The Jirsa Loft is a 2,700 square foot apartment in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, designed by Substance Architecture for a doctor with an interest in fine art and urban living. Completed around 2007 to 2008 (sources differ), it is a simple linear volume with sweeping skyline views.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Jirsa Loft (also listed as Jirsa Residence) |
| Location | Downtown Des Moines, Iowa |
| Size | 2,700 square feet |
| Architect | Substance Architecture |
| Client | A single doctor interested in fine art and luxury living |
| Completed | About 2007 to 2008 |
Who designed the Jirsa Loft?
Substance Architecture is a Des Moines design practice formed in 2005 by Mankins, Tim Hickman, William Anderson and Jason Alread. Its portfolio is on its official website.
How is the loft laid out?
The loft is designed to be a simple, linear volume with all the major living spaces (kitchen, media, bedroom, living, dining) followed by a series of private, intimate spaces (powder room, pantry, guest bath, master bath, office).
The architects describe the plan this way:
The public spaces were placed adjacent to the building’s exterior, providing each with sweeping views of the city skyline to the north and west, while the private spaces were placed next to the building’s core and separated from the main volume by a thick gallery wall.
This plan arrangement provides the owner with a variety of spatial opportunities including the expansive, open volume one comes to expect from loft living; more intimate, contemplative rooms; and “in-between” spaces.
What materials define the interior?
Simple ebony casework is used to subdivide the large, open volume and define functional subspaces. These low cabinets allow the volume to be understood as a single space when standing, but define subspaces (living room, dining room, etc.) when visitors sit.
Creating architecture of substance requires searching for the essential—the essential character of a place, property of a material, nature of a problem, and needs of a client.
The design is reductive: mechanical systems sit above the ceilings of the private core spaces, and a band of translucent panels divides the open space and carries the lighting and sprinklers.
Keep reading
- More luxury homes from around the world: our full home archive
FAQ
Where is the Jirsa Loft?
In downtown Des Moines, Iowa.
Who designed the Jirsa Loft?
Substance Architecture, a Des Moines firm formed in 2005.
How big is the Jirsa Loft?
It is about 2,700 square feet.
Who is the loft for?
A single doctor interested in fine art and urban living.
When was it built?
Sources give 2007 or 2008.
Last updated: October 2026.
