Studio Combine thrives on complex
problem-solving.
Studio Combine’s lean format enables us to operate with more efficiency, practice with greater agility, and pursue more productive relationships. Our mission is to guide impactful design and realize each project’s potential. We listen closely, test vigorously, and boil decision-points down to clear, legible terms. Internal rigor smooths the process for the rest of the team. Discussions, workshops, and design reviews are accessible and productive. In our experience, cool heads and comfortable competence foster a can-do attitude, no matter how daunting the challenge.
Andrew Ballard
Principal
I founded Studio Combine in 2020 to focus on intensive, meaningful projects locally and nationally. It is a joy to apply my experience realizing high-end residences, crafting performance venues, developing food services, and planning flexible, landscape-oriented campus experiences. My education includes an A.B. in Architecture from Princeton University and an M.Arch from UC Berkeley. My work experience spans both coasts and extends across the pond. I grew up in North Carolina and feel quite at home now in the Midwest. Sure do like to travel, though.
Jim Zeller
Design, BIM Management
Originally from Illinois, Jim earned a B.Arch from Iowa State University while taking an interest in computational design and contributing to DATUM, the school’s architecture publication. He has since worked his way around the Midwest contributing to a host of local and national projects. He brings a wealth of experience to the team in terms of design, documentation, and collaborative coordination. Jim deepens Studio Combine’s capacity to efficiently execute larger, more complex projects. Based in Minneapolis, Jim takes a continued active interest in computational design and computer scripting.
Open Position
Design, Visualization
Our team currently has an open position. Studio Combine is looking for designers with 1-5 years of experience. Candidates should be accomplished and enjoy staying on their toes. Our current portfolio spans multiple states, scales, and project types and the practice is primed to grow. There is a lot to be done. The horizon beckons. Since we are (currently) a small firm, our team juggles responsibilities and keeps up a constant chatter. An advantage of a mission-based, intensive design firm is that everyone is constantly learning. We are thorough, thoughtful, and timely. Everything is the fun part. Headquarters is (are?) just north of Iowa City and just south of Cedar Rapids. Remote work is integrated and Studio Combine HQ is a cozy spot for meeting, workshopping, and general camaraderie. Diversity is vital. The network within which we thrive is broad. Please contact us through the 'Inquiries' tab and include 'Hiring' in the subject line. During the process we'll be interested to see a cover letter, resume, work samples, and references.
H.A. White General Store and House
Headquarters
Our HQ graces the National Register of Historic Places. We absolutely love this building. She deeply informs our thoughts on time and place. The store’s central portion was completed in 1876. At least three additions were built in subsequent years to support North Liberty’s only commercial enterprise between 1876 and 1889. H.A. White served as the local postmaster here from 1877 through 1888 and Dr. James Polk Von Stein boarded and had his office from 1879 to 1891. Per North Liberty’s Comprehensive Plan, our City intends to restore our neighborhood as a walkable, medium-density core. Studio Combine and our neighbors are very much in tune with this goal. Looking forward to what we can create together.
Inigo Montoya
Technical Support(?)
Inigo is an unpaid intern landshark and brings with him no experience whatsoever. He performs the opposite of janitorial services and in his spare time is studying how not to bark at valued clients he has previously approved through treats. Leads the office in sitting and shaking `{`now with high-fives!`}`. Customer service is second to none...unless those customers are cat people, which honestly can’t be helped. His zoomies are quite fast. He is quite cuddly. His favorite color is food.