Laying the Foundation

In this episode of our "Behind the Blueprint" series, we head to our Des Moines office to chat with Architect Anna Bednarko. Anna takes us through her personal journey into the world of architecture, sharing the moments that sparked her passion for the craft and what continues to inspire her design thinking today. We discuss the vital role of the architect in bridging the gap between a client’s vision and a physical reality, and why she believes the strongest projects are the result of strong focus on the client's needs. Join us for an inside look at the person behind the drawings and the heart of our Des Moines design team.

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with CMBA Associate Principal Angela McCaulley to discuss the power of community resilience following the historic 2024 flooding in Northwest Iowa. After witnessing 80% of her hometown of Spencer suffer damage, Angela and her husband recognized a critical void when a local non-profit thrift store was unable to reopen. They stepped in to found Fresh Start Market & Boutique, a 501(c)3 organization that has transformed over 20,000 square feet of retail and warehouse space into a hub for recovery. We discuss the logistics of managing a massive donation and voucher system, the emotional impact of having their entire family involved in the effort, and how their commitment united the community. Join us for a conversation about how leadership goes far beyond the drawing board when a community needs a place to start over.

Principal Architect Dan Levi, a leading expert in childcare facility design, joins the podcast to unpack the critical relationship between architecture and the operational realities of the childcare industry. Dan addresses the dual challenges of affordability and availability, explaining how strategic pre-design work, including community surveys and pro forma analysis, is essential. He then dives into schematic design, focusing on maximizing student-to-teacher ratios, minimizing staffing needs through efficient layouts, and understanding the intricate day-to-day operations to create facilities that are not only inviting but also financially sustainable and highly functional for both children and staff.

Principal Architect Brian Crichton returns to the podcast to discuss the intentional strategies CMBA uses to cultivate talent and build a resilient culture. In this episode, Brian explains how leaders can spot potential early, move beyond traditional annual reviews to create ongoing "micro-coaching" feedback loops, and structure growth pathways tailored to the individual.

Principal Architect Brent Koch takes us on a journey to define and demystify the concept of design excellence. He explains that it's more than just aesthetics; it's a guiding philosophy for creating buildings that truly serve people, respect the planet, and are built through thoughtful collaboration. Drawing on the AIA's Framework for Design Excellence, Brent walks us through ten key principles from integration and equitable communities to sustainability, economy, and well-being. This is a conversation about broadening our definition of success to encompass purpose, resilience, and the power of a design that is truly meaningful and lasting.

In this Behind the Blueprint episode, we sit down with Jay Reyhons, a Registered Interior Designer at CMBA Architects. Jay shares his journey into the field of interior design, his passion for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, and his role in the design process. He discusses the importance of collaboration with architects and other team members to achieve successful project outcomes.

Join us in this insightful episode as CMBA Architects CEO Brian Crichton and Levi Architecture's Dan Levi discuss the strategic acquisition that brought their two firms together. They delve into the motivations behind this significant move, exploring how it expands expertise and geographic reach, the alignment of similar company cultures, and the new opportunities it creates. Discover how a long-term friendship and a shared growth mindset paved the way for this collaboration, leading to enhanced client experience, improved communications, and an overall elevated standard of care in architectural services.

We're sitting down with CMBA Principal Architect Adam Van Gorp to explore the profound impact of mentorship. How mentorship is a two-way street, where both the mentor and mentee have the opportunity to learn and grow from each other, a concept applicable in every aspect of life. Adam shares insights into how this philosophy is embedded in our firm's culture, highlighting our summer intern program, which provides students with invaluable learning experiences, as well as CMBA University, our internal program designed to help every team member better understand the inner workings of the firm. Join us to learn why building a culture of shared knowledge is essential for professional and personal development.

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of the Melcher-Dallas High School renovation project. Following a devastating gymnasium roof collapse, we discuss the design and construction of a new gymnasium and addition featuring dedicated spaces for electives. We explore how the project team navigated the complexities of construction during the COVID-19 pandemic, including supply chain disruptions and labor shortages. Finally, we reflect on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community collaboration in bringing this vital project to fruition, ultimately enhancing educational opportunities for students in rural Iowa.

