Ian Van Kooten Laughead

Born and raised in Des Moines, Ian joined the Des Moines studio after graduating from Iowa State University in 2022 with his Master of Architecture degree. He is inspired by the responsibility embedded in design and that “reminding oneself of that makes for a better project from start to finish.”  A lover of classic fiction, Ian is currently reading Christopher Isherwood’s “The Berlin Stories.”

Q: What do you like about your industry?

A: Architecture is a profession of consummate problem solvers, genuinely interested in making the world a better place.

Q: Do you have a mantra or saying that you remind yourself of during projects?

A: “Less, but better” – Dieter Rams