BNIM

BNIM is honored to announce that The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center is the recipient of an AIA COTE Top Ten Award for 2024.👏

Click the link below to read more about this project!

The Harkin Institute
Drake University
AIA Iowa
The American Institute of Architects
MillerKnoll

2024 AIA COTE Top Ten Award recipient Tom and Ruth Harkin Center exemplifies inclusive, sustainable design | BNIM DES MOINES, IA (June 10, 2024) —BNIM is honored to announce that The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center is the recipient of an American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment (AIA COTE) Top Ten Award for 2024. The project serves as a new workplace, research space, and center for engagement f...

The new LifeServe Blood Center Corp HQ, Lab, & Donor Center is almost complete! LifeServe held a soft opening event for friends, family, and coworkers, and everyone marveled at the new digs. Kudos to LifeServe, Formation Group, BNIM, and all the consultants, vendors, trade partners, subcontractors, and suppliers that made this amazing project a reality.

Great group of people headed to Washington D.C. for the 2024 AIA Conference on Architecture & Design!

Opened in 2023, O'Brien Hall is the new home at Marquette University for the College of Business Administration, Graduate School of Management, and the university's innovation leadership programs. The latest business school is an inspiring, sustainable, and inclusive facility designed to serve the college and campus community in learning, engagement, and well-being.

Congratulations to the team responsible for designing and constructing O'Brien Hall at Marquette University for being awarded Wisconsin Masonry Alliance's 2024 Excellence in Masonry Best of Show and Excellence in Clay Masonry! https://www.wma-online.org/excellence-in-masonry

Architect: BNIM partnered with Workshop Architects, Inc.
General Contractor: JH Findorff
Mason: KMI Construction LLC
Distributor: County Materials Corporation

Pictured Here: Custom Blend of St Simon Light and Beaver Blend 127 Dart-Tex | Size: Modular, Custom Sloped Header Special Shape | Plant 8

"Following a disaster event, our goal is to help communities get back to normal as quickly as possible. People are able to get back to their homes and business through our work with the State, by assisting in structure and life safety evaluations." -Jason Kruse, Associate Principal, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C

Progress on the Path to the 2030 Challenge

The 2030 Challenge sets ambitious industry targets for reducing energy consumption from new buildings, with the goal of designing operationally carbon-neutral buildings by 2030, and embodied carbon-neutral buildings by 2040. In 2023, BNIM further refined our energy modeling capabilities and passive design strategies to meet these challenging benchmarks.

Our practices helped achieve a net 90% reduction in energy from baseline across our 10 million gross square feet of reported 2023 portfolio of projects.

In our latest blog post, James Baker, BNIM Associate, and Jeremy Knoll, Director of Sustainability and Regenerative Design, share details of BNIM’s progress on the path to the 2030 Challenge, key case studies of our sustainability plan in practice, and funding for sustainability solution.

Earth Month Mindful is Out! Link in bio.

BNIM is proud to support the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design in envisioning a future of innovation, creativity, connectedness, and environmental stewardship.

Slide 1: Kevin Nordmeyer, FAIA: Research and Teaching
Kevin's expertise in sustainable design led to an invitation to teach at Iowa State University in 2003. Over 7 years, he emphasized holistic sustainable design and the role of architecture in addressing the climate crisis and creating high-performing environments. Through his teaching, Kevin instilled in students a culture of environmental awareness and sustainable design methods. Before joining BNIM as a Principal, from 2009 to 2011, Kevin directed the Iowa Energy Center at Iowa State University.

His current research is a result of the design of The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center at Drake University. Kevin co-authored “All – A Guidebook of Strategies for Inclusive Design” with the Harkin Institute and MillerKnoll. This book serves as the beginning of continued research with the Harkin Institute to expand the qualities of design excellence through the development of purposeful inclusive design principles with the goal of creating standards that can be adopted by green building rating systems such as LEED, LFI, and Green Globes. This work aims to create a methodology to elevate design excellence for all.

Slide 2: Carey Nagle, FAIA: Advancing AIA values
Carey's impact within the profession reaches far beyond the contexts of his own projects and practice, leading to significant outcomes and catalyzing ripple effects across the region, U.S., and the world. Embodying AIA values, Carey's work has positively shaped the profession not only through his penchant for design excellence and high-performance innovation, but also through a career-long commitment to education, advocacy, mentorship, and collaboration.

