I've always been drawn to art and making, but an architecture class in high school showed me how much I loved the process of designing and that I wanted to pursue it as a career. What I enjoyed most was the moment a two-dimensional drawing began to take shape as a three-dimensional space. One day, a friend told me he had dreamed that he was running through the house I had designed for class. It was the first time that something I had imagined on paper became a place for someone else to experience. I was hooked.
One of my early architectural mentors used to say, “Design is a dialogue.” That idea has stayed with me. I love listening to people, understanding what matters most to them, and working together to discover the opportunities within a project’s constraints. The best solutions rarely come from one person having all the answers. They emerge through conversation, curiosity, and a willingness to keep exploring together. Whether I’m working on a building, public art, or a birthday cake with my son, I’m happiest when I’m making something with other people.
What's an untapped passion you'd like to devote more time to?
Ha! Where do I start? I love making things, from craft cocktails and espresso drinks to welding and woodworking, and I especially enjoy creating spaces for people to come together and share experiences. In my fantasy life, I'd open a beautiful little neighborhood ice cream shop that served artisanal coffee by day and cocktails in the evening, furnished with handmade furniture and ceramics, and hosted neighborhood gatherings and concerts.
How do you use empathy in your work?
Empathy starts with trying to see things from someone else’s perspective, and on a project, that circle keeps widening. It starts with the client: understanding what matters most to them and what they hope a space will make possible. It extends to colleagues and consultants, understanding what they need to do their best work and where they’re coming from when we see things differently. And it reaches beyond the building itself to the spaces around and between buildings, where everyday life unfolds. Good design has to work at many scales at once.
Who or what has most shaped the way you think?
My mom has probably had the biggest influence on the way I think and approach life. She taught me to appreciate beauty, be curious about the world, and try new things. More importantly, she modeled a generosity of spirit by meeting people with openness and love, especially when their experiences differed from her own, and always acting with integrity. She taught me to work hard and do my best while always putting family first. Those lessons have shaped the way I try to live and work.
Education
Iowa State University (BArch)
Service
Iowa City Planning & Zoning Commission and Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee
Greater Iowa City's Community Development Innovation Council
Downtown District's Place Management Committee
Seven years on the Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee
2017 Community Leadership Program
Contact
smiller@neumannmonson.com
(319) 248-4800
