By Cory Kamholz, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

The career and technical education sector fills an important role in our communities: maintaining a workforce with the skills and knowledge for in-demand jobs in the present and future. FGM Architects (FGMA) has partnered with community and technical colleges to deliver spaces that can create a bridge from high school to college or prepare students for a new job or new skill. This mode of education presents surmountable challenges that effective design can help solve.  

Compared with a traditional college campus environment, where students are likely to live on campus for a period of time and spend multiple years as part of a student cohort, workforce training students are more transitory and typically spend much less time outside of class forming relationships with their fellow students. Creating a feeling of community for these students and fostering a sense of belonging can have a major impact on student success. 

Traditional student enrollment is facing the so-called “demographic cliff,” the term given to describe a decrease of 18-24 year olds in the United States due to declining birth rates following the Great Recession in 2008. This reduction of the “college-aged” population means that colleges and universities across the U.S. are turning to non-traditional students like adult learners; part-time students; commuters; returning service veterans; and students seeking an advanced degree, a certificate, or other ways of upskilling. The institutions serving these students will face many of the same challenges as campuses or programs focused on workforce development. We’ve seen a renewed focus across all Higher Education clients on designing with empathy, keeping community top of mind, and finding ways to encourage students to stay on campus and form relationships outside of the classroom. 

As part of FGMA’s recently designed Transportation Education Center (TEC), now under construction on St. Louis Community College’s Forest Park campus, we’ve included a group of spaces designed to make it easier for students to both gather and interact with their peers and to disconnect and regroup or focus without leaving campus. Private study rooms allow students to join online classes without leaving the building, study, prep for a job interview, or simply decompress in a vibrant and stimulating learning environment. A community pantry, open gathering spaces and outdoor seating encourage students to interact and form lasting connections. 

Workforce projects often present some of the best opportunities to put learning on display. Many of our projects embrace transparency with views into labs and classrooms that make for a rich and interesting interior environment. Glimpses into spaces that support hands-on learning with specialized equipment allow us to highlight the work and activity taking place. The TEC project includes overhead doors that connect classroom space to a workshop and lab space, and the classrooms themselves include car lifts and diagnostic equipment to support a lecture-to-lab approach to learning. Social gathering spaces are positioned with views into interactive learning spaces, while quiet focus spaces offer an introspective environment free from distraction. 

SIU-Edwardsville Transportation Education Center

Esports design to center belonging and connectedness

Varsity and intramural sports offer students a way to participate in a team-based activity. While FGMA has designed sports and recreation spaces for many communities and campuses, we’re now seeing a surge in demand for esports venues. We’ve recently completed designs for Southwestern Illinois College and St. Louis Community College to add esports to their campuses. Esports is inherently inclusive, allowing and supporting participation across social groups, physical abilities and genders. It provides students with the same social and emotional learning benefits as traditional athletics: leadership and team building skills and an improved sense of belonging. As many as 80% of student esports players have never participated in an extracurricular activity before.

In all educational settings, FGMA strives to build community. Opportunities for communication, social and emotional growth, improved learning outcomes, and higher rates of student persistence are all improved when we design projects that support individual wellness, heads-down focus space, group interactions, social gathering, collaborative study and team building. 

FGMA has a been a trusted design partner for educators who serve a broad spectrum of learners. We design community and private schools for PK-12 students and teachers, work with College and University clients to improve learning, research, and student life for their campus communities, and we’ve seen exciting growth, particularly in Workforce Education, and want to share some of the lessons we’ve learned on these projects and how they might apply to other educational settings.

For more information, contact Cory Kamholz: corykamholz@fgmarchitects.com

It’s not a new concept that our environment has a direct link to our emotions and how we feel. But can a building be designed to actually support and improve the mental wellbeing of its occupants?  

The 21st century has added new challenges to first responders, particularly those working in policing and law enforcement. Police officers are required to perform at extraordinarily high levels while at the same time navigating a complex sociopolitical climate, using ever-changing technology and working in traumatic situations. According to a study by the Ruderman Family Foundation, a police officer is more likely to die from suicide than in the line of duty. First responders are prone to anxiety, depression, burnout, compassion fatigue and PTSD. Human-centered design can ease the burden police officers and other first responders face by creating responsive and health-oriented spaces to call their home away from home. 

