With RDG Planning & Design’s (RDG) acquisition of Walker | Coen | Lorentzen Architects (WCL), RDG adds three new Partners to our leadership team: Ron Walker, Matt Coen and Andy Lorentzen.  As former leaders of WCL, a respected architecture firm with offices in Des Moines and Iowa City, Iowa, these individuals bring architectural and business expertise, along with the dedication to clients that is a hallmark of RDG.

Ronald Walker, AIA | Architect

“Since my earliest days as an architect I have been exploring HOW to design places that engage people, places where people want to be, places that enhance the quality of life and make lasting connections with our communities.”

Ron became an architect to create designs in harmony with the environment and responsible to the surrounding community – while offering clients personalized service and excellent designs that reflect their aspirations.  Over the past four decades, Ron has designed hundreds of buildings of varied types and sizes. His work has been recognized and awarded for outstanding design. Ron’s expertise is in his ability to provide technical experience while creating spaces that are comfortable and harmonious.

Ron Walker established Walker Architects PC in 1973. Over the years, Walker became not just a respected architect, but a leader and mentor to generations of architects in Central Iowa. In 2012, his firm merged with StudioCOEN Architects to become Walker | Coen | Lorentzen. Over the last decade the three WCL Principals have led numerous projects including The FFA Enrichment Center, the Flynn Wright Building, The Hotel Maytag restoration (under construction), the Historic Ottumwa Theater, Bookin Innovation Center, park shelters at Greenwood and McCrea Parks, economic development efforts for the Avenues of Ingersoll and Grand and many more.

Mathew C. Coen, AIA | Architect 

“I am driven by the pursuit of understanding each project’s unique demands and working with dynamic teams to develop solutions that are as beautiful as they are functional.”

Matt is a skilled project leader and believes that the pursuit of a shared vision is the key to a successful project. Now an architect and economic development consultant in RDG’s architecture studio, Matt brings over 15 years of experience in community revitalization and economic development efforts. His expertise spans urban planning, infill development, historic preservation, housing, and public improvement projects – complemented by his extensive experience in corporate and institutional architecture projects. Matt is actively involved in community and professional organizations and was recently selected a Forty Under 40 Honoree in the greater Des Moines area.

Notable projects: Flynn Wright Corporate Headquarters, ReMy Health Corporate Offices, Ingersoll & Grand Avenue Corridor Masterplan

Andrew P. Lorentzen, AIA | Architect

“There’s a reason it’s called the “practice” of architecture – as I move through my career, I have come to understand that my talent and skills can only be developed and enriched by experience. I am very grateful to be a partner at RDG, to be a part of an amazing team of designers with an incredible portfolio of work.”

Andy’s keen eye for detail and passion for historic preservation have helped him become a leading voice for urban revitalization and adaptive reuse across Iowa.  Complementing his work in the restoration, Andy brings experience with hospitality, corporate, and parks projects.  Andy’s expertise adds depth and breadth to RDG’s architecture studio, where he serves as an architect and project manager. Before beginning his professional career in Des Moines, he served in the United States Navy.

Notable projects: Winfield Park Shelter, Flynn Wright, Jay Spence Shelter, Hotel Maytag, FFA Enrichment Center