Paul Mankins recently received the American Institute of Architect’s 2022 Award for Excellence in Public Architecture. The program, in place since 1991, honors individuals who design distinguished public facilities and advocate for design excellence. 

Mankins is the first Iowan and 15th private-sector architect to be recognized in the award’s 30-year history.

Mankins earned his bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from Yale University. He began working with Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck Architecture in 1991. Mankins founded Substance Architecture in 2005.

Mankins has overseen the design of projects such as Des Moines’ Principal Riverwalk Pavilion (Hubspot) ad Pump Station and the expansion of Meredith Corp. He also played an important role in the revitalizatio of the Des Mones public library system.

At ISU, where he has been an instructor, Mankins has led the design of several projects including the renovation of Marston Hall, and the design of the new Student Innovation Center in collaboration with KieranTimberlake Architects. He also has worked with ISU’s Athletic Department to design the Bergstrom Football Complex and the recently completed Stark
Performance Center.

Mankins has served on the National Board of Directors for the AIA and on the Board of Regents for the American Architectural Foundation in Washington,D.C.