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.

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

University of Iowa Pharmacy worker portrait

Cancer Research Building will pave way for significant discoveries at UI

Thursday, April 10, 2025
As the university advances plans for a new, state-of-the-art Cancer Research Building, leaders say the facility will pave the way for significant discoveries to be made at the University of Iowa.
A picture of a group of gymnasts with Herky

New UI Gymnastics, Spirit Squads Facility Named After Nagle-Duda

Tuesday, January 7, 2025
In recognition of a $5 million leadership gift from Mary Lee Nagle Duda (61BA) of Dallas, and pending approval from the Iowa Board of Regents, the University of Iowa Department of Intercollegiate Athletics new facility will be named the Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center. IOWA CITY, Iowa — A new practice home for the University of Iowa women’s gymnastics and spirit squads will open in early 2025 thanks to a generous donor and passionate Hawkeye fan. In recognition of a $5 million leadership gift from Mary Lee Nagle Duda (61BA) of Dallas, and pending approval from the Iowa Board of Regents, the University of Iowa Department of Intercollegiate Athletics new facility will be named the Nagle-Duda Gymnastics & Spirit Squads Training Center.
Drone shot of the Tippie College of Business

UI gets approval for Tippie College of Business facility expansion

Tuesday, June 25, 2024
The University of Iowa received approval from the Iowa Board of Regents to create more space for the growing Tippie College of Business on June 13, 2024.