Slingshot Architecture

06/04/2026

At Slingshot, innovation and creativity feed our urbanist souls. That’s why we’re thrilled to bring a new single-stair building design that will bring modern multi-family housing and thoughtful middle infill development to an established neighborhood without the bulk of a traditional apartment building.

Instead of multiple stairwells, these multi-family residential buildings are designed around one central staircase, paired with enhanced fire-safety strategies. The result: smarter, more efficient housing density that fits naturally into existing neighborhoods. Infill at its smartest!

This design solution allows four units on a level, up to three stories tall. Here’s a look at this type of architecture, which we’re currently bringing to life in the Des Moines metro.

“This helps strike a balance through scale and density to help cities transition as their downtown cores grow,” says Slingshot Associate AIA Krynne Knopik. “By limiting the number of units per floor, we also increase daylight and ventilation because each unit is a corner unit, creating deeper satisfaction in living conditions.”

05/28/2026

Eight Slingers spent a beautiful April day at in_harmony_farm in Earlham, where we helped with spring cleanup and learned about the unique model the organization has developed here in central Iowa.

In Harmony Farm supports emerging farmers as they grow healthy food and build sustainable businesses. Many of the farmers came to Iowa as immigrants and refugees, bringing deep agricultural knowledge from their home countries. On their individual farm plots, they grow a mix of traditional Midwestern veggies as well as produce from their regions, meeting a demand in their ethnic community and introducing Iowans to new crops.

Slingshot Architect David Voss learned about the organization after attending its Lenga Lenga Dinner, a farm-to-table experience featuring a leafy green traditionally grown in East and Central Africa and now raised by growers at In Harmony Farm.

“I wanted our team to see the design of the site, which includes a creative use of shipping containers and places for the farmers to wash and chill produce until it goes to market,” David says.

We’re grateful to support meaningful work and sustainable practices here in the heartland.

05/26/2026

We’re gearing up for a big move (even though it’s just a few blocks from our current space – can you tell we 💛 downtown?). Next month we're cutting the ribbon on our new office space in the Financial Center in Des Moines.

“This space is more than just an office; it’s an embodiment of what we believe in,” says Dan Drendel, Slingshot Principal and Managing Director. “Adaptive reuse, activation of downtown spaces, thoughtful mixed-use development — all in a building with significant history in our home city. This move is putting our principles into practice.”

Since it was constructed in 1973, the Financial Center has been a literal high point on Des Moines’ horizon. Now we’re helping to reimagine it to meet the city’s changing needs. Seventeen of the 25 floors will become Mezzo on Walnut, upscale residential living with best-in-class amenities, addressing a need for modern living in the heart of the city. The remaining office spaces get upgraded perks, too – new coworking spaces, conference rooms, plus a fully renovated main floor with micro-retail, a coffee shop, restaurant, and Slingshot’s new headquarters!

Come along with us and see how the space is starting to take shape.

05/19/2026

Slingshot is proud to partner with Cutler Development and HOME, Inc. on this innovative mass timber townhome project near Drake University. We’re excited to help bring thoughtful, sustainable housing to Des Moines while contributing to the continued revitalization of the neighborhood.

The project will rely on engineered wood rather than steel and concrete.

05/18/2026

Meet Julieta Linhart, Slingshot’s newest Interior Designer.

Julieta’s multidisciplinary background informs a polished and purposeful approach to design. She was drawn to Slingshot for its variety of projects, unique approach, and commitment to making a positive impact through design.

Outside the studio, Julieta enjoys reading, thrifting, running, and spending time outdoors with her two boys.

We’re excited to have her on board. Welcome to the team, Julieta!

05/12/2026

Operation Downtown keeps Des Moines’ city center safe, clean, and welcoming — so we’re honored to work with Operation Downtown to make sure their headquarters feels the same.

"The office had to function for movement," says Slingshot Associate Interior Designer Erin Smith. Ambassadors are always on the go, in and out of the building, ready to hit the streets for shifts. “This new, welcoming space improves worker well-being and productivity by offering tailored, comfortable environments, such as calming break areas, dedicated zones for morning stretching routines before the workday begins, and flexible work hubs,” Erin says. “Such spaces encourage community engagement by acting as accessible centers that blend wellness with social interaction.”

Downtown Des Moines - DSM
Greater Des Moines Partnership

05/04/2026

Something brand new is happening with housing in Decorah — and we’re thrilled to be a part of it. A microhousing community (also called “cluster homes”) offers attainable yet durable single-family housing within an established neighborhood. The homes have extremely intentional floor plans, utilizing every square inch of space in a thoughtful way to maximize living in a minimal footprint.

“Optimistic urbanism is joining together in public space and activating moments of authentic connection,” says Dan Drendel, Slingshot Principal and Managing Director. “This project appeals to people across age and experience demographics, from grad students to empty-nesters, who find value in community.”

We design from the inside out and outside in: The interiors are nature-inspired, featuring light-filled open layouts and functional design. Clean lines, light wood tones, and neutral color palettes reflect the simple beauty of northeastern Iowa.

Winneshiek County Development & Tourism, Inc.
Virginia Tile Company
Sherwin-Williams

04/28/2026

Done right, Accessory Dwelling Units (or ADUs) are one of the most practical ways to strengthen established neighborhoods. We recently had the exciting opportunity to design an ADU for a wooded residential lot in Des Moines.

“This is Slingshot’s first ADU, and we are excited to explore this additional avenue to create housing in our community,” says Slingshot Architect Scott Huffman.

What started as a plan for a detached garage behind the home ultimately became a small residence, with a two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment above a garage and workspace — made possible by Des Moines’ updated zoning guidance that has made ADUs easier to build.

Whether welcoming family or earning rental income, the space is flexible for future use.

04/24/2026

Each year at our annual meeting, we reflect our firm’s purpose back on ourselves, asking how we’re empowering individual goals and passions while bringing our team together. By sharing these words and intentions, we support one another’s growth and move forward together.

#2026

04/20/2026

Slingshot Architect David Voss has served as a volunteer member of the Community Action Sports Complex Committee since 2025. He’s part of the movement, spearheaded by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition and 80/35 BMX, to convert a vacant anchor store in Des Moines’ Southridge Mall into a national level indoor BMX track.

“It will provide the opportunity for a national BMX competition to be held in Des Moines, and at grassroots, it would give young kids a local space to pursue the sport at a higher level,” David says.