Des Moines boasts a remarkable architectural portfolio rich in depth and quality. The town drew wide attention in the nineteenth century with structures like the Iowa State Capitol and the Terrace Hill mansion. Des Moines embraced the City Beautiful movement in the twentieth century and became home to well-known work by Eliel and Eero Saarinen, notably the city's innovative Art Center. A contemporary architectural renaissance produced lauded landmarks like the Meredith Headquarters, the Des Moines Public Library and the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Author Jay Pridmore crafts an illustrated survey of the architecture and design of Iowa's largest city.

Jay Pridmore's background as a Chicago journalist has sharpened and informed his impassioned study of architectural history. He is the author of over twenty books, including Chicago Architecture and Design, University of Chicago: The Campus Guide, Shanghai: The Architecture of China's Great Urban Center and The American Bicycle.