Mindfulness and Happiness  

Promoting mental health requires a significant cultural shift in leadership and a rejection of stereotypes that may encourage officers to downplay their emotional response to their work.  Mindfulness is the ability to step away to give your mind a rest and to work on being present in the moment. You may be a 911 call center operator, police officer or firefighter returning from a traumatic call, for example. A safe, quiet space to retreat to and recognize your thoughts and feelings before jumping back into the stressful pace of the day may be very beneficial.  

According to the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California-Berkeley, we are all born with a genetic set point when it comes to happiness. Fifty percent of happiness is due to genetic predisposition, ten percent is due to current circumstances, and forty percent is tied to one’s internal state of mind, based on their thoughts and impressions. which means we have more control over our happiness than we think. What can a building design do to positively impact an occupant’s internal state of mind to support mindfulness, increase happiness and foster mental wellbeing?  

Wellness Rooms in Police Stations  

Wellness rooms have been increasingly featured in newer health care and corporate spaces, but until recently, this innovative approach to supporting employee health has not been incorporated into design projects for first responders. Designing for wellness takes into account natural light, temperature control, air quality and noise control. Matters of ergonomics, privacy, and safety are also concerns of wellness. Most stations address physical wellness by providing a fitness room in which to work out. Issues of mental well-being can be addressed by incorporating wellness rooms into a building design to support mindfulness and happiness. Two examples of wellness rooms include Light and Sound rooms and Grounding and Reflection rooms. 

Light and Sound Rooms  

A major renovation project in 2023 at the Cook County Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) in Des Plaines, IL, welcomed employees to a transformed workspace, including a new Light and Sound room. The room is a fully impressive experience for the user playing on all five senses to calm or energize the mind and body.  

• Engineered playlists to achieve emotional outcomes

  While in Cook County 911's Light and Sound room, users can listen to a "serotonin drip" or "dopamine drip." Both are playlists developed by Robertson Brain Health, a consultant on the project. The serotonin drip will has fewer beats per minute, which in turn calms the nervous system and helps to reduce anxiety and calm the body. If a user wants to energize the body and boost creativity, listening to the dopamine drip will help through its increased beats per minute.

Light and Sound rooms include colored light that changes based on the beats per minute of music played in the space. Color is a key component because each color has a different wavelength and a direct correlation to certain emotions. If the music has more beats per minute, the light will move through colors faster and brighter. If the music has fewer beats per minute, the light will move through color slower and dimmer. Just as environmental ambiance can affect your taste buds, colored light can inspire different emotions. The room should include a variety of healthy snacks and a refrigerator with water.  

An essential oil diffuser with a choice of calming scents, such as lavender, encourages relaxation. An exhaust fan can be used to remove a scent before the next use. Essential oils can also be used on your wrists, so it is not diffused into the room if there is not good air circulation. Furniture selection should be durable yet comfortable. The seating should have a soft, chunky texture, which feels more like home, and be something that the user can stretch out on and relax. A weighted blanket should be available to help a person feel grounded and safe. In Cook County 911, the resiliency rooms needed to be used as a way for staff to rest between shifts, so a washer and dryer were installed to wash sheets and blankets.  

Light and Sound rooms are soundproof and acoustically treated to prevent distracting noises from outside the room. Guided mindfulness exercises and stretching are recommended as well while in the rooms. To get optimal benefit from this room, it is important that users leave their phones behind to eliminate interruptions and distractions. Providing a phone storage drawer or a gun locker is one solution. Light and Sound rooms reduce stress, combat attention fatigue, increase mindfulness, boost positive energy, and activate creativity. The emotions that are fostered are calmness, interest, amusement and joy. The optimal length of time for each user is about 20 to 30 minutes per session. The best size for the room is 9 feet by 9 feet. 

Grounding and Reflection Rooms 

The design of a Grounding and Reflection room is based on the theory that people can concentrate and perform better and return to work less agitated after spending time in, looking at or generally getting the sense of nature. The positive emotion of awe, which people can experience in the natural world, is directly tied to boosted happiness, increased intellectual curiosity, and a deeper sense of modesty and humility. Awe is the only emotion that has been tied to the lowering of pro-inflammatory substances (cytokines) in the body that have been associated with poor health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and clinical depression.  

Grounding and Reflection rooms can feature a large video monitor with Animal Planet or scenes of nature to help generate positive emotions. Including indirect lighting that is dimmable, soft flooring, and tactile wall finishes in the design of the room can foster a sense of being outdoors.  

Again, it is critical to soundproof the room and make nature sounds available either through a video monitor or headphones. Similar to light and sound rooms, an essential oil diffusers with a choice of scents, this time outdoor fragrances, such as woodsy, florals, and rain, should be provided to reinforce the experience of nature. There should be minimal, but comfortable, furniture that offers some movement, such as swinging or rocking that can be calming and give the body the sense of weightlessness. The room should also have a water station.  

