Neumann Monson Architects is proud to announce that three of our design projects have won 2026 Green Good Design Sustainability Awards, an accomplishment that further highlights our commitment to excellent sustainable design.
The Green Good Design Sustainability Award is a joint effort by The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design that champions great designs which inspire "greater progress toward a ... healthier and more sustainable universe.”
The University of Iowa HealthCare North Liberty Campus was designed to improve patient, visitor, and staff experience and wellness, all while excelling in environmental performance. The building envelope incorporates several strategies to ensure high performance and energy reduction. The goal was reducing energy use by at least 20% (compared to 2012 Iowa IECC); the final design had a 65% reduction. Furthermore, the project has several elements that aim to increase biodiversity and ecological value, including stormwater management and plantings of native grasses and trees.
The Iowa Conservatory was a renovation of a historic Brewery Square building that demonstrates the ecological benefits of adaptive reuse. The exposed materials of the old building were preserved where possible, reducing the use of new materials while creating an interior design reaches back through history. The design is also modular, ensuring the building can be reconfigured to meet the needs of the future without remodeling or demolition.
Pella Little Dutch Academy addressed longstanding early childhood care needs for the community with a design that supports safety and ease-of-use for its occupants. Using generous natural light and consistent connections to outdoor areas, the building not only creates a rich sensory experience for students but also retains excellent thermal and energy performance.
We are proud to put forward designs that benefit the environment and help make our communities happier, healthier, and more connected. We thank the awards committee and the many community members and teams that help make these places a reality.