Atalie Ruhnke, AIA

atalieruhnke@gmail.com

linkedin.com/in/atalieruhnke

SUMMARY:

As an architect with 5 years of experience, I am passionate about creating thoughtful designs that prioritize human experience and sustainability. My experience spans all phases of a project, including renovations, additions, and new construction, ranging in size from 3,000SF to 78,000SF. I excel at building strong relationships with clients and fostering close collaboration within varying project teams to achieve our shared goals. Proficient in most industry standard software, I use these tools alongside my knowledge and skills to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, meet schedule and budget objectives, and exceed client expectations.

EXPERIENCE

Architect, Substance Architecture

  • Executed all phases of a project from programming through construction administration.

  • Analyzed program needs and provided test fits within 1% of projected growth while exceeding client goals.

  • Produced design and concept ideas and iterations and presented them to clients and stakeholders.

  • Utilized BIM technologies to facilitate collaboration with engineers, consultants, energy modeling experts, and other team members to make informed decisions and avoid conflicts.

  • Coordinated closely with project team members, proactively solving problems and adapting the designs as necessary - in one project, answering and issuing 200+ RFI’s and 50+ addenda on a complex, 7-million-dollar project spanning 2.5 years.

  • Evaluated common assumptions and practices with the project team to negotiate innovative strategies regarding energy use, flow, experience, etc. - in one case, we identified areas where operational energy use could be reduced in 20% of the facility.

  • Took initiative in outlining key sustainability priorities and strategies, with input from a large team of consultants, engineers, and client representatives, to support the project’s NET-0 energy goal.

  • Provided construction drawings and details and compiled project documentation sets adhering to building and accessibility codes and all other regulatory requirements.

  • Utilized project management programs to facilitate clear communication between the design team, client, and contractor, ensuring alignment with schedule and budget constraints.

  • Led and managed multiple tenant improvement projects (3,400 - 12,500SF in size) simultaneously, each at varying points in the project life cycle - successfully delivering 13 spaces nationwide.

06/2019 - 07/2024, Des Moines, IA

Intern - Blackbird Investments

  • Generated design iterations and developed graphic representation of various project concepts.

05/2018 - 08/2018, Des Moines, IA

Intern - HNTB

  • Supported project management activities - including coordination with a complex team of consultants, engineers, and stakeholders.

05/2017

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Architecture

Iowa State University (08/2014 - 05/2019)

Minor: Urban Studies

Honors:

  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude

  • OPN Architecture Scholarship Recipient (2018)

  • Richard F. Hansen Prize Runner-Up (2017)

  • James H. and M. Suanne Stange Architecture Award (2017)

Licensed Architect - Iowa (02/2023 - Present)

AIA

NCARB

Central Iowa Architects Section

  • Section President

  • Section Vice President

  • Board Member

CERTIFICATIONS & AFILIATIONS

  • Conceptual Design

  • Sketching & Visual Representation

  • Presenting

  • Construction Documentation & Detailing

  • Building & Accessibility Codes

  • Sustainable Design

  • Construction Administration

  • AutoCAD

  • Revit, BIM, BIM360

  • Rhino

  • Sketchup

  • Enscape

  • V-Ray

  • Grasshopper

  • Climate Studio

  • Bluebeam Revu

  • Office Suite

  • Adobe Suite

  • Procore

  • Submittal Exchange

SKILLS

  • Commercial

  • Workplace

  • Athletics

MARKET STRENGTHS