Team
About Jon
Jon enjoys the rich process of architecture through meeting needs with creative design. He prides himself on his ability to listen to the client and provide innovative solutions with attention to detail in every project. Jon weighs alternative approaches to meet his clients’ needs, balancing aesthetics with efficient, well-considered building systems. The result is efficient, low-maintenance and architecturally pleasing facilities. Jon’s 20 years of architectural experience, previous experience in construction and strong grasp of building technology allows him to develop cooperative relationships with the building trades that facilitate the construction process.
What phase of a project is your favorite and why?
“Schematic Design is my favorite phase of design. It is at this stage where you understand the space needs of the client and it is now time to explore what possibilities there are, given the site constraints, project budget and owner’s feedback on architectural style preferences. Testing out different plan layouts and building forms makes this phase very engaging and challenging. The end goal is to blend space needs with a building form that complements the site and considers other design considerations such as space adjacencies, energy efficiency, building maintenance and future building expansion needs.”
When did you know you wanted to be an architect?
“At a very young age I was constantly building, exploring woods, building shelters and forts. I became fascinated with taking raw, unformed material and with my own hands, construct something useable and beautiful. I admit the desire for beauty came later in life. My early childhood “work” taught me how to use materials properly and how to build structures. It took some time before I decided to become an architect having first earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, but I am glad I kept on pursuing my passion for the built environment and can use my talents and gifts to make life better for those who occupy buildings I have been a part of designing.”
Joined SVPA Architects
September 2007; became a stockholder in 2013
Education
Iowa State University, Master of Architecture, 2002
Northwestern College, Bachelor of Arts, 1998
Professional Affiliations
American Institute of Architects (AIA), Member
Registrations
Licensed Architect in Iowa
Honors & Awards
Varco Pruden Metal Building Award, VP Hall of Fame 2007, The Bridge
Notable Project Experience
- B.E. Smith Family Center, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, Merriam, KS
- Bondurant-Farrar Community School District, Bondurant, IA
- Junior High School
- High School Addition & Renovations
- Central College, Scholte Hall Renovation, Pella, IA
- Iowa City Community School District
- Liberty High School, North Liberty, IA
- North Central Junior High School, North Liberty, IA
- Northwest Junior High School, Coralville, IA
- New Hope Assembly of God, Phases 1 & 2, Urbandale, IA
- Pella Corporation, Building 28, Pella, IA
- St. Pius X Catholic Church, Urbandale, IA
- University of Iowa Information Technology Facility, Iowa City, IA
- Valley Community Center, West Des Moines, IA
- Vermeer, Pella, IA
- Plants #1 Addition, 2 & 3
- Yellow Iron Academy
- Winterset Community School District, High School, Winterset, IA
I enjoy the rich process of architecture through meeting needs with creative design.
- Jon R. Oosterhuis, AIA