Nick founded Emergent Architecture in 2017 and leads the firm with a focus on vision, culture, and people. He believes that strong teams create strong outcomes and works every day to support clients and colleagues so they can do their best work. He invests his time in building relationships across the Midwest through events, conversations, and meaningful partnerships. Nick is proud of many accomplishments, including the Denver Community School District projects and the long-standing partnership with the Decorah district. He is also proud of the firm itself and feels grateful for the team that brings Emergent’s work to life.

Outside of work, Nick is happiest with family and in nature. He enjoys exploring small towns across Northeast Iowa, visiting local breweries and restaurants, and spending time on the water whenever possible. He loves golf and coaches the girls’ golf team in Denver, which allows him to connect with people and enjoy the outdoors. Music is a meaningful part of his life. He learned guitar around the time he started Emergent and now helps lead worship at his church. Nick’s faith guides his approach to leadership and encourages him to serve others with care and intention.

Jesse co-founded Emergent Architecture in 2017 and plays a key role in guiding both projects and the firm as a whole. In addition to serving as Principal in Charge on his own projects, he helps align teams, oversee quality, review proposals, guide design direction, and ensure projects stay true to Emergent’s vision. His focus is on creating clarity, momentum, and shared purpose so teams and clients can move forward with confidence.

What Jesse enjoys most is finding design solutions that genuinely excite clients, especially ideas they had not considered but ultimately elevate the entire project. One of his proudest experiences was working on his hometown school in DNH, where his children now attend. That personal connection brings an added sense of responsibility and pride to the work.

Outside of the office, Jesse enjoys family camping trips, long road adventures, woodworking projects, and making music as a drummer of more than 35 years. He serves on several community boards, including Tri County Area Agency and Cedar Falls Main Street Betterment. Known for his calm presence and ability to read a room, Jesse leads with the belief that the best idea wins.

Justin serves as Chief Operating Officer, connecting strategy, people, and process to help Emergent operate as a cohesive and purpose-driven firm. His role spans across operations, culture, and firmwide coordination, with a focus on aligning teams and clarifying direction. Justin enjoys seeing the big picture and translating strategy into action, ensuring that teams across offices are moving toward shared goals. He approaches his work as both a connector and a coach, supporting team members as they grow in their roles and plan for the future.

Outside of work, Justin enjoys playing pool and spending time in nature. He is an avid hockey fan, shaped by growing up in Minnesota and playing pond hockey late into winter nights. He volunteers on several Society for Design Administration committees and serves on the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art Board. Guided by dependability, trust, and honesty, Justin believes strongly in keeping promises and practicing radical truth telling.

Fun fact: Former car racer who still loves speed and competition.

Amanda supports project teams through construction documentation, concept development, and collaborative design exploration. She works closely with her colleagues on layouts and design ideas, contributing thoughtfully throughout the process. Amanda brings a calm, engaged approach to her work and appreciates a work environment that balances focus with creativity.

Amanda is proud of building a career that moves fluidly between architecture, writing, and teaching. Her work has taken her across four countries, often collaborating remotely on architectural and interior design projects. Outside the office, she is passionate about film photography and street photography and has learned the full film development process. She enjoys hiking, learning new things, and staying involved in her community through volunteer work with the SAINT Cat Shelter and the Catherine McAuley Center, where she helps with conversation classes. Guided by resilience, Amanda believes in showing up, learning, and trying again.

Becca contributes to projects by helping create spaces that are both functional and beautiful. She values thoughtful design that supports everyday use and has pride in knowing her work can leave a lasting impact on the communities it serves. Each project is meaningful to her, and she brings care and consistency to everything she does.

Outside of work, Becca enjoys spending time crafting, traveling, and connecting with friends. She loves cooking and experimenting in the kitchen, often blending new recipes with treasured family traditions, including those passed down from her great-great-grandmother. She is known among her coworkers for her impressive knowledge of random trivia. Guided by curiosity and humility, Becca lives by the reminder to keep her eyes on the stars while keeping her feet firmly on the ground.

