Laying the Foundation

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we sit down with Kent Lutz, a principal architect at CMBA Architects, to discuss the latest trends in higher education design. Kent shares insights into how institutions are addressing declining enrollment, increasing in-person class attendance, adapting existing facilities to meet changing needs, the importance of sustainability and green design in higher education spaces, and more. Listen to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing higher education institutions today.

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we sit down with Brian Crichton, the CEO of CMBA Architects, to discuss the company's history, growth, and evolving culture. Brian shares insights into the founding of CMBA Architects, the key factors that drove its early success, and the strategies that have fueled its continued growth.

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we sit down with Lee Buekelman, a Principal Architect at CMBA Architects, and Jackie Mahler, EVP Chief Financial & Chief Operations Officer of Availa Bank, to discuss the intricacies of modern bank design. From security and accessibility to customer experience and operational efficiency, we delve into the key considerations that go into creating a successful banking facility.

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we sit down with Courtney Koch, a Principal Architect at CMBA Architects, to discuss the MMCRU School project. We delve into the importance of community involvement in school design, the role of the architect in creating flexible and adaptable learning spaces, and the long-term impact of school facilities on student success. Join us as we explore how CMBA Architects helped MMCRU create a school that supports the entire community.

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we sit down with two of CMBA's principal Architects: Courtney Koch and Lee Buekelman, to discuss the critical role of collaboration between architects and educators in creating successful K-12 learning environments. Learn how effective partnerships and communication can lead to innovative and inspiring school designs that meet the needs of students and educators alike.

Dive into the world of architecture with Crayton Maurer, a dynamic force and our esteemed intern at CMBA Architects in 2023 who returned for another dive in 2024. Join us in this episode as Crayton shares the fascinating journey that led him to pursue a career in architecture and the enriching experiences he gained during his internship at CMBA. Get a glimpse into the innovative projects and challenges that have shaped Crayton's perspective on architectural design. Discover how emerging talents like Crayton are contributing fresh ideas and creativity to the ever-evolving field of architecture.

Join us for a riveting conversation with Carlos Perez-Madrid, our talented 2023 Architectural Intern at CMBA Architects. In this episode, Carlos shares his journey into the realm of architecture, unraveling the motivations that led him to pursue a career in this dynamic field. Dive into the world of architectural design as Carlos discusses his experiences and the innovative projects he's been a part of during his internship at CMBA. Gain insights into the life of an architectural intern and discover the passion that fuels the creation of inspiring spaces.

This Halloween special of Laying the Foundation takes a spooky turn as our team shares their most chilling encounters from the world of architecture. From abandoned facilities to haunted spaces, our architects and designers recount their eerie experiences on the job. Get ready for spine-tingling tales that will leave you questioning what truly lurks behind the blueprints.

This episode delves into the key steps involved in creating a successful campus master plan, from understanding the institution's mission and goals to assessing current facilities and developing innovative solutions. CMBA Principal architect Brent Koch and Matt from Confluence share their expertise on gathering feedback from stakeholders, identifying key trends, and collaborating with clients to create a vision for the future of the campus.

In this captivating episode of "Laying the Foundation," host Skyler engages in a dynamic conversation with architect David Brockshus from CMBA Architects, alongside Alexis Patterson, the Chief Engineer, and Keith Bliven, the Director of Station Operations at KTIV (Siouxland News Station). Together, they delve into the intricacies of the transformative project undertaken by our team for KTIV, which included the addition of a new TMP Control Room and surrounding facilities. Tune in as they share their firsthand experiences navigating the challenges of maintaining seamless operations amidst construction, offering valuable insights into the intersection of architectural innovation and media production.

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we delve into the fascinating world of healthcare design with architect Adam Wheelock. Discover how thoughtfully designed spaces can positively impact the mental and emotional well-being of patients. From creating calming environments to fostering healing, Adam shares insights into the transformative power of design in behavioral health.

In this episode of the Laying the Foundation Podcast, we dive into the world of special needs education with a unique perspective. Joining us are architect Eric Coleman and his wife, teacher Mary Jo Coleman. Together, they offer invaluable insights into designing and teaching in spaces tailored for students with special needs. From addressing common misconceptions to exploring innovative design solutions, this episode provides a comprehensive look at creating inclusive and effective learning environments.

This episode features a lively roundtable discussion with CMBA Architects' talented 2024 intern class! Join us as we chat with all five interns about their experiences this summer. They'll share the projects they worked on, the skills they developed, and what they enjoyed most about their internship at CMBA Architects.

This episode dives deep into the critical role of the architect during construction! Our host sits down with Dan Munch, Director of Construction Services at CMBA Architects, to discuss the architect's responsibilities throughout the building process. From ensuring quality and adhering to plans to navigating unforeseen challenges, Dan will shed light on this crucial collaboration between architect and builder.

Dive into the world of architectural design with Levi Brausey, our talented Architectural Designer, as he shares the intricate details of his journey into the field of architecture and his meaningful contributions to CMBA Architects. Join us in this engaging episode as Levi unveils the inspiration behind his design choices, his commitment to innovation, and the collaborative spirit that defines his work. Explore the fascinating intersection of creativity and functionality that Levi brings to every project.

In this episode of "Laying the Foundation," join host Skyler as he sits down with Troy Keilig, one of our principal architects at CMBA Architects, and Jeff James, the Superintendent at Central City High School. Together, they delve into the innovative Dome Gymnasium project designed by our team. Funded through FEMA, this multifunctional facility not only serves as a vibrant hub for sports games and activities but also doubles as a vital community shelter during emergencies. Tune in as they explore the unique challenges, design considerations, and transformative impact of this remarkable project on both the school and the broader community.

In this insightful episode of "Laying the Foundation," we sit down with Architect Joe Copley to explore the intricacies of designing educational environments for K-12 students. From the importance of first impressions to creating spaces that foster curiosity, Joe shares his expertise on how architecture can shape the student experience. We delve into the journey students take from the moment they approach the building, through safe and inviting entryways, to dynamic and collaborative learning environments. Discover how strategic design elements can support different learning styles, promote school pride, and create a welcoming atmosphere for both students and visitors. Join us for a deep dive into the world of educational architecture and the thoughtful design that supports the development and growth of young learners.

Explore the profound influence of architecture on campus identity in our latest podcast episode, where architects Kent Lutz and Brent Koch delve into the nuances of crafting spaces that reflect the ethos and spirit of educational institutions. Dive into the intersection of design, culture, and community in shaping vibrant campus landscapes.

Embark on a journey into the world of interior design with Estrella Vazquez, our talented 2022 Interior Design Intern at CMBA Architects. In this insightful episode, Estrella unveils her pathway to the captivating realm of design and architecture. Join us as we delve into the nuances of shaping functional and aesthetic interiors. Estrella shares her internship experiences at CMBA, providing a glimpse into the exciting projects she contributed to and the valuable lessons she learned.

In this episode, delve into the intricate world of senior living design with our architects Terry Glade and Michael Carlson as they explore how architectural considerations shape spaces tailored to the unique needs and experiences of older adults, discussing everything from functionality and accessibility to aesthetics and community integration.