Announcing Our 2024 Staff Promotions
We are pleased to announce the promotion of six team members. These individuals join the firm’s existing leadership in a collective effort to support our mission of building trusting relationships, driving positive change, and redefining excellence. They have distinguished themselves as leaders, mentors, innovators, and collaborators who embody the firm’s values.
“These talented individuals exemplify excellence,” said President Tim Schroeder. “They make a profound impact on our clients while advancing our firm’s mission to create sustainable solutions that improve lives. Their value comes in many forms, but it is all driven to support the clients and communities we serve.”
Principals
Lyndley Kent, AIA, Principal - Des Moines Studio
In the 11 years since Lyndley joined Neumann Monson, her work has garnered national and regional recognition, including a 2021 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Iowa Young Architect Award and a 2021 AIA COTE Top Ten Award for Market One in Des Moines. Recently, she led the sustainable design efforts for our first Living Building Challenge project and spearheaded the pursuit and renewal of our Just Label.
Outside Neumann Monson, Lyndley serves as the 2024 AIA Iowa Board Treasurer and in the AIA National Committee on the Environment (COTE) Leadership group. She focuses on empowering women at all stages in their careers through her involvement with Iowa Women in Architecture (IAWIA).
Sally Obernolte, AIA, Principal - Iowa City Studio
Sally has practiced architecture and design for 22 years, 15 of which have been at Neumann Monson. She is a thoughtful and inclusive architect who resolves issues in pragmatic ways. Her diverse, award-winning work includes clients like the HNI Corporation and Pella Community School District.
Sally also led the Stanley Center for Peace and Security in its pursuit of a Living Building Certification. Outside of her project work, Sally leads the firm toward a more empathetic and mindful approach to client experience, which has been recognized with national awards.
Nick Lindsley, AIA, Principal - Iowa City Studio
Nick has made many significant contributions to local communities and the architectural profession over his 14-year career, with his impact extending well beyond his award-winning projects. In 2020, he was named a National Young Architect by the AIA. His project work includes clients like the City of Iowa City, the University of Iowa, and MidwestOne Bank.
Throughout his time at Neumann Monson, Nick’s leadership has helped shape the firm’s culture of design, mentorship, and service. He leads our Employee Onboarding process to identify and foster new talent for the Neumann Monson team and supports his colleagues through office initiatives, academic leadership, professional service, and community engagement.
Associate Principals
Brian Warthen, AIA, Associate Principal - Des Moines Studio
Known for his strong work ethic, Brian has been a leader and advocate for design excellence at Neumann Monson for 21 years. His experience includes high-use public buildings across Iowa, including the US District Courthouse for the Southern District of Iowa, State Historical Building remodeling projects, and the East Second Street Parking Structure in Des Moines. He also completed intermodal parking facilities for the cities of Dubuque and Coralville.
Brian is an AIA Iowa Board member and volunteers with the Iowa Architectural Foundation and Iowa Architect Editorial Board. He is also a member of the firm’s internal Quality Assurance team where he evaluates internal processes to improve design services for our clients.
Dan Broffitt, AIA, Associate Principal - Iowa City Studio
Dan is a leader by any measure. His vast technical expertise and its intersection with design excellence make him a valuable resource. He has co-led the firm’s Quality Assurance team since its inception over ten years ago, providing processes and tools to help project teams do their work more effectively at all stages of the design process.
With 20 years of experience, Dan manages some of our largest and most complex projects, including the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and the University of Iowa Athletics. He has also completed several projects for Shelter House, a non-profit social service agency that provides safe shelter and helps people improve the quality of their lives as they move beyond homelessness.
Associate
Jillian Riggan, Associate - Iowa City Studio
Since joining Neumann Monson in 2021, Jillian has emerged as a strong project leader and has contributed to many successful projects. Her experience spans a wide range of scales, locations, and functions, including corporate, healthcare, and hospitality. She seeks to improve health and wellness on each project and create design solutions that elevate the human experience.
Jillian’s passion for sustainability is deeply aligned with Neumann Monson’s core values. She was a key contributor to the Stanley Center for Peace and Security and the redesign of our Iowa City Studio, both of which are seeking certifications through the International Living Future Institute. Her exceptional leadership has earned her the regard and trust of clients and project team members.