Hermann, Bishop elevated to Principal

Recently promoted, Principals Danielle Hermann and Justin Bishop lead OPN with insight and passion.

Danielle has a lifelong passion for design and architecture. She recounts from age six, she was always drawing, and could never keep a pencil out of her hand.

With more than two decades of experience, Danielle’s background includes a broad range of project types, but her work in the corporate sector over her last 15 years at OPN is most notable. She executed the master plan for Principal that has transformed its global headquarters. She also led the work on the Krause Gateway Center in collaboration with Renzo Piano Building Workshop. Both multiple award-winning projects located in downtown Des Moines. Outside of the studio, Danielle, along with three other female architects, founded Iowa Women in Architecture. In 2016, she was recognized with the AIA Iowa Young Architect award, followed by the AIA National Young Architect Award in 2017.

Inspired by light, texture, simplicity, harmony, rhythm, and proportion when she designs, her talents are not only visible in her actions every day, but her impressive resume of completed projects and work throughout the Midwest.

“Danielle has been a key asset to winning work in the Des Moines studio, expanding clientele, and developing OPN’s design excellence standards ever since she joined our team in 2008. She is a delight to work with and a smart decision maker.” – Rick Seely, Principal

Justin, who has been with OPN for nearly 20 years, believes design excellence is manifested in leadership on the job site, in the teaming room, on a professional board or volunteering in the community. Justin’s dedication to design, OPN, community and profession is evident in many of the leadership roles he has held both in the AIA and the community at large. At both the local and national level, he has encouraged the advancement of emerging professionals.

Justin’s passion lies in contributing to the environment, building communities, and enhancing the places we live and work. He was part of the Hancher Auditorium team, designed in collaboration with Pelli Clarke Pelli and led the design of the award-winning Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center: a multi-purpose community wellness center that also serves as a formal and informal gathering space for community groups and residents.

“Justin is a trusting and intelligent architect who is extremely driven by the people he is working for. Not just in his clients, but those who ultimately use the building. They are the ones who inspire his work.” – David Sorg, Principal

Danielle and Justin’s promotions acknowledge their strong leadership, professionalism, creative problem-solving, and enthusiastic engagement with the community. Congratulations Danielle & Justin!