Brian leads architectural projects from early concept through construction, keeping work aligned with design intent, schedule, and budget. As a primary point of contact for clients, he focuses on clear communication and steady coordination, helping teams stay organized and decisions move forward with confidence. He works closely with project teams to solve challenges as they arise, reviews work for quality and code compliance, and remains actively involved during construction to ensure projects stay on course.

Brian values teams that communicate openly, ask questions, and take pride in delivering a quality outcome. His 25 years of service with the Fairbank Fire Department continue to shape his approach, reinforcing a commitment to reliability, teamwork, and service to others. Outside of work, he enjoys shooting, fishing, and spending time at his family cabin in Harpers Ferry, along with quiet downtime watching movies and automotive content.

Bryan serves as Market Leader for Eastern Iowa, where he focuses on building relationships, identifying opportunities, and connecting clients and communities with solutions that move projects forward. His work centers on strategic growth, client engagement, and pursuit leadership across Eastern Iowa and the Midwest. With a collaborative and people-focused approach, Bryan helps align teams and partners around opportunities that create long-term value for both clients and the communities they serve.

What Bryan enjoys most is bringing people together around a shared vision and helping create projects that make a meaningful impact. Before joining the AEC industry, he spent more than 20 years in banking, serving in leadership and commercial lending roles throughout Eastern Iowa. That experience continues to shape his approach to relationship building, business development, and understanding the broader goals behind each project. Outside of work, Bryan enjoys spending time with his family on the lake, golfing, fishing, barbecuing, traveling, and searching for the best local pizza spots. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Cedar Rapids and currently serves as Board Chair, supporting initiatives focused on youth development, healthy living, and community connection.

Cheyenne brings creativity and care to interior environments through materials, color, texture, and detail. She enjoys exploring how finishes and graphics can transform a space and make everyday experiences more enjoyable for the people who use them. Cheyenne enjoys contributing to a wide range of projects and is excited to see the work she has helped shape come to life.

Outside of work, Cheyenne enjoys a mix of hands-on creativity and time with the people and places she loves. She is currently very into sewing and finds it a relaxing way to slow down while still testing her creativity. Her interests include boating, exploring local food spots, antiquing and thrifting, walking her dog, and spending time with her fiancé, family, and friends. Cheyenne also enjoys organizing, redecorating her space often, watching movies, and trying to fix or make things herself before asking for help. Guided by the belief that everything happens for a reason, she approaches life and work with a laid-back, loyal, and creative mindset.

Fun fact: Prefers tea over coffee and redecorates her space far too often.

Derek contributes to projects at every stage of the design process. He works with user groups to gather information, develops schematic ideas from early massing to detailed layouts, and creates models and renderings that help clients understand the vision. He also supports construction documents and construction administration. Derek enjoys the collaborative problem-solving that comes with architectural work. He values the process of breaking big challenges into manageable steps and seeing a simple sketch become a real part of the built environment. One project he is particularly proud of is the Kalona YMCA. Community use has remained high, and feedback has shown that the space continues to serve Kalona well.

Outside the office, Derek spends time with his family and stays connected to his love of music. He has played guitar since middle school and is a committed metal fan. He enjoys watching sports, cheering for the Cyclones, and listening to podcasts and live music. Derek volunteers with the OCIA team at his church, helping people learn about the Catholic faith. Friends describe him as fun, nice, and goofy, and he tries to live by the value of doing his best and trusting God with the rest. Many would be surprised to learn that, despite his height or appearance, he never played competitive basketball.

Doug serves as Emergent’s office support animal and morale booster. His primary responsibilities include greeting team members, reminding everyone to take breaks, and keeping spirits high throughout the day. Doug is especially skilled at independent play, often throwing his favorite toy in the air himself before proudly retrieving it. He brings a steady sense of joy and levity to the office and is always ready to lend quiet companionship during long workdays.

Outside of his official duties, Doug enjoys playtime, fetch, and spending time with his people. He is known for his loyalty, enthusiasm, and impeccable work ethic when it comes to toy management. Doug takes his role seriously and believes a happy office is a productive one.

