Built With Purpose: The Legacy of Proudfoot & Bird + Rawson

Not just a building-a legacy.
Not just a schoolhouse- a piece of Iowa’s architectural history.

Proudfoot & Bird + Rawson refers to one of the most influential architecture firms in Iowa history, especially tied to Des Moines’ early 20th-century skyline and civic identity.

Their work helped define the “historic Des Moines look”—especially pre-WWII. They were essentially the dominant architectural firm in Iowa from 1900–1930. About 25+ of their buildings still stand in Des Moines today. Look around downtown and you’ll still see their fingerprints everywhere.

Notable DSM buildings:
Masonic Temple of Des Moines (1913) Now the Temple for Performing Arts
Hubbell Building (1913) Early skyscraper / Chicago School style
Teachout Building (1912–14) One of the first “skyscrapers” on the east side
Des Lux Hotel (1913) Originally a private club building

So when we told our architect, Slingshot Architecture, about the origins of this building, that it traces back to Proudfoot & Bird + Rawson, they didn’t just appreciate it. They were genuinely thrilled. Because this isn’t just another project. It’s a continuation of a legacy.

And that legacy is tangible, including the original blue prints drawn on linen.

In the symmetry,
the windows,
the quiet strength of the space—that’s their reputation.

You can see it.
The signature of Proudfoot & Bird + Rawson.
Timeless. Intentional. Built to last.

More than a century later, we’re not starting from scratch.
We’re building on something that was already meaningful.

We’re not here to change history-
we’re here to honor it.
To preserve what was built with intention.