Carey has presented at nearly 40 conferences and speaking engagements including the AIA National, AIA Iowa, COTE Top Ten, Greenbuild, Urban Land Institute, Society for College and University Planning, and Association of Academic Museums and Galleries. Through his work on the Des Moines Urban Design Review Board (UDRB), Carey has helped review 200+ projects valuing over $4.3 billion for the Des Moines community.

Wishing those who observe Ramadan light, love and the strength to overcome challenges. 🌙

Slide 1: Carey Nagle, FAIA - Leadership in Practice
Carey's work includes the Iowa Utilities Board-Office of Consumer Advocate (IUB-OCA), a LEED Platinum state-wide model for cost-effective energy efficiency, honored as an AIA COTE Top Ten (2012) and COTE Top Ten Plus (2014) recipient.

Located within downtown Des Moines, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) - Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA), for which Carey served as Project Architect and Project Manager, is a widely published and recognized exemplar of sustainable design and a testament to the environmental stewardship of the State of Iowa. The LEED Platinum certified IUB-OCA building sets a sustainable precedent for future projects at all levels of government, achieving rigorous goals in energy use and efficiency.

Slide 2: Kevin Nordmeyer, FAIA - Leadership in Sustainability and Advocacy
Kevin’s early pioneering work in sustainable design prior to larger adoption by the profession, afforded him the unique expertise to serve as a leader and advocate for design excellence across Iowa and the region.

He became and continues to be a visible and vocal champion for design excellence and sustainable architecture inside and outside the profession. His passion for design evangelism started through AIA Iowa leadership and extended into several other entities for the State of Iowa, City of Des Moines, not-for-profit community organizations, and advising colleges and leadership at Iowa State University. He is currently serving on a new not-for-profit - the Polk County Clean Energy District. He continues to be a source for local and state-wide media regarding design excellence, sustainable design, and now expanding those definitions to include design for all people.

Happy International Women’s Day!

BNIM celebrates the remarkable women whose talent, passion, and strength shape our firm's success. We extend our gratitude to all women in the industry for their tireless efforts in fostering equity and inspiring future leaders. ⁠

Laura Lesnieski and Jamie Intervalo had the opportunity to attend AIA’s 2024 Leadership Summit, held in Washington, DC in late February this year. Read about their important work in advocating for the future on our website! Link in bio.

Slide One: Over thirty years of practice, Kevin Nordmeyer has pioneered an integrated design method for sustainable design in Iowa and the Midwest including early model buildings realized prior to the creation of the USGBC and LEED rating system. Kevin’s considerate approach and recognized work have achieved multiple green building milestones for the profession including Iowa’s first sustainable building completed in 1994; Iowa’s first AIA COTE Top Ten recipient in 2002; and Iowa’s first LEED Platinum collegiate building in 2009.  
 
As a Principal at BNIM, Kevin has led the design of notable work at all scales from resilient community plans to high-performance university research centers in pursuit of elevating architecture. Through his projects, he consistently has focused on educating architects and the public about the positive impact buildings can have for the planet and the value of design for community. His diagnosis with MS in 2011 has afforded Kevin a unique viewpoint from which to now expand the definition of sustainable design for the profession to include a broadly inclusive and equitable mission. The recent design of The Tom and Ruth Harkin Center sets a new standard of sustainable and inclusive design for the profession. 

Slide Two: Carey Nagle is a nationally recognized architect who has advanced the values of the AIA through his commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and positive community impact. For over two decades in the profession, Carey has pursued his work with dedication, rigor, and integrity.  
 
Carey has impacted practice within two AIA National Firm Award-winning practices BNIM and HLKB Architecture, and RDG Planning & Design, achieving significant design outcomes, sustainable milestones for the state of Iowa and Midwest region, and national and international recognition. His work has guided the pursuit of design excellence among colleagues, collaborators, and industry peers, exemplifying AIA values and instilling a deep understanding of the responsibility of the architectural profession toward people and the planet. 
 

BNIM is thrilled to announce Carey Nagle and Kevin Nordmeyer have been elevated to The College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). Nagle and Nordmeyer are Principals in BNIM’s Des Moines studio whose synergistic strengths, exemplary leadership, and holistic approach to design excellence elevate BNIM’s core purpose and advance the profession. Nagle and Nordmeyer are among 98 architects elevated to Fellow, the highest AIA membership honor, for their significant contributions to architecture and society. The newly elevated members of the 2024 College of Fellows will be honored at the AIA Awards Gala, June 7, 2024, at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C.

This week on social media, we will be highlighting significant milestones in these two individuals careers.

