Insights
Insights
05.02.23

4 New Staff Added to OPN

We’re excited to have four new, talented professionals joining our studios in Minneapolis, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines. Each one of them brings a unique perspective and skills to our practice and culture. Welcome to the OPN family Erin, Jacob, Chad, and Dan!

 

Erin AndereggErin AndereggOPN Minneapolis

Where are you originally from? Jefferson, Iowa
What inspires your work?  Traveling and experiencing new places inspires my work the most. Every time I walk into a new building, whether it be a hotel or restaurant, I am paying attention to what is working well and what could be improved upon.
Which phase of a project is your favorite? Concept Design and Design Development
If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?  Pickles or Pizza
Do you have a mantra or saying that you remind yourself of during projects? How will this impact the end user?

 

 

Jacob JanssJacob JanssOPN Cedar Rapids

Where did you go to school?  Kirkwood Community College
What inspires your work?  To make a living doing what I love, creating things from scratch
What makes OPN unique? 
It’s a company that allows you to grow
What’s your favorite landmark and why?  Machu Picchu in Peru Because I love ancient civilization and learning about it.
If there was a movie about your life, who would star as you? Zach Galifianakis just because he’s funny

 

 

Chad MoklestadChad MoklestadOPN Des Moines

Where are you originally from? Boone, Iowa
What do you like about the industry? It’s very rewarding feeling to complete a project for an individual or company. Getting to know people and making design dreams a reality.
Where did you go to school? Coe College, Iowa State University
What inspires your work?  To always remember to do my best and to leave the community a better place than before.
When did you know you wanted to be an architect or designer? Pretty early on as a kid I would spend hours drawing stadiums and skyscapers.

 

Dan HammesDan HammesOPN Cedar Rapids

Where did you go to school? Wartburg (B.A.), University of Northern Iowa (M.A.), University of Dubuque (M.B.A.)
What do you like about the industry? The breadth of individuals it takes for a project to come to fruition and the impact it will have long into the future.
What inspires your work? The opportunity to bring people together in an effort to solve problems, create opportunities, and improve customer outcomes.
Do you have a mantra or saying that you remind yourself of during projects?  Can’t is a mindset that means you haven’t tried hard enough or been creative enough, yet.
What are you reading right now? The Dichotomy of Leadership, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin