Blog

An architect’s goal is to capture your vision and make it a reality—but many do not know how this process works. If you are taking on a new building project, the road ahead can feel intimidating and confusing. You may wonder:

In the third season of the hit sitcom Seinfeld, Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer wander through a New Jersey parking structure searching for Kramer’s car. Elaine fears her goldfish will die before they make it home, and George worries he’ll miss his parents’ anniversary celebration. After a series of misadventures, they find the car—but not in time to save Elaine’s goldfish.

Let’s face it: construction projects are expensive. Additional funding through grants or tax credits can go a long way in helping you complete your project and achieve the quality you desire.

On average, people spend 90% of their time indoors. While interior spaces are necessary for most daily activities, they often cut off our access to nature. Thankfully, designers can bring the outdoors inside.

A standard brick and mortar building was once the only option for new construction. Today, the market has expanded to offer lower-cost alternatives. If you’re operating on a tight budget, you may be considering a pre-engineered metal building.

Architects wear many hats. Their job is to manage costs, lead you through the design and construction process, and coordinate with consultants and vendors. But perhaps most importantly, architects find design solutions that work for your organization and give you the greatest value for your dollar.

Sustainable design practices aim to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste, and produce healthy environments. While the core objectives of sustainable design are the same across the globe, architects must adapt to local environments.

Physical modeling is one of the most useful tools at an architect’s disposal. For centuries, the practice has helped architects solve complex problems and express ideas.

The architectural process can be long and complex, and throughout a project’s lifecycle, goals and priorities may shift. That’s why we periodically check in with clients and make sure expectations are aligning with experience.

We are excited to announce that Iowa City Public Works has earned a COTE Top Ten Award. Each year, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (COTE) honors ten projects that exemplify sustainable design excellence. This marks the second time a Neumann Monson project has received this national honor.