Avec Design+Build

09/01/2026

It’s Wellness Month! Plenty of us wish we could have a place to exercise and work out the stress at home. Take a look at this newly constructed private gym we designed and built.

08/28/2026

According to the Aug 26th is Flashing Day! Here is one example of how we’ve used flashing in a project. This project was an extensive deck addition that incorporated a stone veneer for overhead arches and fireplaces. The flashing here was critical to keep the framing assembly from taking on water while still allowing the arches to read as robust stone accents. Coupled with deck framing tape to extend the life of the joists themselves, this deck will be around for as many seasons as the homeowner can throw at it. Check out more projects like this at: https://www.avecdesignbuild.com/ourwork/

08/25/2026

Meeting building code gets you a permit, but thoughtful design gets you a space that works for everyone. When you’re planning your next commercial build or renovation, keeping these specific accessibility details in mind early on saves retrofitting headaches later:
Clearances & Heights: If you're doing a pull-under sink or side-approach counter, 34" is your max mounting height. (Side note: keep paper towels at a 48" max height and TP rolls at a 19" minimum).
Hardware choices: Swap round k***s for lever door handles and lever sink fixtures. They are significantly easier to open, pull, and turn.
Navigating elevations: If an internal ramp has a rise lower than 6", it can be navigated without a handrail. For stairs, double handrails provide much better balance and support.
Durability for mobility: Installing a steel collision plate at the bottom of a ramp protects your walls and assists wheeled mobility devices.
We mapped out 13 of these specific details in our own design + build office at Avec. Check out our Substack to learn more about each feature! What’s one accessibility feature you think gets overlooked the most in commercial design?

Avec Design+Build

08/20/2026

Do you own a business or home in a local historic district? If so, you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to hear from our Partner + Architect Jason, as well as Benjamin Campbell (City of Ames - City Government Planner) and Casie Vance (Executive Director, Ames History Museum), about the local and national programs and grants that may be available to help you finance improvements. Come to the Ames History Museum on Thursday, August 27th from 5:30-6:30pm for a presentation and quick tour of our historic building.

08/14/2026

It’s Wellness Month! What says “I’m meeting my wellness goals!” more than an athletic fitness facility? Check out these photos from Boone FLEX, a project we provided code review, layout, and finish suggestions for.

08/10/2026

It’s Wellness Month! The wellness space we all have the most experience with is bathrooms. Let us know which of our bathroom projects you would like to spend some self-care time in.

08/05/2026

We’ve been nominated for Best Architecture Firm in Story County again! We would love it if you would take a moment to give us your support! Visit this link (https://amestrib.gannettcontests.com/2026-Best-of-Story-County-Communitys-Choice-Awards/gallery/?group=554634) to vote for AVEC or find us under the Services Category. Don’t forget to come back and vote again tomorrow!

08/04/2026

August is Wellness Month! Follow us to see a few wellness projects we have worked on that we’ll be sharing throughout the month. Comment below with what you are doing to reach your wellness goals this month!

07/24/2026

We always find it a little tricky to answer the question “What kind of projects do you do?” because the answer is really: a little bit of everything. Nothing showcases that quite like this desk today: the palette for a fun, vibrant radio studio project sitting next to samples for a soft, quaint farmhouse remodel. From athletic facilities to custom homes to assisted living apartments to bathroom remodels and everything in between and beyond, we do it! We love the variety of exciting projects that come through our office and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

07/17/2026

We celebrated National Ice Cream Day a couple days early in our office with some homemade ice cream made by one of our own. How do you plan to celebrate this weekend?