BNIM Principals Carey Nagle and Kevin Nordmeyer elevated to College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects | BNIM DES MOINES, IA (March 4, 2024) —BNIM is thrilled to announce Carey Nagle and Kevin Nordmeyer have been elevated to The College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). Nagle and Nordmeyer are Principals in BNIM’s Des Moines studio whose synergistic strengths, exemplary leadersh...

BNIM is thrilled to announce Carey Nagle and Kevin Nordmeyer have been elevated to The College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). Nagle and Nordmeyer are Principals in BNIM’s Des Moines studio whose synergistic strengths, exemplary leadership, and holistic approach to design excellence elevate BNIM’s core purpose and advance the profession. Nagle and Nordmeyer are among 98 architects elevated to Fellow, the highest AIA membership honor, for their significant contributions to architecture and society. The newly elevated members of the 2024 College of Fellows will be honored at the AIA Awards Gala, June 7, 2024, at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C.

This week on social media, we will be highlighting significant milestones in these two individuals careers.

James Pfeiffer presents at 2024 Sarasota Design Conference and chairs jury for AIA Florida Gulf Coast Design Awards | BNIM James Pfeiffer, BNIM Principal, is a guest speaker at the 2024 Sarasota Design Conference presented by AIA Florida Gulf Coast March 1 - 2. This year’s conference features the theme of “Perspectives,” and focuses on the role of architects as agents of change in designing and proposing new parad...

03: The transformation of this existing building at 3101 Troost Avenue into Reconciliation Services’ (RS) Offices represents a whole-hearted reinvestment in a place and intersection with a history of disparities of health, education, and income between residents on either side of Troost for decades. The renovation supports RS in their mission confronting these disparities directly and their work creating living-wage jobs, increasing social and mental health services, and increasing equitable access to programming for community connection.��



https://www.bnim.com/blog/looking-ahead-bnim-projects-2024

02: In collaboration with Jacob’s Well of Kansas City, Sam De Jong and Laura Lesniewski have served on the design team for Asilong Christian High School Campus over the past decade, an ongoing project initiative supporting secondary education in West Pokot County, Kenya. The school’s latest project, a new community center and dining hall, will serve as a central gathering space for 300+ students and staff on campus as well as a community resource.



https://www.bnim.com/blog/looking-ahead-bnim-projects-2024

01: The New Terminal at Des Moines International Airport will provide a transformative, generous, intuitive, and comfortable passenger-oriented experience. BNIM and HNTB are working collaboratively to deliver this inviting new front door to Metropolitan Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa region. The Terminal’s program will include all major infrastructure for new check-in, baggage handling, concessions/retail, and security.



https://www.bnim.com/blog/looking-ahead-bnim-projects-2024

Looking Ahead: BNIM Projects in 2024

In BNIM’s 54 years as a practice, our work has led us to collaborate and connect with communities locally and across the world through human-purposed and high-performance design.

As we start off a new year at BNIM, we are excited to share a handful of projects on the design boards and in construction for 2024 that each hold important roles in supporting and positively impacting their communities through education, infrastructure, and community services.

We look forward to continuing to share updates from our projects, practice, and people this year!



https://www.bnim.com/blog/looking-ahead-bnim-projects-2024

Our thoughts are with Marsha Maytum’s loved ones and our friends at Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects this week as we remember and honor Marsha, her positive impact, and her tremendous legacy as a design practitioner and change-maker. Marsha moved the needle in our profession, redefining design excellence through her persistent pursuit of climate action, social justice, and practice with purpose. BNIM is proud to be part of a cohort of architects like Marsha Maytum, FAIA, who are deeply committed to the role we hold as architects and designers in our collective future. We call on our design community to help us honor Marsha's life and legacy by embracing her approach to mission-driven design.

Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, Kira Gould

Remembering and Honoring Marsha Maytum, FAIA | BNIM Our thoughts are with Marsha Maytum’s loved ones and our friends at Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects this week as we remember and honor Marsha, her positive impact, and her tremendous legacy as a design practitioner and change-maker. Marsha moved the needle in our profession, redefining design excell...

Yesterday's heartbreaking incident, unfolding amidst the joy and celebration of the Kansas City Chiefs parade, struck a nerve close to home. It occurred within a stone’s throw of our office, underscoring the reality of gun violence that infiltrates our communities. The statistics are chilling: according to the American Association of Pediatrics, firearm fatalities surged by an alarming 87.1% over a decade, from 1,311 deaths in 2011 to a staggering 2,590 deaths in 2021. Tragically, this surpasses car accidents as the leading cause of death among children and teenagers in the U.S.