The benefits of a Grounding and Reflection room include reduction of stress, decrease of attention fatigue, increased mindfulness and self-awareness, a boost in positive energy, and lowered levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The optimal length of time the room should be used is between 20 and 30 minutes. The recommended room size is 10 feet by 10 feet.  

Embracing versatility and an expansive view of wellness 

We often live in anticipation of next steps instead of the moment we find ourselves in. Wellness rooms offer spaces in which to separate ourselves from the disruptions and demands of the day, to intentionally quiet ourselves, achieve some distance and calm, and restore balance before jumping back into the fray. With mindfulness training, a break in a wellness room can increase one’s efficiency and productivity on the other side. It can also strengthen one’s mental health. Wellness rooms can be used for stretching, praying, mental recharge, and even a power nap.  

Wellness rooms can double as debriefing rooms, a nursing room, a quiet room, or soft interview rooms. Providing a way to check out the room, as one does for a conference room, is helpful. Instructional signage should be incorporated in each wellness room. It is important to remember that these spaces can be integrated into existing buildings. A storage room, for example, could be converted into a wellness room. However, the biggest factor in making wellness rooms successful is having leaders who lead by example and encourage and model the use of these rooms. Leaders need to set the tone that mental wellness is important and that prioritizing self-care is part of the job.  

Raegan Porter, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP is a Vice President at FGMA. She leads interior design for the firm’s municipal projects with a particular emphasis on police and fire stations. Raegan’s interior design for Elk Grove Village Fire Station No. 8 received a 2019 award from the Firehouse Magazine Station Design Awards. She is an active member of the Chicago chapter of the International Interior Design Association.

Photos by Peter McCullough

By Carol Stolt, Allied ASID, WELL AP

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2024 School Business Affairs magazine issue.

Students have returned to the classroom after the pandemic, but the impact of COVID-19 on their learning is still evident. Students’ anxiety and depression are reported to be much higher than before the pandemic, and experts predict that trends will continue for generations to come.

If there is a silver lining to the challenges of the past several years, it is the awakening among administrators and educators about the needs of neurodiverse learners, a situation that existed long before the school year was disrupted by shutdowns and distancing.

Although curricula, teaching methods, and policies are being reexamined in light of this new awareness, it is also important to look at the physical learning environments to determine how built spaces can be attuned to better serve a broad spectrum of learners.

Neurodiverse individuals display brain structures, chemistry, or functioning that falls outside what is considered typical but should be considered normal. These students often exhibit exceptional strengths, talents, and skills, and under the right conditions, they will thrive in the classroom.

Accommodating the needs of neurodiverse students requires an understanding of how they experience and react to stimuli and interact with others and their surroundings. Given a space focused on engagement, safety, trust, and comfort, even those with significant challenges can make remarkable academic and social progress.

The Built Environment’s Impact on Learning

The homogenous, cookie-cutter approach to facility design in education leaves a surprisingly large segment of students behind. Although the National Center for Education Statistics reports that up to 20% of the population in the United States could be considered neurodiverse, the struggles of many of these individuals go unaddressed, either because they have not received a formal diagnosis or because schools have not been notified of their condition.

What is clear is that educators must serve every person on campus, students and faculty alike, in a way that respects their differences and allows them to reach their full potential. This objective can be accomplished, in part, by evaluating learning spaces in relation to operational and design accommodations.

From an operations standpoint, it is critical that the established procedures, processes, and standards have been reevaluated and adjusted in light of best practices and the most current understanding of how to best serve a neurodiverse population. This process begins by identifying and engaging students with special needs and making specific operational accommodations, such as flexible work and classroom schedules, breaks during assignments or exams, and alternate instructions to promote understanding.

Design accommodations will require alterations to how spaces are structured and used, but they will not necessarily involve a significant financial investment. Natural light, exposure to the outdoors, and other biophilic elements have proved to have a calming and comforting effect that makes the mind more conducive to learning.

Lighting should be bright enough to accomplish the task at hand, but easily reduced for more contemplative exercises. Eliminating potentially abrasive or distracting stimuli will allow for better concentration; that includes insulating against sounds from the building’s mechanical systems. Measures to control odors from restrooms, cafeterias, and cleaning supplies or equipment must be taken on an individual basis.

