From left to right: Alice Gockel, Ryan VerMulm, and Kelsey Lint celebrate earning their architecture licenses.
We are excited to celebrate a significant milestone for three members of the 10Fold team. Over the past year, Kelsey Lint, Alice Gockel, and Ryan VerMulm, have each earned their architecture license; a huge accomplishment in the profession!
While each of their journeys to licensure was unique, they share a common foundation: five years of architectural education at Iowa State University, over 3,740 hours of hands-on experience through internships and professional practice, valuable mentorship, successful completion of all six ARE exams, and a passion for creating spaces that positively impact people’s lives.
Alice Gockel, AIA
As a lifelong artist, Alice was drawn to architecture because it brings together creativity, logic, and meaningful impact. She appreciates the unique opportunity to create spaces that people experience every day while engaging both artistic and analytical thinking.
Over the past six years at 10Fold, Alice has contributed to projects including the Woodruff Construction Office, Sioux Center Christian School Addition, and Housby Service Center and Corporate Office.
Earning her architecture license in April 2026 became a moment of reflection on how far she’d come. Alice also recently expanded her expertise by pursuing ADA certification, strengthening her knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design.
“Borrowing an analogy from one of my mentors: I have been like a plane accelerating on the runway, and now I’m taking off.”
Alice’s Good Luck Charm:
Throughout her licensing journey, Alice kept a collection of traditional Japanese daruma dolls at her desk. Each doll represented an exam goal. She filled in one eye when she began studying and the second eye after passing the exam. The dolls served as a good luck charm and a reminder to stay persistent and keep moving forward.
Ryan VerMulm, AIA
Ryan’s passion for architecture began long before college. Growing up in Iowa and working in construction, he developed an appreciation for the process of bringing projects to life. That early experience eventually led him to architecture, where he discovered a love for design, problem solving, and creating spaces that support and inspire people.
Looking back, he said it feels natural that his path led him to 10Fold, where he’s spent the past four years learning, growing, and serving clients alongside a team that shares his curiosity and commitment to community impact. His work has fueled a particular interest in the health and wellness sector, where thoughtful design can directly support people’s well-being.
“Being an architect is a tremendous privilege and blessing. We are given the opportunity to help shape the built environment around us, which influences people every day.”
Licensed in April 2026, Ryan sees architecture as a profession rooted in lifelong learning and service to the communities we help shape.
Kelsey Lint, AIA
For Kelsey, architecture has always been about combining creativity with problem solving. After discovering her passion for design through Iowa State University’s core design program, she earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minor in Sustainability and joined 10Fold in 2020 as an intern during her final year of school. Over the past six years, she’s built a diverse portfolio of experience across educational, community, commercial, and industrial projects.
“Becoming a licensed architect represents years of dedication and growth to develop technical knowledge and better protect the public health, safety, and welfare through thoughtful design.”
Kelsey achieved licensure in September 2025, passing all six licensing exams within an impressive eight-month span.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
When asked what advice they would give others pursuing licensure, all three emphasized the importance of staying committed to the process and continuing to learn.
Kelsey encourages future architects to celebrate each milestone along the way.
“Find ways to hold yourself accountable and stay disciplined through the process. And take a moment to celebrate every achievement along the way!”
Ryan credits curiosity and asking questions as some of the most valuable learning tools in his career.
“Some of the most valuable lessons I learned came from asking questions that started with, ‘This might be a dumb question, but…'”
And Alice recommends taking advantage of every learning opportunity available, including NCARB’s free practice exams!
Congratulations, Alice, Ryan, and Kelsey!
Professional licensure represents years of dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. We are proud to celebrate Alice, Ryan and Kelsey for reaching this milestone and grateful for the talent, perspective, and passion they bring to 10Fold and clients every day.
Please join us in congratulating them on this outstanding achievement!