Greater Des Moines architect Bill Dikis, who has been an influential voice on a variety of boards and commissions that set design and development standards in the region, is the 2015 recipient of the Citizen Architect award by the American Institute of Architects.

Bill Dikis

The award “recognizes AIA members who have applied their skills, training,talents and experience to serve their communities and profession as advocacy leaders. It also recognizes active engagement and public demonstration of some of the best things an AIA member can offer in service to the public,” according to a release.

Jessica Reinert, executive director of AIA Iowa, had this to say: “Since 1989 Bill has worked tirelessly on behalf of all architects in Iowa as part of  the AIA Iowa Government Affairs Committee. He has been involved in the drafting of numerous state laws and rules and encourages involvement from our membership. Dikis’ history of excellence and service to the profession is inspiring.”

After retiring in 2007 from RDG Planning & Design, Dikis founded Architectural Strategies, a company that focuses on concept design, programming, feasibility and master plans, and expert witness assistance. He has been involved on the state and national levels, chairing committees on preservation, computers in architecture, architectural practice, design awards and the computerization of the architectural registration exam. He has served on countless city of Des Moines commissions and task forces.

Dikis has served as president and secretary of AIA Iowa, editor of Iowa Architect magazine, and president of the Iowa Architectural Examining Board.

AIA Iowa has established a scholarship in Dikis’ name that recognizes Iowa State University design students who exemplify his spirit of professional service to the public, the architecture department or the design profession.