It is also important that students have the option to remove themselves from the classroom when experiencing high levels of anxiety. A variety of quiet locations— including resource and sensory rooms and solitary spaces—will allow them to self-manage their emotions as they refocus and regenerate before rejoining their classmates.

Retreat areas can include equipment that will allow an individual to engage with a project or task, but resource and sensory rooms should be free of electronics and other distractions.

Self-Guided Learning

A classroom of students sitting rigidly in precise rows with their heads up and eyes fixed on the teacher was once considered the best setting for imparting and receiving knowledge. We now know that many of the individuals who do not flourish in such an environment are not the inevitable lower end of the bell curve but are simply not wired to thrive in such conditions.

Some students appear to listen better with their eyes closed or while gazing out a window. Allowing students to choose where to sit and to move around during a lecture can relieve stress. Providing students a choice in seating types lets them learn in a way that suits them. In general, barring rigid demands and maintaining a level of freedom in the classroom will yield positive results for all students, not just the neurodiverse.

No Best Way to Learn

The assumption that education requires a school building was challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The overriding lesson learned from shutdowns and remote learning is that online and hybrid learning should be an ongoing alternative and incorporated equitably into a school’s operations and curriculum.

Many students discovered that learning from home is more attuned to their abilities and preferences, but even with the widespread adoption of remote learning technology during the pandemic, those logging in from home are often at a disadvantage compared with their in-classroom peers.

These deficiencies can be addressed by moving beyond the single camera, single microphone setup that does not fully capture the sights and sounds of a lesson, lecture, or discussion. Microphones placed strategically throughout the room and voice-activated cameras that follow a teacher as he or she walks about the room or that cut to a student asking a question will allow for a much more immersive experience.

This in turn will make the remote learner feel more a part of the campus community and not just someone lurking about in cyberspace.

A Transformation

We are fortunate to have reached a point in history where segments of the population that have long been neglected in our educational systems are being recognized. As our understanding of the neurodiverse mind continues to evolve, we will continue to develop new and better ways to accommodate neurodiverse students and their unique strengths and weaknesses.

Those who conceive and design the spaces where people learn will play a pivotal role in that evolution, and that transformation must start today.

Carol Stolt is Design Principal with FGMA. Email: carolstolt@fgmarchitects.com

What is the best construction delivery method for your building? The answer depends on priorities, ideal outcomes and the client’s desire for involvement in the process. Key factors that might influence a decision to use one option over another include desired time commitment, the level of collaboration a client seeks for the project and project cost. 

There are three primary ways to organize the contracting of a construction project. This is by no means an exhaustive list but may help a client better understand their options. 

1. Design-Bid-Build

THE TRADITIONAL LOW-BIDDER MODEL

In this approach, the design team works directly for the client to produce a set of construction documents used as the basis of a competitive bidding process. One version of this process is known as "Competitive Bids," wherein prospective contractors (pre-qualified or not) submit bids for the scope of work as defined in the contract documents; in this model, the lowest bidder is typically awarded the project. Another version of this process is known as "Competitive Sealed Proposals," wherein a contractor may submit a proposal that includes both fees and a qualifications presentation. This second option usually results in selecting one of the three lowest bidders, provided their references and qualifications demonstrate they are capable of delivering successful results.  

BENEFITS: 

• This method may result in the lowest total construction cost due to the widest-open field of bidding competition. 

CHALLENGES / WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:

• The general contractor (GC) is selected primarily based on cost. However, the lowest-priced GC is not necessarily the most qualified. Consider qualifications and price during the selection process. 

• The GC is not on board early in the process to give feedback during the design process to get acquainted with the design team and their intentions and begin establishing trust as a team member. 

• This model is particularly susceptible to change orders (like cost increases) during the construction process due to the bidders not being available to collaborate with the design team early in the planning process. If change orders become contentious during construction, the design team's documents may be heavily scrutinized for errors and omissions. 

• Bringing on a GC later in the game may result in the need to hire a professional cost estimator to conduct milestone price checks to manage whether the project remains on target. 

• The delay in selecting a GC until construction documents are 100% complete typically results in a longer project transition from design to the start of construction. 

2. Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR)

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AS A TEAM MEMBER What if the client teams up with a GC at the beginning of the design process? This model is called Construction Manager at Risk (a.k.a. "CMAR" or "CM@Risk"). Forming the team early may lead to a number of benefits including improved cost feedback during the design process; more time for the GC to thoroughly grasp the scope and details of the project; and increased time for the client, design team and GC to develop a mutual sense of understanding and trust prior to the start of construction. While not all do, some CMAR arrangements may include compensation for the GC’s pre-construction services as well. 

