Our Team of Professionals
Not many firms afford you the privilege of working directly with the principal architect and owners. With Modern Design Architects, our architect and designer are also the stakeholders of our company. You will have access to them as resources throughout the design process. Our Team brings a fresh vision and focus to each project they approach. With more than 40 years of combined experience, their proficiency and knowledge are put to work to serve you better.
Main Office
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Robert Stensland, AIA, has more than 25 years of architectural design and construction experience. He is a graduate of Iowa State University and a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He holds architect licenses in more than 20 states. Rob has worked on a wide range of projects in a variety of industries including: educational facilities, retail space, office centers, optometry clinics, and religious buildings. His work on performing arts centers and gymnasiums has earned him numerous industry awards. Because he also has a background in construction management, Rob is able to offer insight on all aspects of a building project, from the drawing board to the final touches.
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Kevin McConnell has been working at Modern Design Architects since 2007. He has 20+ years of Design and Project Management experience and is NCARB certified. He graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture in 2000 after serving in the United States Navy from 1987-1993.
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Jim Trunnell, AIA has been working at Modern Design Architects. since 2018 and is NCARB Certified. He has 20+ years of Architectural and Design experience and is licensed in 6 states. Jim received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from Iowa State University in 2001.
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Daniel Halbach started working at Modern Design Architects in 2008. He has 20+ years of Project Management and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) experience. Daniel graduated from Hawkeye Community College in 2002 with an Associates degree in Architectural & Construction Technology.
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Ashleigh Durant has been working at Optometric Architects since 2016 and is currently the head of our interior design department. She has 10+ years of interior design & project management experience. She graduated from Hawkeye Community College in 2010 with an associate's degree in Applied Arts and Interior Design. Ashleigh has a broad range of interior design experience with optometric offices, educational facilities, recreational, and office space.
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Courtney Chesmore has been working at Optometric Architects since 2021. She graduated in 2014 from Hawkeye Community College with a degree in Applied Arts. She has 10+ years of experience in Commercial Furniture Design and Project Management. Courtney has experience with optometric offices, office spaces, and educational spaces.
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Erin Smith has been working with Modern Design Architects since 2023. She started as an intern and has transitioned into a full-time Interior Designer. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Interior Design. Erin also has an IIDA and NKBA.
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John Stensland has been working at Modern Design Architects since 2020. He graduated in 2021 from Iowa State University with a degree in Community Regional Planning. He has 3 years of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) experience. He is currently pursuing a Master of Architecture from Iowa State University.
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Nathan Luzindya has been working at Modern Design Architects since 2021. He graduated from Kirkwood Community College with a degree in Architectural Technology in 2020 and has 3 years of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) experience. He is currently in school at Dunwoody School of Design pursuing a bachelor's degree in Architecture.
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Jacob Hayworth has been working at Modern Design Architects since 2023. He graduated from Wartburg College in May 2023 with a B.A. in both Engineering Science and Religion. He has 4 years of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) experience.