Age 34 | Project architect, StruXture Architects LLC

One thing about Naura Heiman Godar is for certain: If she were a baker, she wouldn’t put all of her cookies in one basket.

She has managed to throw a lot of ingredients into her life. Godar went to the University of Northern Iowa, primarily because her parents promoted Iowa State University.

After two years, she was at ISU, earning degrees in architecture – she should have recognized a propensity for design early, but she didn’t, she said – and psychology. Psychology so she would have something to fall back on, such as being a counselor.

Godar also minored in dance, and although she isn’t a counselor, she does teach dance classes.

It all ties together, she said.

For example, Godar worked at Hickory Park Restaurant Co. while attending ISU, and that experience – filling spaces, for example – has helped in her career.

Godar also is busy in the community. She helped Preservation Iowa enter into a partnership with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, said Kris Gray of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy. She is a member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, a member of the board of the Central Iowa chapter of the American Diabetes Association and a recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Award.

Godar is a movie buff. Her husband, Ben, is a screenwriter. Her most significant achievement is her son, Henry, 4.

“A former boss said once that I could design the most beautiful building in the world, but there is nothing more beautiful than a child,” she said.

Five reasons she’s a 40:

• Son, Henry, 4.

• Involved in the design of Waikiki Beach Walk in Honolulu.

• President of Preservation Iowa.

• Member of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement.

• “I work hard to be proud of everything I do.”

Fun fact:

Movie buff who, with her husband, Ben, recently viewed eight documentaries in three days.