In the wake of such tragedy, the sentiment is clear: enough is enough. We can no longer tolerate the normalization of violence that plagues our streets and events. It's not just a statistic; it serves as a reminder of the urgent need for change. As a community, we must unite in solidarity, demanding action to address the root causes of this epidemic. We owe it to our children, our neighbors, and ourselves to build a safer, more compassionate society. Let yesterday's events serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, as we come together to advocate for a future free from the fear of gun violence.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/darreonnadavis/2023/10/05/firearms-now-no-1-cause-of-death-for-us-children---while-drug-poisoning-enters-top-5/?sh=5c820c93609e

To all of our friends reaching out, thank you for your thoughts and support for our community here in Kansas City. What started as a beautiful celebration of our hometown team yesterday afternoon ended in absolute tragedy. A number of our BNIM staff attended the parade just down the street from our office in KC, and we are relieved to report that everyone is safe. We are grateful for the doctors and nurses, first responders, security officers, and so many others who were simply heroic. We are so saddened by this act of violence. Our hearts are with everyone affected. Our hearts are with KC.

Please join us this Thursday, January 25th, for the first community meeting for the Prairie Village Community Center tomorrow evening at Meadowbrook Park Clubhouse. See details below.
https://www.pvkansas.com/departments/projects/community-center-campus

BNIM has established a new office in Washington D.C. to expand project initiatives and strengthen the firm’s local presence on the East Coast. Ryan McCabe, AIA, and Carleigh Pope, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, are leading the firm’s studio expansion in the D.C. area to bring high-performance, human-purposed design to the Mid-Atlantic Region. Click the link to read more about this exciting news.

BNIM expands East Coast presence in new Washington D.C. office | BNIM WASHINGTON, DC (January 19, 2024) — BNIM has established a new office in Washington D.C. to expand project initiatives and strengthen the firm’s local presence on the East Coast. Ryan McCabe, AIA, and Carleigh Pope, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, are leading the firm’s studio expansion in the D.C. area to ...

Vote for the Stanley Museum of Art for the Building of the Year!

Voting open until January 28th.

Click the link to cast your vote on the Stanley Museum of Art.

BuildingOfTheYear In 2023 World-Architects presented 39 US Buildings of the Week, featuring short Q&As with architects about recently completed buildings in the United States.

Why Employees Are Taking Ownership of Their Architecture Firms BNIM in Kansas City is the latest major design firm to shift to an employee stock ownership model.

BNIM details the firm's transition to an employee-owned company model Kansas City-based architecture firm BNIM recently announced its decision to transition to an employee stock ownership plan (or ESOP) and trust.  The move was made in the fall and was brought about by an apparent desire to hand over control to younger employees, its senior leadership says...

BNIM congratulates Kimberly Dowdell, The American Institute of Architects 100th President! Click the link below to read more about this exciting news.

AIA’s 100th President: Kimberly Dowdell | BNIM AIA celebrated Kimberly Dowdell’s inauguration as AIA’s 100th President this past December at the annual Governance Week. As the incoming 2024 President, Kimberly will be succeeding Emily Grandstaff-Rice and preceding Evelyn Lee. This is the first time that the AIA will have three consecutive wo...

In recognition of a new chapter for BNIM as an employee-owned design company, we are excited to introduce a new iteration of our core purpose and our enduring values as a practice.

As we celebrate this holiday season and the start of 2024, we are grateful to all of those who inspire and motivate us to pursue our work with purpose.

When we come together to listen, engage, collaborate, and design with purpose, our work is shaped with intentionality and collective care to design for a better world. Our core purpose and enduring values reflect our history and guide our future as a practice at BNIM. We are excited to continue to work with all of you, our clients and communities, in 2024 to create places where everyone can thrive.

Wishing you a healthy, peaceful, and joyful holiday season from BNIM!



https://www.bnim.com/blog/purpose

Congratulations to our 7 new Associate Principals and 9 new associates! Click the link below to read more about this exciting news.

BNIM Announces New Associate Principals and Associates | BNIM BNIM is excited to announce the advancement of seven new Associate Principals and nine new Associates across the firm’s studios. Associate Principals Tina Wehrman, Levi Robb, Kayla Berkson, Jason Kruse, Alyssa Parsons, Mark Neibling, and Dana Sorensen demonstrate a commitment to excellence in qual...