OPN’s best and brightest promoted to new roles

Brian Lindgren, AIA | Associate

Brian has been practicing architecture for almost 30 years, half of which with OPN Architects. Over the course of his career in our Des Moines office, Brian has been responsible for planning, designing, and providing construction administration services covering a broad range and depth of architectural projects and project types. Brian brings a wealth of experience working on higher education campuses — including studio and performing arts facilities at Iowa State University and Cornell College — to OPN. Since joining the firm, he’s played a key role in the $132 million Hancher Auditorium project at the University of Iowa. Brian holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Minnesota.

Aaron Twedt, AIA LEED AP | Associate

Aaron has been with OPN for more than 21 years. Originally hailing from West Burlington, Iowa, Aaron moved to Des Moines as a starting member of the OPN Des Moines office in 2002. As a graduate of Iowa State University with a background in Architecture and Sociology, he has a love not only for the art and science of the built environment but also the impact and importance of human interaction with the constructed space. Aaron has managed the design of multiple projects for Des Moines area schools, including elementary school additions and renovations.

Matthew Stewart, AIA LEED AP BD+C | Senior Project Architect

Since joining OPN in 2009, Matthew has managed a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from corporate to civic to higher education in our Cedar Rapids office. His work at Boehringer Ingelheim’s corporate headquarters and the new College of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa both feature collaborative cutting-edge research environments. Community-focused work includes the AIA/ALA Landmark Library, the Cedar Rapids Public Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the award-winning Lester Buresh Family Community Wellness Center in his hometown of Mount Vernon, Iowa. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University.

Nate Stieler, AIA | Senior Project Architect

Nate joined OPN Architects in 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University. He enjoys working on multiple project types — from churches and schools to corporate offices and skilled care facilities — and all phases of design, from feasibility studies through project completion. His interest in accessibility is not only applied as an integral part of his design philosophy, but also in his responsibilities as an active member of the Des Moines Access Advisory Board. Nate works in OPN’s Des Moines studio.

Nick Woods, AIA | Senior Project Architect

Nick has been practicing architecture since 2004 at multiple award-winning firms in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Architecture, and continued his education at Washington University–St. Louis and received his Master of Architecture. Nick is par of our newest office studio location in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Inspired by the way people experience buildings, spaces, and materials can impact them, Nick is interested in how architecture either tells a story, or inspires one. His civic experience ranges from public libraries with various community spaces, to new park buildings carefully integrated with site, to police stations expanded to increase efficiency and wellness.