Google northeast Iowa architects. A home designer might be more appropriate for the scale of your project.

Here is a link that might be useful: NE Iowa designer

Look for a chapter of The American Institute of Architects closest to you location and contact them for referrals.

Good luck with your project.

Try this;http://www.thebluebook.com/search.html?region=51&bkid=25&searchTerm=Architects.

Dubuque, Rochester and LaCrosse should all have architectural firms. None of those are terribly far from northeast Iowa. Perhaps you have checked them out and found that you aren't happy with their design portfolios?

Thank you for responding so quickly. I will check out those links.

Ivmadison, I am closer to Waterloo, but I have looked at architects in those cities as well and haven't been excited by anything I've seen. I guess everything just looks like it belongs in a subdivision.

You may not find what you are looking for, if you are depending upon an on-line portfolio.

Snoonyb, I was thinking about that too and how architects may only have projects that were completely dictated by their customers and lacking in the creative process. However my area isn't exactly crawling with people using architects so I've had a hard time trying to get some names for word of mouth.

Based on Renovator8's suggestion I found a home designer near me who seems to specialize in energy efficiency, and that is the best lead I've had so far. I know like everything else this will take some time, and hopefully our old farmhouse will hold up for a couple of more years.

Correct, often market driven.

Finding a designer interested in a moment of "Re-gendrification", as it were.

Where a 4square or craftsman bungalow, is right down their alley.

Have you looked in Iowa City/CR? Maybe the University could give out suggestions? Do the Hawks produce architects? :) BTW, I grew up in NE Iowa.

Iowa State has an architectural school, I believe.

Hi, you might consider Ahman Designs. Not an architect, a designer, but they seem to be quite busy and productive, you never know. They have a couple of offices:

In Cedar Rapids: 1641 Boyson Square Drive / Suite 100 / Hiawatha, IA 52233 / 1-800-725-6852 / FAX 319-395-7933

In Des Moines: 3094 104th Street / Urbandale, IA 50322 / 515-334-9446 / FAX 515-334-014

Here is a link that might be useful: Ahman Designs

Thank you everyone for the help, and I will look into all of them.

I just discovered we live in a county with no building codes, and we will only need a permit for septic and electrical. Is this weird? I see so many people on here stressing over building codes, but to not have any?

Many rural counties don't have codes, or even an inspection process. Your architect/designer will probably not give you a plan that doesn't conform to the IRC, if only because of the lawsuit potential. Asking them to give you a design that meets the newer "stretch" energy code (or beyond) is probably well worthwhile. Finding a builder who will actually follow the plan is another problem; you may want to retain your own inspector who will insure that all the caulking and sealing gets done per the plan unless you are comfortable doing that.

We also live in an area that has no regulating or permitting. It's our land and money, so we can do whatever we want. Not sure if that's good or bad! ;)

No, we are the same way where I live, counties have almost nothing in terms of building codes. Only in the past few years have people started to speak out for at least some basic codes outside city jurisdictions.

I have subscribed to Fine Homebuilding and reading the Green Building Advisor site to research better building methods.

There are some local builders (very small groups including Amish that is literally next door). I have been watching their work so I have an idea who I may go with. I will do most of the finishing work (not drywall though because I hate drywall). DH builds furniture in his freetime whole I do the sanding and staining because I have the eye and patience for it. We have a lot of experience with finishing and remodeling work so I'm looking forward to it.

There are also several cabinet makers within minutes of the farm so hopefully we can go with one of them. Installing cabinets doesn't sound very appealing. Plus my grandfather was a cabinetmaker so I want them just right.

I'm hoping to put this group on the list, and hopefully they're wanting to do a small project. She's out of Wisconsin, and I really get her style.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kee's Architecture in Wisconsin

Hi IowaCommute
I am an architect out of Waterloo area that specializes in super energy efficient designs. I have my own home I designed and built 20 miles west of Waterloo a year ago you are more than welcome to see. If you are interested in talking, PM me!
thanks

Hi lzerarc, Thank you again for responding. I sent an email and look forward to speaking with you.