Thorwald Thorson (1879 – 1962) was a Norwegian-born educator and architect whose early career laid the foundation for a multigenerational architectural legacy in Iowa. Born in Norway in 1879, he immigrated with his family to the United States around 1881 and was raised near Forest City, Iowa, where he balanced farm work with a growing ambition for education.
For more than a century, INVISION’s story has been shaped by people with a shared belief that design can make a difference. What began with a young architect’s vision in Forest City, Iowa grew into a practice built on curiosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to service. From those early beginnings, every project became an opportunity to respond to the needs of the moment while imagining possibilities for the future.
In the decades since our creation, our work has spanned from modest schoolhouses and civic buildings to advanced healthcare, educational, and cultural facilities. Though each era has brought new challenges and opportunities, our passion for community, craftsmanship, and innovation remained constant, guiding through our past, present, and far future.
1881
Thorwald Thorson
1903
A Passion For Education
After graduating in 1900, Thorson taught in local schools, including the two-room schoolhouse in nearby Leland, Iowa. While teaching, he began studying architecture through the International Correspondence Schools. In 1903, he sought hands-on experience by working in an architect’s office in St. Paul, Minnesota. That same year, Waldorf College opened its doors in Forest City, and Thorson joined its founding faculty. He taught mathematics and science — including biology, botany, and physics. He continued to pursue summer studies at the University of Iowa and the University of Washington, strengthening his academic foundation and technical knowledge.
1911
Landmark Design: Thorson Hall
While still teaching mathematics and science at Waldorf College, Thorwald Thorson designed Thorson Hall, a new dormitory for the campus. This marks his first architectural commission, blending his academic and emerging design careers. The building would later be named in his honor, recognizing his foundational contributions to both the college and the regional architectural legacy that would become INVISION.
1914
A Practice Begins
In 1914, after more than a decade balancing education and architectural study, Thorwald Thorson officially opened his own architectural firm under the name Thorwald Thorson, Architect. Working from Forest City, he began designing churches, homes, and civic buildings across north-central and northeast Iowa. His dual background in teaching and design gave his work a thoughtful, community-oriented sensibility — grounded in purpose, craftsmanship, and service.
1940
Building Through The Depression
Despite the Great Depression, Thorson sustained modest growth with the help of WPA-funded school projects. This period marks the beginning of the firm’s work in public education.
1945
A Family Legacy Forms
Thorwald’s son, Oswald Thorson, joined the practice after graduating with a degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota. Following service in WWII, he opened a second office in Waterloo, and the firm became Thorson & Thorson, Architects.
1953
Expanded Reach
A third partner joined in Forest City, forming Thorson Thorson & Madsen. The firm grew to 12 employees, focusing on churches, nursing homes, schools, and homes for children.
1957
A Shift In Waterloo
The Waterloo office reorganized and became Thorson and Brom, Architects, operating with a staff of eight and branching into university and hospital projects.
1963 - 1967
Growth & Diversification
As new partners joined, the firm became Thorson Brom Broshar Snyder, Architects. Now with over 15 staff, project types included large recreation and assembly facilities.
1970s
Client-First Practice
With a surge in repeat clients, the firm emphasized lasting relationships and user-focused design. Oswald Thorson retired in 1977.
1995
50 Years In Waterloo
The Waterloo office celebrated 50 years in operation with a reflection on the firm’s expanding services and partnerships.
1997
A Strategic Merger
Thorson Brom Broshar Snyder merged with another Iowa firm to become InVision Architecture, adding offices in Des Moines, Storm Lake, and Sioux City.
2006
The INVISION Identity
The Des Moines and Waterloo offices reorganized and rebranded as INVISION. The firm sharpened its focus on healthcare, education, and civic design.
2024
Growing South: Jacksonville Joins The Map
INVISION acquired RDB Design Associates, a respected Florida firm. The newly branded RDB INVISION opened INVISION’s first southeastern office.
2025
National Reach: Atlanta And Dallas
INVISION acquired Macgregor Associates Architects (MAA), a design leader in industrial and data-center architecture. Offices open in Atlanta and Dallas.
Today
A Century Of Collaboration
Today INVISION continues to deliver planning, architecture, and interior design from studios in Des Moines, Waterloo, Jacksonville, Atlanta, and Dallas.