Fun fact: Can throw his own toy and fetch it, no humans required.

Gabe supports projects through design development and construction documentation, helping move ideas into clear, buildable solutions. He enjoys the focus and care required during these phases and values being part of a process that turns collaboration into tangible results. Gabe appreciates working alongside teammates he both respects and enjoys, and he brings a steady, dependable approach to his work.

Outside of work, Gabe enjoys spending time outdoors and staying active. He rides his bike on trails throughout the Cedar Rapids area and enjoys hiking and hammock time in county and state parks with his wife, especially in the cooler months. He also values time with friends, whether that means a movie night or a game night. Gabe is a dedicated blood donor with more than 29 gallons donated and volunteers with Trees Forever, planting trees and supporting community distributions. Guided by responsibility, honesty, and trust, he believes in owning his choices and showing up consistently for the people around him.

Fun fact: His first car was a white 1988 Ford Festiva.

Gage works alongside project architects to develop construction drawings and 3D models that help bring projects to life. He enjoys the collaborative nature of the work and values being part of a team that shares ideas and works together to create better outcomes. Gage brings a steady, detail-focused approach to each project and appreciates the opportunity to keep learning through hands-on experience.

Outside of work, Gage spends most of his time with his wife and four kids, finding ways to be active and outdoors together whenever possible. He enjoys gardening and maintains a large garden that transforms into an ice rink in the winter. Hockey is a big part of his life as well, from playing on UNI’s club team to watching the game whenever he can. When time allows, Gage enjoys hiking and traveling to national parks with friends. Guided by a practical outlook and a belief in keeping perspective, he approaches both work and life with confidence, loyalty, and drive.

Fun fact: A hockey player with a surprising amount of random knowledge tucked away.

Gary is the Prinicpal in our Cedar Rapids Office. He plays a hands-on role in shaping the built environment, guiding projects from early concepts through construction. He works closely with clients to understand their goals and translate them into thoughtful, functional design solutions. Throughout the process, Gary collaborates with engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure each project is delivered with clarity and integrity.

What Gary enjoys most is creating spaces that truly serve the people who use them. Over the course of his career, he has worked on a wide range of project types, sizes, and complexities, gaining a deep appreciation for collaboration and problem solving. He has also served extensively in leadership and advisory roles, including long-term service on architectural and community boards, reflecting his commitment to giving back.

Outside of work, Gary enjoys photography, golf, biking, and hiking. Guided by integrity and a steady sense of purpose, he approaches both his professional and personal life with honesty, loyalty, and trust.

Heather serves as Senior Architect and Studio Lead for Emergent’s Cedar Rapids office. She brings clarity, creativity, and craft to every project she touches. As a Senior Architect and Designer, she leads multidisciplinary teams through design vision, documentation, and execution, ensuring each project balances function, beauty, and buildability. She works closely with clients, consultants, and internal teams to translate ideas into thoughtful architectural solutions that respond to real needs and real-world constraints.

What Heather enjoys most is that no two projects are ever the same. Each one brings new challenges, perspectives, and opportunities for collaboration. She takes pride in listening carefully and designing spaces that work beautifully and feel right. The feedback she values most is simple and affirming: when clients say she delivered exactly what they needed and made it look great.

Outside of project work, Heather is a true maker at heart. From sewing and embroidery to woodworking, digital art, and large-scale 3D printing, she thrives on hands-on creative problem solving. She draws inspiration from sci-fi, campy humor, and a belief that whimsy has a place in both design and life.  Heather believes joy and meaning go hand in hand, and that the best ideas often come from staying curious, thoughtful, and just a little bit quirky.

Jaymi plays a central role in keeping the firm’s day-to-day operations running smoothly. While she leads accounting and payroll, her work extends across nearly every part of the organization, from project setup through closeout. She supports teams across all offices by managing operational needs including HR and benefits, IT coordination, and office logistics. With a strong focus on organization and follow-through, Jaymi helps create the structure and consistency that allow projects and people to succeed.

