We are proud to announce that Nathan Griffith, AIA, has been named a recipient of the 2022 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Young Architects Award. The national award recognizes individuals who have impacted the profession through significant contributions and leadership early in their architectural careers.
Nathan joined Neumann Monson’s Iowa City studio after graduating from Iowa State University in 2008. Since then, his talents have matured and informed a wide range of projects, including high school gyms, community centers, and mixed-use developments that stand as award-winning symbols of community pride. Projects such as the Cascade High School Addition, have won design awards from AIA Central States and AIA Iowa, and brought elegant and pragmatic design solutions to communities not accustomed to them. In 2017, he became a shareholder in the firm and, in 2020, received the AIA Iowa Young Architect Award.
He was a founding member of Neumann Monson’s Design Quality (DQ) group and the Publications team. Since DQ’s formation, Neumann Monson has dramatically outpaced all other firms in the region with AIA design awards. The Publications team has leveraged these recognitions, getting Neumann Monson’s work and knowledge featured in over 120 publications, including national and international outlets.
In tandem with his design efforts at Neumann Monson, he is fueled by community mentorship. Over the past eight years, Nathan has engaged hundreds of K-12 students, introducing them to the architecture profession, architectural history, sustainability, and design thinking.
Nathan’s early career has shown a commitment to making palpable impacts on those around him. Through thoughtful engagement with and beyond the walls of his firm, he will continue to influence future generations of architects. His tenacious drive to empower communities through design, education, and volunteerism makes him a leader among architects in Iowa and beyond.
Congratulations to Nathan on this well-deserved honor!