SUBSTANCE ARCHITECTURE - Key Persons
I believe behind every great architectural design is an efficient process and a collaborative spirit.
I believe in design that echoes research, ensuring environments that prioritize health and productivity.
My journey into architecture has led me across a spectrum of markets, from workspace design and higher education to civic facilities. Since joining Substance Architecture in 2017 I've been involved in over 25 tenant improvement and design standard projects, both locally and across the nation. My design approach is firmly anchored in research, aiming to create spaces that are conducive to health and productivity. My interdisciplinary background equips me with the unique skill of synthesizing seemingly unrelated elements into a coherent design narrative. It's a joy for me to realize a client's vision, smoothly steering through the complexities and embracing the serendipitous moments that the process unfurls. Clients often appreciate my quick responses and my unwavering positive approach to challenges, both big and small.
Experience
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) Art Bus Shelters
I am inspired by design's potential to transform and enrich our world, weaving personal life and stories into the broader narrative of design.
With a background in landscape architecture and more than a decade of marketing experience, I've always aimed to blend creativity with purpose. I pride myself on attention to detail, strategic thinking, and my natural ability to forge enduring relationships. My experiences, which include working for landscape architecture, golf course design, and full-service real estate firms, have provided me a comprehensive view of the design profession and a deep understanding of client needs and desires.
I'm deeply motivated by the challenge of creating architecture that embodies intelligence, beauty, and enduring quality.
Central to my approach is a genuine desire to comprehend my clients' aspirations fully. I believe in crafting spaces that not only fulfill functional requirements but also evoke a profound sense of beauty and purpose. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working on a diverse array of projects, ranging from university campuses to corporate headquarters and intimate homes. Specializing in higher education and athletics, I'm dedicated to blending innovation with a deep appreciation for my clients' unique needs and aspirations. My passion lies in creating architecture that not only withstands the passage of time but also serves as a tangible embodiment of each client's vision.
I believe in designing spaces that echo the stories, passions, and dreams of those who inhabit them.
I believe in design that is built on a strong understanding of the project's environment and needs, reflecting the purpose and history of buildings and places.
With experience in both Europe and America, I bring a well-rounded perspective that balances aesthetics with functionality. I am passionate about user-centered design, ensuring every project-from small additions to large university facilities- prioritizes the comfort and needs of its users. I strive to create a coherent architectural image that melds structure, space, materiality, and user experience. My dedication to both details and the overarching vision ensures that each project resonates deeply with its context and its users, resulting in spaces that endure and inspire.
Widely regarded as one of the leading design practitioners in the Midwest, Substance Architecture co-founder Paul Mankins dedicated his career to designing significant award-winning projects, influencing aspiring architects, and promoting design at the highest levels before retiring from Substance in 2022. For Paul, architecture reflects the values of its place-focused, direct, and tailored to the specific physical and cultural context. This philosophy remains fundamental to the culture of the firm today.
Paul's efforts resulted in a significant body of work recognized with more than 130 design awards, including more than 65 from the AIA. He continues to extend this passion for design by serving as a frequent speaker and design awards juror nationwide. In recognition of his accomplishments, Paul received the Design Achievement Award from Iowa State University's College of Design in 1998. In addition, he has been recognized with some of the highest individual honors bestowed by the AIA including the Young Architects Award (2003), admission to the College of Fellows in Design (2004), the Richard Upjohn Fellowship (2011), and the AIA Iowa Medal of Honor (2013). In 2022, Paul received the AIA Award for Excellence in Public Architecture. He is one of just fifteen private-sector architects recognized in the thirty-year history of the award. In 2023, Paul served as Chair of the AIA's Committee on Design.
To me, architecture is about possibilities-connection, collaboration, and endless potential in every project. I see myself as a champion of this process, in finding and using these opportunities to create even better, more meaningful design.
I see possibilities in design. With over 30 years of experience, I've learned to see the world as a vast canvas of design opportunities. My educational journey from Iowa State University, Yale, and studies in France, have deepened my appreciation for art, architecture, and culture. I'm not just a designer; I'm a firm believer in the power of collaboration and the beauty of diverse voices coming together. Serving the Des Moines, IA community, particularly in the realms of visual arts and literature, has always been a passion. My commitment to clients, coupled with my optimistic approach to challenges, guides every step of my architectural journey, ensuring each project not only stands out in design but also in meaning and impact.
I've always believed that the best designs emerge when we genuinely listen to the stories and needs of the people we're creating for.
For three decades, I've investigated the nuances of how spaces and experiences mold identities. I am passionate about guiding clients and teams through a process that unveils unexpected opportunities across diverse scales and contexts. Whether the outcome is a renowned structure or a compelling tale, my favorite projects are those that are the result of seamless collaboration. The alliances between designers, client groups, and builders produce architecture that not only houses its occupants but connects them to narratives far greater than the structure itself. My commitment extends into every venture, creating spaces that act as bridges to larger stories and visions.
I'm passionate about designing spaces that mirror each client's unique culture and values, bringing together interiors and architecture in a harmony that stands the test of time.
Throughout my journey in architecture, I've been drawn towards interiors, finding immense joy in the play of materials, finishes, and how they breathe life into a vision. Every client, every project, is an opportunity to discover and showcase their distinct culture and style. At the heart of it all, seeing spaces I've designed come alive and become a daily source of joy for clients is what fuels my passion.