What Jaymi values most is the relationships she builds with the team. She enjoys getting to know each employee and staying connected through daily interactions, no matter the office location. Outside of work, she spends most of her time with her husband and kids, often cheering them on at activities and events. She enjoys staying active, especially running while listening to a good book, and is actively involved in her community through school volunteering, Dollars for Scholars, and local United Way efforts. Jaymi approaches both work and life with a simple mindset: stay organized, keep moving forward, and give your best effort every day.

Jennifer is a senior architect who steps into whatever role a project needs. She leads teams as a project manager and contributes specialized insight as a medical planner. Her work is driven by a desire to create environments that help people do their jobs well and support those who use the space. Jennifer believes good design should make daily life easier for staff and clearer for patients and visitors.

One of her proudest moments came in the first hospital she helped design. When her grandmother later became a patient, Jennifer watched her use a handrail she had fought to keep in the design. It was a reminder that thoughtful decisions, even small ones, can provide dignity and comfort when people need it most.

Outside of work, Jennifer owns and operates a drive-in movie theater and enjoys the community it creates. Most of her free time is spent with her two young children. She is involved in Women in Healthcare, CREW, and weekly charity events through the theater. She once won a design competition for a Toyota Scion accessory, something that still surprises many. Friends describe her as loud, loyal, and passionate, and she uses movie references as a way to connect with people.

Jeremy is involved in projects from the earliest ideas through construction, supporting teams with layout development, design coordination, drafting, and day to day project management. He enjoys being hands on throughout the process and values seeing a project grow from concept to built reality. Collaboration is central to his approach, and he appreciates working alongside teammates whose experience and willingness to help lead to thoughtful, owner focused solutions.

Outside the office, Jeremy spends time officiating sports, being outdoors with his wife and kids, and enjoying walks, bike rides, and time in the yard with their two dogs. He also enjoys camping with extended family when schedules allow. Jeremy is involved with the Center for Advanced Professional Studies program, where he helps connect students with real world career experiences. His guiding principle is simple: be genuine.

JD leads Emergent’s Denver office with a focus on strong relationships, clear communication, and thoughtful client service. He oversees daily operations, guides business development, and works closely with partners to ensure each project begins with trust and collaboration.

Away from work, JD spends as much time as possible outdoors. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and fly fishing, and he gravitates toward activities that take him into the mountains. His background includes racing mountain bikes in the 1990s and starting a race team, experiences that shaped his love of teamwork and challenge. JD brought his 1978 Kansas Jayhawks autographed basketball to his headshot session, a nod to his time as a ball boy who knew the players and coaches personally. He serves on the NAIOP Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge Committee and will chair the event in 2026. Friends describe him as passionate, humble, and creative, and many are surprised to learn he speaks both French and Danish.

Jim brings decades of architectural experience and leadership to Emergent, with a focus on project architecture, marketing, and public relations. He has founded and led two highly successful design-focused architectural firms and continues to apply that entrepreneurial perspective to every project. Jim values collaboration and thrives in the dynamic energy that comes from working alongside talented professionals who are passionate about design, culture, and community impact.

Throughout his career, Jim has remained deeply connected to the arts. He taught freehand drawing at the graduate level, collects art, and enjoys drawing and painting himself. His involvement extends beyond practice into service, with long-standing leadership roles on numerous boards supporting the arts, education, civic organizations, and community development. These experiences reflect his belief that architecture and culture are inseparable and that great design contributes meaningfully to public life.

Outside of work, Jim and his wife enjoy hiking in Colorado and Arizona, embracing the balance between creativity, nature, and stewardship. Guided by the principle that less is more, Jim approaches both life and architecture with quiet confidence, loyalty, and a commitment to thoughtful simplicity.

Marcelo works closely with clients and project teams to translate needs and ideas into clear, thoughtful design solutions. He gathers input, asks questions, and turns program requirements into drawings that support how spaces are used every day. He brings a steady, problem-solving mindset to each project and enjoys being part of a process that moves ideas into a buildable reality.

