From Service to Structure

For Shive-Hattery architect Mark Moeckl, the journey to architecture began with a different kind of blueprint—one forged in the discipline and demands of military service.

After earning a degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Iowa State University in 2004 and working briefly as a personal trainer, Mark found himself at a crossroads. “I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to pursue,” he recalls. “I was curious about the military and figured it would be a place that I could be utilized and learn new skills, all while giving me some time to reevaluate what I wanted to pursue as a career path.”

Before joining Shive-Hattery, Mark served with pride in the U.S. Army, laying the groundwork for a second career rooted in purpose and service.

Finding Purpose in Service

Mark quickly found that his fitness background gave him a unique way to contribute to the well-being of his fellow soldiers. Scoring highly on physical training tests, he took pride in helping others do the same—coaching and pacing them through runs and workouts. “I found it rewarding to see how excited soldiers would get upon successful completion of their PT test after repeated attempts without the desired results,” he says.

This spirit of service and mentorship would become a guiding principle throughout his career.

The discipline and camaraderie found during military service helped shape Mark Moeckl’s leadership style.

Navigating the Transition

Moving from military to civilian life presented challenges. “The pace of life in the military is often slow and drawn out, unless on a specific mission,” Mark explains. “Civilian careers tend to be fast-paced most of the time.” He also notes the cultural shift: while the military prioritizes chain-of-command and uniformity, civilian life places a premium on individual ambition and initiative.

Carrying Lessons Forward

In architecture, Mark draws on the discipline and respect for leadership he learned in the military. “The military helped me understand the importance of respecting the ‘chain of command,’” he says. “Leaders who have worked to earn trusted positions deserve to be respected and listened to because they have to evaluate each decision in terms of how it impacts the organization.”

Today, Mark uses his technical and creative expertise to produce accurate architectural documentation and communicate design solutions for the public and private sectors.

Mark often coached fellow soldiers to meet and exceed their physical training goals, laying a foundation for future mentorship in civilian life.

Designing Safer, More Inspiring Spaces

Mark’s military service also shaped his perspective on the power of design. “The safest spaces are those that have been designed intentionally with careful consideration for how that space will be utilized,” he reflects. “People need to be inspired and protected; these are the spaces I’d like to create.”

In both service and design, Mark Moeckl exemplifies a commitment to making the world safer, stronger, and more purposeful—one mission, and one structure, at a time.

About Mark Moeckl

Mark brings technical and creative expertise in producing accurate architectural drawings and related documentation. His experience in deriving an architectural solution out of the space-needs document is critical to successful project delivery.

With experience in design and construction in public and private sectors, effective communication of architectural solutions through a creative visual medium to stakeholders becomes paramount and falls within Mark’s domain of work.