What is the Iowa Schools Guidebook on Architecture?
The Iowa Schools Guidebook on Architecture is a new, free resource from AIA Iowa. Created for Iowa School Administrators and School Boards, it will serve as a guide for the architectural design and construction process in Iowa for both new and existing buildings. The Guidebook covers topics from selecting an architect to project delivery methods to considerations for design and construction.
The audience for the guidebook includes School Board Members, School Administrators, and School Facility Managers.
How did you know this resource was needed?
In 2022, a law was passed in Iowa to allow the Construction Manager at Risk project delivery method to be used by public owners up until this point the only allowed delivery type was Design-Bid-Build. The initial reason why we created this guide was to help Iowans serving in applicable roles to make the decision as to which delivery method to use and then navigate them. We have found that the other areas included in the guide such as the area on Selection Process, Design Considerations, Case Studies, and more were needed as well.
Can you describe your collaboration with schools and firms in developing this resource?
We worked with a number of AIA Iowa members across the state to develop this guidebook. The core content was written by our Advocacy & Outreach Committee volunteers, then compiled and additional content was added by Chapter staff. Before publishing, volunteers reviewed and edited the final version. We also reached out to AIA Iowa member firms to gather images and case study information to include in the guide and provided space for listings which helped us obtain the funding to print hard copies of the booklet. Since its publication, we've partnered with the Iowa Association of School Boards and School Administrators of Iowa. We've attended their conferences, distributing printed copies and bookmarks with a QR code for the digital version. We also sent letters to their respective contacts to help spread the word about this wonderful new resource.
More about Jessica Reinhart, Hon. AIA Iowa
Jessica A. Reinert, Hon. AIA Iowa, CAE, IOM, is a dedicated association executive with a passion for advancing the architecture profession. As Executive Director of AIA Iowa, she brings over two decades of leadership experience in advocacy, member engagement, and organizational development. Jessica is recognized for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to elevating the voices of design professionals across Iowa and beyond. She currently serves as the AIA CACE liaison to K-12 IDEA, the AIA Board Committee EQFA, and is a past AIA CACE Vice President. In 2014 she was honored by the AIA with the AIA Emerging Executive Award and in 2023 the AIA Executive of the Year. She understands architects have the ability transform schools, students, and communities. As a mother of two and an aunt to six, she is greatly passionate about this subject and has watched them firsthand learn and grow in architect-designed spaces. She truly believes good design makes a difference.