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No matter where you are on your sustainability journey - whether you’ve recently finished a sustainable building or are just beginning to think about it - there are always ways to make a difference. Climate change impacts everyone, and figuring out what to do next can be challenging. No matter what, every step counts, big or small.

We are proud to announce that a friend of the firm, Alyanna Subayno, is one of four individuals nationally to receive the 2026 AIA Associates Award recognizing her contributions to our community, Neumann Monson, and the architecture industry.

As the electricity demand continues to rise—driven by data centers, AI, and electric vehicles—clean energy infrastructure is becoming an increasingly profitable investment. For property owners and developers, this shift presents an opportunity to integrate revenue-generating systems directly into building projects. From site planning strategies to building systems integration, architecture plays a key role in unlocking these opportunities.

When you start thinking about your next renovation or new commercial project, the affordability of an architect is probably going to be one of your top concerns. And it’s a fair one!

Financing a building project can be difficult, especially as costs continue to rise into 2026. Fortunately, the state of Iowa offers a range of financial support to help businesses afford their buildings and reinvest in their communities. From energy efficiency to historic preservation incentives, the opportunities below help reduce barriers for Iowans striving to build and renovate buildings.

Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) is a holistic certification system designed for all building types, addressing everything from material selection to energy and water use, as well as strategies for improving indoor air quality. LEED was first offered in 2000, establishing one of the world's first comprehensive standards for sustainable buildings.

When we think about the ways we can reduce stress, we often focus on our actions: taking deep breaths, going for a walk around the block, or listening to our favorite music. But the spaces we occupy also influence our stress levels. Thoughtful, stress-reducing architecture can create calmer, more pleasant experiences within a building without the occupants even noticing.

Hospitals have the potential to serve as much more than places where medical care is delivered. When thoughtfully designed, they can function as community resources—supporting patient and staff well-being, strengthening local connections, and contributing positively to their surrounding environments.

Waste is inevitable for a business. But when approximately 58% of landfill waste can be recycled or composted, proper disposal can make a meaningful difference in a business's impact on the environment. However, without the raw data on your waste output, you can’t know how effective your current recycling and composting efforts are, nor do you have the information to aim your efforts in the right direction.

Biophilia is the concept that humans are innately drawn to and connected with nature. When applied to architecture, biophilia becomes a framework for creating spaces that nurture both beauty and well-being.