Outside of work, Marcelo enjoys playing soccer and staying active. He serves on the Housing and Community Development Commission of Iowa City, where he helps evaluate and allocate public funding for community improvement projects. He once lived in the Caribbean for two months, an experience that shaped his perspective. Marcelo is guided by persistence and believes that when things get difficult, the most important thing is to keep going. He also enjoys finding connections between the meanings of words in English and Spanish, a reflection of his curiosity and love of language.

Mark builds connections that strengthen projects from the very beginning. In Business Development, he maintains relationships with owners, municipal leaders, developers, engineers, consultants, and contractors and brings the right people together for each project. He enjoys meeting with clients and partners to understand their needs and create alignment that supports successful outcomes.

Outside the office, Mark stays connected to his love of sports and the outdoors. He coached high school varsity football for ten years and officiated football and soccer for many more. In the summer, he enjoys golfing and traveling with his wife, often finding their way to a beach. Mark is active in several community organizations, including the Nashua-Plainfield Lions Club and the Chickasaw County Planning Commission. His guiding value is simple: never give up. It shapes the way he works, leads, and supports the communities he cares about.

Neil brings decades of experience to his work, guiding projects through every phase with clarity and precision. He coordinates consultants and disciplines, leads code analysis and regulatory review, develops specifications, and works closely with clients and contractors through construction and closeout. Above all, Neil focuses on doing whatever is needed to ensure clients have a smooth, well supported project experience. He enjoys working closely with user groups during design development, taking the time to understand how each space functions and helping teams find practical, thoughtful solutions that support their daily work.

Outside of work, Neil enjoys writing and spending time with his family. His approach is guided by the principle of Occam’s Razor, believing that the simplest solution is often the best one. Known for staying calm under pressure, Neil brings steady leadership, deep experience, and a thoughtful perspective to every project.

Nic plays a key role in guiding projects through coordination, collaboration, and careful execution. He works closely with consultants and user groups, with a particular passion for detailing. Nic enjoys solving the puzzle of how buildings come together, balancing aesthetics, cost, durability, and long-term performance to deliver thoughtful solutions for clients.

Outside the office, Nic enjoys spending time outdoors hunting, working on construction projects, and tinkering with cars. Family is at the center of his life, and much of his time is spent with his daughters, often outside. He also mentors students through the AIAS program, helping future architects better understand the profession. Nic’s guiding belief is simple: stay open to learning, value the knowledge of others, and never assume you know it all.

Nick serves as Associate Principal for in Emergent’s Cedar Falls office, where he oversees teams and projects from concept through completion. His primary focus is on K-12 education and multifamily housing, though his experience spans a wide range of project types. Nick is deeply involved throughout the entire design process, working closely with owners, consultants, and user groups to identify challenges and translate needs into thoughtful, practical solutions. He values collaboration and enjoys helping clients see possibilities they may not have imagined, especially when those ideas improve daily life for the people who use the space.

Nick is especially proud of coordinating teams across multiple Emergent offices and bringing together diverse perspectives to achieve a shared goal. He finds energy in watching ideas evolve through teamwork and trusts the process of listening, refining, and designing together. His approach reflects a balance of leadership and hands-on problem solving, shaped by curiosity and a strong work ethic.

Outside of work, Nick is rarely sitting still. He enjoys gardening, woodworking, hunting, snowboarding, golf, smoking meats, painting, and hiking, and he is always ready to dive into the next project at home or outdoors. A well-used shovel often symbolizes his mindset, small but mighty, dependable, and ready to get to work. Nick lives by a work hard, play hard philosophy and brings that same dedication, trust, and easygoing nature to everything he does.

Patty is a Senior Architect and the studio lead in our Cedar Falls Office. She helps guide projects from the earliest conversations through final delivery, working closely with clients to turn ideas into thoughtful, functional design. With a primary focus in K-12 education, she enjoys listening to owners, translating their goals into design solutions, and coordinating with project teams to keep work moving forward.

