The Campanile, the Four Seasons fountain, the Friley arches and Curtiss and Beardshear halls are all staples of Iowa State. Students are surrounded by the work of architects every day on the ISU campus.

“We have a huge and exciting responsibility as architects to create these cities and build environments and determine how they are going to affect how we live, work and play,” said Katie Harms, alumni of Iowa State’s architecture program. “That is pretty darn cool.”

Harms was recently declared a recipient of the American Institute of Architects 2012 Young Architects Award. Harms, who graduated in 2003, went on to excel as an architect for OPN Architects in Cedar Rapids, and she will travel to Washington, D.C., to receive her award at the AIA National Convention and Design Exposition. She is the first woman from Iowa and only the third Iowan to be awarded this distinction.

“I can’t tell you how many people told me when I was younger that I would never become an architect and as a woman that I should look for another career. Well, I guess I showed them,” Harms said. “There is amazing talent and dedication in our profession and I’m very honored to be recognized as one of them.”

The award is given to architects who have been in the profession for less than 10 years yet have made significant contributions to the trade. Harms has worked on such projects as the new Federal Courthouse in Cedar Rapids, as well as the new Cedar Rapids Convention Complex that will become the second largest convention center in Iowa at around 435,000 square feet.

“I think the jury rewarded Katie for three major accomplishments: outstanding leadership on significant architectural projects, her engaged and vocal service to the American Institute of Architects and a personal commitment to the mentoring of young professionals,” said Steven Knierim, principal of OPN Architects. “Katie brings a passionate drive and positive energy to every activity she engages in.”

Harms has worked on projects that range from $600,000 to $180 million, and she is an active community member who takes part in groups such as ImpactCR, Junior League of Cedar Rapids and Habitat for Humanity. Her colleagues admit she goes after things where she can make a difference. Harms built her basis for client relations and project management during her time at Iowa State.

“She excelled in my class, performed very well and was well liked by her classmates,” said David Block, her former professor. “The latter item is paramount to success because working with people and getting them to have confidence in you is extremely important in architecture.”