The Iowa Architectural Foundation fulfills its mission through programming. Currently, the Foundation administeres programs in public awareness, youth education, and community design.
Architecture in the Community (AIC) plans annual walking tours of downtown Des Moines and coordinates a lecture series to promote Iowa Architecture Month. Since the walking tours were first offered in 2002, over 600 individuals have learned to appreciate the historic and contemporary architecture of Iowa's capitol city.
Architecture in the Schools (AIS) was a committee originally established in 1985 by the Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects to educate younger Iowans about architecture and the built environment. The committee and its programs transferred to the Foundation in 1994.
Community Design Excellence Awards (CDEA) are the public recognition component of the Foundation's programming strategy. Over 21 projects involving new construction or historic preservation have been awarded statewide since the program was launched in 2000.
Community Design Program (CDP) has assisted mostly rural communities with design issues involving downtown revitalization, streetscapes, and gateway entrances. Since 2001, seventeen communities across Iowa have graduated from the program.
