley, AIA, Chair of the Architecture in the Schools Committee. “When design is done well, it can make life feel more vibrant, meaningful and connected, but when it’s done poorly, people feel that too. Helping students recognize the power of design changes how they experience their communities.”

That volunteer spirit is central to how the Foundation operates. Architects lead walking tours. Designers mentor students. Community members help organize events and serve on committees. Industry partners provide sponsorships, host tours, and open their doors to the public.

The result is an organization powered by people who care deeply about the future of Iowa’s communities.

Looking ahead, the Foundation continues to expand opportunities for public engagement throughout the year. Monthly Architecture on the Move walking tours run from spring through fall, while annual Architecture Month programs like Snapshot Iowa and the ABC (Architecture by Children) Art Contest invite Iowans of all ages to explore the built environment through photography and art.

For those interested in getting involved, there are many ways to participate – attending an event or workshop, volunteering, sponsoring a program, hosting a tour stop, or helping introduce students to careers in design and construction.

More information about upcoming programs, tours, and volunteer opportunities can be found at Iowa Architectural Foundation, and free digital content, including the Architreasures film series, is available on the Iowa Architectural Foundation Youtube Channel.

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Laura Porter

Laura Porter is the Executive Director of the Iowa Architectural Foundation. Laura Porter is Executive Director of the Iowa Architectural Foundation, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to increasing awareness of the value of architecture and design to Iowa communities. She collaborates with design professionals to deliver enrichment programs that deepens understanding and inspire appreciation for architecture in Iowans of all ages.