Danielle Hermann, Kristin Lewis, and Joe Feldmann continue legacy of leadership in Des Moines studio
Building on a foundation of nearly 25 years providing architecture, interior design, and planning services to the diverse needs of Iowa’s capital city, OPN Architects’ Des Moines studio looks to the future under the leadership of Danielle Hermann, AIA; Kristin Lewis, AIA; and Joe Feldman, AIA.
Danielle Hermann’s promotion as OPN Architects’ first female principal more than a decade ago was not by chance. Her career has been dedicated to shaping experiences, not just through the built environment, but the very practice of architecture itself, particularly for women. She and three other women architects founded Iowa Women in Architecture (iaWia), a not-for-profit organization focusing on educating, empowering, and advancing women in design. She is also the founder of AIA Iowa’s Diversity Committee. She has been recognized for her commitment to the profession with a Design Achievement Award from Iowa State University (2013), the AIA Iowa Young Architect Award (2016) and the AIA Young Architect Award (2017). Danielle’s decade of leadership in Des Moines includes projects like Krause Gateway Center, Principal Financial, Terrace Hill, Waukee Public Safety Building, and Vibrant Music Hall.
A principal in Des Moines since 2019, Kristin Lewis leads OPN’s education practice, including projects of all types ranging from feasibility studies to new state-of-the-art facilities for public and private K-12 and higher education clients. As a lifelong learner, she is passionate about creating sustainable and innovative spaces, particularly educational environments that shape future generations. Kristin is a problem solver who values collaboration for the diversity of perspectives fostered by open dialogue. Kristin’s leadership in Central Iowa includes the new Ames High School, multiple projects at Grinnell College and for Dallas Center Grimes School District. She also guides OPN’s teams at all of Iowa’s regents universities as well as. Recent master planning experience includes Kirkwood Community College, Indian Hills Community College, Minnesota State’s Minneapolis College, and Northwood Community Technical College.
An Associate Principal, Joe Feldmann has been with OPN for more than 20 years, all in Des Moines. Joe was OPN’s first employee to earn a LEED accreditation and has led several of OPN’s highest performing and sustainable projects, many of which are exceeding AIA 2030 challenge goals. Joe brings an open mind, and willingness to listen to project goals and objectives and create a strategy that benefits the owner economically while also lowering the carbon footprint. Joe currently lives in a net zero home and is an advocate for an all-electric alternative. In addition to public projects like the Polk County Courts campus and Johnston Town Center and City Hall, Joe is building OPN’s healthcare practice in Central Iowa.