Team
About Damion
Prior to joining SVPA Architects, Damion was the lead architect at a design-build architecture and engineering firm, specializing in commercial and residential spaces. He was involved in all aspects of the design process, performed construction administration for design projects and collaborated with outside consultants, contractors and other construction professionals. In addition, Damion was a Safety Manager, and led monthly training sessions for employees to review OSHA standards and industry best practices and performed safety inspections and accident investigations at construction sites.
What inspires you?
“Problem-solving. As a design professional you must be a problem-solver and enjoy a challenge. The projects I work on vary from new buildings to interior remodels. There are many challenges and opportunities along the way, so I must remain flexible and have a can-do attitude because there are always changes along the way that need to be addressed and problems that need to be solved.”
When did you know you wanted to be an architect?
“I figured out I wanted to be an architect in my late twenties. I worked a variety of jobs in construction and served in the Army for nine years before deciding to go back to school after my son was born to get my architecture degree. These experiences allowed me to gain some real-life experiences and make me a better architect today having done the work in the field to better understand the complete construction process.”
Joined SVPA Architects
November 2019
Education
Iowa State University, Master of Architecture, 2010
Iowa State University, Bachelor of Liberal Studies, 2008
Inver Hills Community College, Associate in Science, Construction Management, 2002
Professional Affiliations
American Institute of Architects (AIA), Member
AIA Iowa, Previous Convention Committee Member
Registrations
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, Certificate Holder
Licensed Architect in Iowa
OSHA 30 Hour Construction Certified
First Aid/CPR Certified
Certified Healthcare Manager
Community Involvement
Urbandale Food Pantry, Volunteer
Echo Valley Bible Ranch, Volunteer
Des Moines Christian School, Previous Facilities Committee Member
Notable Project Experience
- Bondurant-Farrar Community School District, Junior High School, Bondurant, IA
- Des Moines Christian High School Addition, Urbandale, IA
- Iowa City Community School District, Northwest Junior High, Coralville, IA
- Karl Chevrolet
- Pre-Owned Store, Glidden, IA
- Dealership Expansion, Stuart, IA
- Keokuk Community School District, Facilities Assessment, Keokuk, IA
- Scharnberg Barn, St. Mary’s, IA
- Vibrant Credit Union, Moline, IL
- Washington Community School District, Facilities Assessment, Washington, IA
As a design professional you must be a problem-solver and enjoy a challenge. There are many challenges and opportunities along the way, so I must remain flexible and have a can-do attitude because there are always changes along the way that need to be addressed and problems that need to be solved.
- Damion Spilman, AIA