Team

About Bob

Bob’s architectural background includes office buildings for both corporate and institutional clients, K-12 and collegiate educational facilities, civic/municipal buildings, religious facilities, healthcare and senior living. His abilities as a talented designer and a strong project manager make him a very well-rounded architect. Bob’s responsibilities involve every aspect of the project from conceptual design through construction.

As part of SVPA’s leadership team, Bob is responsible for scheduling manpower for the office. Keeping the office running efficiently and selecting the right personnel for each project is part of Bob’s responsibilities.

For the past 35 years, Bob has taken personal pride in every aspect of his work, from quality design to quality documentation. He gains the greatest satisfaction when a client moves into a building, and thanks him personally for not only meeting their expectations, but for a building that exceeds their expectations.

What phase of a project is your favorite and why?

“My favorite phase of a project is Schematic Design. It is the early phase of design where we listen to a client’s needs and desires as well as tap into their preferences regarding aesthetics and material choices. From that, design develops with input from the owner and eventually concludes with a design the owner is happy with.”

When did you know you wanted to be an architect?

“I think I first became interested in being an architect after I completed my Architecture merit badge in Boy Scouts. I really liked to draw and had been fascinated by skyscrapers such as the John Hancock Center on our family trips to Chicago.”

Joined SVPA Architects

January 2004; became a stockholder in 2005; became a Vice President in 2010; became a Principal in 2016

Education

Clemson University, Master of Architecture, 1991

Iowa State University, Bachelor of Arts, Architecture, 1985

Professional Affiliations

American Institute of Architects (AIA), Member

Registrations

National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, Certificate Holder

Licensed Architect in Iowa, Missouri & Wisconsin

U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional

Community Involvement

City of Indianola Planning & Zoning Commission, Board Member

Notable Project Experience

  • City of Ankeny
    • Fire Stations #1, 2 & 3
    • City Hall Renovation
    • Public Services Building Renovation
  • City of Des Moines
    • Fire Station #1 Replacement
    • Fire Station #11
  • Drake University, Collier-Scripps Hall, Des Moines, IA
  • Hy-Vee, The Ron Pearson Center, West Des Moines, IA
  • Mercy Medical Clinics: Adel, Carlisle, Des Moines, Grimes, Indianola, Norwalk, Ottumwa, Waukee & West Des Moines, IA
  • Northwest Bank, Ankeny & West Des Moines, IA
  • R&R Realty Group
    • Brickstone Building
    • Sonoma Building
    • Newport Office Building
    • Paradigm Office Building, Phases 1 & 2
    • Westfield Campus
  • Simpson College, Indianola, IA
    • Steven Johnson Fitness Center
    • Blank Performing Arts Center
    • Kent Campus Center

The greatest satisfaction is when a client moves into a building, and thanks me personally for not only meeting their expectations, but for a building that exceeds their expectations.

- Robert T. Ormsby, AIA, LEED AP