About

Design & Construction leads a comprehensive and cooperative approach to design and construction excellence in creating a campus that is consistent with the University of Iowa’s status as one of the nation’s leading academic/research institutions.  We support the University’s mission to educate, provide community service and encourage environmental sustainability.

Design & Construction takes an integrated and sustainable approach to the long-term planning and management of the University of Iowa’s land, buildings, and historic resources.  We facilitate and support decision making processes of Senior Administration and the Board of Regents in these areas.

DC Org Chart

What We Do

As professionals, we provide the University of Iowa community with state of the art expertise in the following areas:

  • Architectural and Interior Design
  • Construction Management
  • Historic and Environmental Preservation
  • Project Management
  • Sustainable Buildings

For Campus Master Planning, Campus Development Plan, and Planning Committee information visit the Campus Planning and Development website.

Asset Optimization Services

Asset Optimization Services (AOS) helps keep campus running efficiently and reliably by bringing together experts from maintenance, construction, and utilities. AOS focuses on reducing costs and improving the long-term performance of buildings, ranging from individual pieces of equipment to entire building systems.

D&C Tool Box

Check out webcams for current projects, alerts, and more!

Department Goals

Design and Construction strives to integrate and encompass the following bullet points in all of the work that we do.

  • Innovation in the form of strategic thinking and creative practice to improve the results of the capital development processes
  • Creation of effective communication networks with various constituents, both internal and external, as the University of Iowa’s responsible liaison in physical design and construction
  • Dedication to meeting project schedules and project budgets
  • Continuous commitment to advance and maintain an institutional stewardship role
Pharmacy Construction

Featured Projects and Initiatives

10-year Facilities Master Plan

Stanley Museum of Art

Wrestling Training Facility

Contact Us

Michael Kearns

Director, Design and Construction

michael-kearns@uiowa.edu

(319) 384-2696

David DeGroot

Associate Director, Design and Construction

david-degroot@uiowa.edu

(319) 467-1016

Jake Humphreys

Associate Director, Design and Construction

jake-humphreys@uiowa.edu

(319) 335-6282

Ryan Dehart

Associate Director, Design and Construction

ryan-dehart@uiowa.edu 

(319) 335-1298 

Design and Construction News

In the News

 Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center

University of Iowa gymnastics, spirit squad training facility is open

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
The University of Iowa celebrated the opening of the new Nagle-Duda Gymnastic and Spirit Squads Training Center on April 10. The 32,000-square-foot, $20 million facility includes training rooms, locker rooms, meeting spaces, coaches' offices, and a large gymnastics practice area with competition-style equipment. It is located near the women’s soccer facility, and the opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Iowa faculty cutting ribbon at dedication

Thousands attend open house, ribbon-cutting for North Liberty campus

Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Thousands gathered on Saturday, April 12, to celebrate and welcome UI Health Care's new North Liberty campus, which officially opens Monday, April 28. The successful community open house featured hospital tours, family-friendly activities, and highlighted UI Health Care's role in expanding access to orthopedic and emergency care for Iowans. Leaders from the University of Iowa and UI Health Care as well as local community members and government officials were also invited to an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new North Liberty campus on Friday, April 11.
Jeff and Sarah Jones in front of new UI Gymnastics Facility

Work-life balance inspires Jones family to choose the University of Iowa

Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Facilities Management’s own Jeff Jones, Senior Construction Project Manager, was featured by the UI’s Human Resources Department in an article highlighting work-life balance, alongside his wife, Sarah Jones, who also works for the University of Iowa in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UI Health Care. The article touches on the family’s move from Missouri to Iowa, highlights the couple’s love for their jobs, and shares their love for the community they’ve found in Iowa and at the university.