Bob Olson
AIA, Appraisal Institute/PA
education & EXPERIENCE
Bob has combined a Master of Architecture degree from Rice University and an undergraduate Architecture degree from Iowa State University with over 40 years experience as an Architect. As an Architect, Bob has helped create the vision for buildings and sites of all types and sizes; functioning as Project Designer, Project Architect, and/or Project Manager. These projects were completed in Iowa, about a dozen other states, as well as in Mexico and the Middle East.
In addition to this professional architectural/master planning experience, Bob served as an Adjunct Associate Professor within Iowa State University’s Department of Architecture for about 10 years; largely teaching undergraduate and graduate design studios. Bob completed this nearly decade of teaching while also working over 80% full-time for an award winning architectural firm in Des Moines.
Bob then added another professional Iowa license to his education/experience. He became a Certified General Real Property Appraiser in 2007, with over 15 years of Real Estate valuation experience. This appraisal experience involved about all types of commercial buildings and planned developments. Bob has maintained both licenses with countless hours of both AIA and Appraisal Institute continuing education courses and seminars.
accomplishments
Olson Consultants, founded by Bob, is a third evolution of two other companies that Bob was instrumental in starting. The first, VOV Architecture + Design, was formed in 1990 with two other Architect/Designers (with last names starting with a “V”) and existed for a decade. The second was Architect Robert Olson, that also existed for about a decade.
The current Olson Consultants combines both the architecture & planning experience with the real estate valuation experience. We provide traditional services in both architecture & appraising. as well as consulting assignments that include marketability & feasibility studies, highest & best use studies, and other deliverables.
Another goal or PASSION is to be able to provide some of these same services on a pro bono basis to the local & regional community. We passionately believe in the statement: “Making a big difference while hopefully making a little money.” DESIGN & thoughtful architectural solutions can make a DIFFERENCE. Some of the pro bono clients we have helped are: Ballet Iowa, Des Moines Food Pantry, Sarge’s Boxing Club (a facility for inner city youth), RIO (Rebuild Iowa Organization-Bob was nominated by Iowa’s Governor, to be a team member, after Iowa’s devastating 2008 floods).
Years of Architecture & Planning Experience
Years of Real Estate Appraisal Experience
American Institute of Architects Awards (Central States Region)
American Institute of Architects Awards (Iowa Chapter)
“Bob helped us remodel an open space and build 5 new classrooms for our school. As a non-profit we are always in need of people who support our mission at a reduced rate if needed. Bob stepped forward early in the process and stayed until the very end. He stayed in touch through the difficult times and made sure it was completed on time. We are thankful for his help and hope others will be so blessed by his service.”
-Chris Hurley
Joshua Christian Academy
Board of Directors, President
Get In Touch
Contact Bob directly at 515-975-5090 or send a message below.