Outside the office, Patty stays busy with family life and the farm she helps run, where you might find her in a tractor or combine depending on the season. She also serves as chair of the Bremer County Conservation Board and plays organ at her church each Sunday. Patty brings purpose and integrity to everything she does, always striving to do her best work for the people around her.

Sara leads Emergent Architecture’s Omaha studio, supporting clients, projects, and team members with intention. Her role focuses on building strong relationships, guiding project efforts, and fostering a collaborative environment both within the office and across project teams. Sara believes work is most meaningful when people genuinely care for one another, and she brings that mindset to every interaction with clients and colleagues alike.

Sara is deeply involved in the professional community and has spent the past ten years as a member of CREW Omaha, including six years serving on its Board of Directors. She is proud of the organization’s impact in supporting women at every stage of their careers and is grateful for the opportunity to have been part of its leadership. Outside of work, Sara enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading when time allows, though much of her year is happily spent cheering on her family at trap meets, track meets, and baseball tournaments. A self-proclaimed Disney fan and a kid at heart, she treasures family trips to Disney destinations. Guided by enthusiasm, generosity, and kindness, Sara lives by a simple approach to both work and life: choose happiness and give your full effort to everything you do.

Tara serves as Marketing Director for Emergent Architecture, where she is responsible for telling the firm’s story and shaping how its work is shared with clients and communities. She manages the brand, leads marketing campaigns, plans events, supports proposals and interviews, and helps translate the firm’s values into clear, consistent messaging.

What Tara enjoys most about her role is the balance of creativity and collaboration. She works alongside people with a strong growth mindset and is driven by building connections through thoughtful storytelling. Outside of work, Tara enjoys spending time with her kids, focusing on health and wellness, listening to podcasts, and exploring local coffee shops. She volunteers with Junior Achievement and stays energized through kickboxing. Guided by honesty, persistence, and kindness, Tara believes in showing up fully and being the change she wants to see.

Ted plays a steady, behind-the-scenes role in guiding projects from early ideas through completion. He supports nearly every phase of the process, from modeling and specifications to construction administration and owner coordination. Ted takes pride in understanding client needs and managing expectations, ensuring projects move forward smoothly and thoughtfully. He values being a consistent presence on projects and enjoys seeing ideas evolve from early concepts into finished buildings. Ted has been part of Emergent since the early days and is proud of the role he played in helping shape the firm into what it is today.

Outside of work, Ted enjoys spending time on the golf course whenever he can, though much of his time is spent keeping up with his kids’ activities. He serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 42 in Cedar Falls and volunteers with his family at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Ted is guided by patience, perspective, and a belief in taking each day as it comes. Known by his coworkers as quiet, thoughtful, and always willing to help, he brings a steady presence to both the office and the projects he supports.

Fun fact: Once earned top marks as the best shot in his peace officer training academy class.

Vishnu brings a thoughtful and interdisciplinary approach to design, drawing on her background in architecture and community planning to create spaces that serve both people and place. As an Architectural Associate, she contributes to projects from concept development through construction, supporting design, space planning, documentation, consultant coordination, and project delivery. Her experience spans healthcare, institutional, sports, and community-focused projects, with a particular interest in sustainable design, accessibility, and creating environments that positively impact the communities they serve.

What Vishnu enjoys most is the opportunity to blend creativity, technical problem-solving, and collaboration throughout the design process. She finds fulfillment in seeing ideas evolve from early concepts into spaces that people experience and enjoy every day. Outside of project work, she is involved with Iowa Women in Architecture, AIA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, the AIA Emerging Professionals Committee, and CSI, and previously served as President of the Student Club at Iowa State University. Leadership and service are important parts of her journey, and she enjoys creating opportunities to support and connect with others. Beyond architecture, Vishnu practices Silambam, an Indian martial art, and enjoys photography, painting, sketching, running, caring for plants, and spending time with family and friends. Guided by a belief in using her skills to create positive impact, she approaches each opportunity with curiosity, creativity, and a commitment to leaving things better than she found them.