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we sit down with Brian Crichton, the CEO of CMBA Architects, to discuss the company's commitment to giving back to the community. Brian shares insights into CMBA's charitable giving initiatives, the Volunteer Time Off (VTO) program, and the company's focus on employee involvement in community service. He also discusses the importance of corporate social responsibility and the benefits it brings to both the company and the community.

Join us as we delve into the critical role of school design in fostering student well-being. In this episode, we're joined by Courtney Koch, a Principal Architect at CMBA, to explore how architects can create learning spaces that support diverse learning styles, improve mental health, and encourage hands-on learning – all while keeping budgets in mind. We'll discuss the impact of natural light, acoustics, flexibility, and technology integration on student success. Courtney will share her insights on creating engaging and inspiring learning environments that empower students to thrive.

Join us for an in-depth look at a truly unique healthcare project! In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we sit down with architects Adam Wheelock and Teresa Hebert to discuss the recent renovation and expansion of the OB and Lab facilities at Floyd Valley Healthcare in Le Mars, Iowa. Discover how CMBA Architects tackled the challenge of revitalizing an obstetrics unit facing the nationwide trend of closures, creating comfortable, "hospitality-focused" birthing suites and a much-needed, expanded lab space. Learn about the innovative design solutions, the complexities of working within an active hospital environment, and the rewarding experience of collaborating closely with the hospital staff to deliver a project that significantly benefits the Le Mars community.

Join us for a special episode of Laying the Foundation as we sit down with our 2025 Summer Interns for our annual Intern Roundtable. In this candid discussion, our interns share their unique perspectives on the summer experience, from the interesting projects they contributed to and the new skills they developed, to their insights on CMBA's company culture and the mentorship they received. This episode offers a valuable glimpse into the future of architecture and is a must-listen for anyone interested in the experiences of the next generation of design professionals.

In this episode of our "Leading the Way" mini-series, we sit down with Terry Glade to discuss the importance of community involvement in the architecture profession. Terry shares his insights on how CMBA gives back to the community through various initiatives and how these efforts align with the firm's core values. Listen to learn more about the positive impact architecture firms can have on their communities.

In this episode, we'll dive into the groundbreaking use of mass timber for a significant new project at Morningside University. David & Corey will demystify what mass timber is—explaining how these layered, manufactured wood products offer exceptional strength and stability as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete and steel. We'll uncover the "why" behind Morningside's decision to embrace this material, discussing how its natural beauty and low-carbon footprint align with creating inspiring, forward-thinking educational environments. We will illuminate how this revolutionary material is not just constructing buildings, but "pioneering better places for us to live and work" and shaping the future of higher education spaces.

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we sit down with Brian Crichton, the CEO of CMBA Architects, to discuss the company's approach to creating a positive and engaging employee experience. Brian shares insights into the key factors that have contributed to CMBA's strong company culture, including the role of the Culture Club, team-building activities, and community involvement.

Principal Architect: Troy Keilig delves into the power of design to influence our emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. He discusses how factors like color, light, and spatial arrangement can shape our experiences and create environments that promote productivity, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Listen to learn how design can be used to create spaces that not only look good but also feel good.

Join Principal Architect Jim Brisnehan and Interior Designer Amanda Kreutzer as they take you inside the design process of the brand-new, modern office facility for Diamond Plastics. Discover the key considerations that shaped this impressive workspace, from creating a secure and welcoming entry for international visitors to fostering internal collaboration through open work areas and a vibrant break room. Learn how strategic architectural and interior design choices, including a focus on employee well-being and subtle brand integration, came together to create a functional, professional, and culturally resonant environment that reflects Diamond Plastics' global presence and team-oriented ethos.

In this episode, we sit down with one of our talented interior designers: Kylee Hulet to delve into the world of design and architecture. From early inspirations and educational journeys to the intricacies of her daily work at CMBA, we uncover the passion and creativity that drives Kylee. Join us as we explore the exciting world of interior design and discover what it takes to transform spaces into stunning realities.

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of completing a significant K-12 education project in rural Iowa during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the Knoxville Middle School addition, exploring its design challenges, construction hurdles, and the creative solutions implemented to overcome them. We also reflect on the broader impact of these projects on the students, staff, and communities they serve, and discuss the valuable lessons learned about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of investing in rural education infrastructure.