BENEFITS:

• The client will receive very informed cost estimating at early stages in the project. 

• This model creates the opportunity for an ideal collaborative team structure. 

• The GC is chosen primarily based on qualifications, with cost as a secondary consideration. 

• There is a faster transition from design to the start of construction. 

CHALLENGES / WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:

• To guarantee a competitive bidding process, request multiple bids from subcontractors for all major disciplines or trades. 

• To ensure transparent accounting of project cost, require an open-book policy from the CMAR so that line items for overhead costs, markups and various contingencies are fully identified. 

3. Design/Build

THE TURN-KEY APPROACH A totally different approach to project delivery is chosen by some clients who want a single point of responsibility for the whole construction process. On a Design/Build project, the GC is that single point of responsibility, subcontracting both the various construction trades and the entire scope of design team services. From this position, the GC assumes all responsibility for design outcomes, cost control and staying on schedule.  

BENEFITS:

• This option requires minimal time commitment from the client throughout the process. 

• A client’s involvement in any conflicts between GC and the design team is minimal at best. 

CHALLENGES / WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:

• Lower transparency in bidding may result in higher prices than a more competitively-bid project. 

• The typical system of checks and balances that ensure a quality final product may be disrupted.  

• The design team may have difficulty advocating for the client and questioning the GC since the design team is answerable directly to the GC, not the client. 

The Team Shapes Your Project’s Success 

Regardless of the project delivery method a client chooses for a project, it is the client’s responsibility to thoroughly evaluate potential design team members and GC candidates by comparing their qualifications and checking references. Taking time to check references is always worthwhile. It offers valuable insights into the team members under consideration and is an invaluable opportunity to benefit from other clients’ past experiences and lessons learned.  

People make a project and a place; invest in the best option for your exciting changes ahead and open new doors for your community! 

Emergency dispatchers aren't physically present at the scene of an accident or crime, but handling difficult 911 calls can create stress and trauma. These "first" first responders may find their important work negatively affects their mental health, work and personal lives. Creating opportunities for mindfulness, relaxation and rejuvenation at work is crucial to combating the negative effects of stress and anxiety.

Providing space to decompress and reset after responding to a stressful 911 call is a major component of the expanded Cook County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) facility in Des Plaines, IL. 911 dispatchers processes an average of 1,700 phone calls a day from this location. FGM Architects (FGMA) partnered with Cook County to design the expansion, ultimately enhancing overall employee comfort. The remodeled space opened to employees in 2022.

The project aimed to create warm, inviting spaces integrating wellness design features inspired by natural elements and more natural daylight with finishes that are easy to maintain. Most significantly, new quiet rooms that play on all five senses allow staff to decompress and de-stress with customized light and sound experiences.

FGMA has been collaborating with brain specialists to design spaces that reduce stress and anxiety. This project represents a meaningful transformation for telecommunicators on the front line; their wellbeing lets them better serve residents who call in times of need.

Project partners:

• Consolidated Construction Engineers (CCE)

• Construction, Inc.

• Cook County Sheriff’s Department

• Martin Bennett, ENP

• Dr. Joel Robertson

  
  

FGM Architects (FGMA) is pleased to announce the promotion of 12 new Vice Presidents this year who have demonstrated their commitment to advancing FGMA’s mission and values. These leaders are passionate about solving design challenges, providing unparalleled service to communities across the country and nurturing team wisdom and excellence. They bring an uncompromising level of integrity to every opportunity and actively invest in the future of the firm. 

“Our Vice Presidents exemplify exceptional leadership through their design and technical expertise, driving our firm towards achieving significant business goals,” said FGMA President Tim Kwiatkowski. “They are all committed to nurturing growth, mentoring others and consistently embodying our core values. We are truly grateful for their invaluable contributions to the firm.” 

The following employees have been appointed Vice Presidents: 

Rich DePalma  Austin, TX 

Based in Austin, Rich DePalma joined FGMA in 2020 as a Principal and focuses on business development throughout Texas. As a former consultant with Strategic Partnerships, Inc., Rich also has experience with public and alternative financing. He uses his strong Central Texas network and deep knowledge to help public entities maximize services and funding when needed. Rich has a long history in both education and parks & recreation. He currently serves on the Barton Springs Conservancy Board of Directors and the Advisory Councils for Explore Austin and TreeFolks.  

Mike Elliott, AIA, NCARB  Oak Brook, IL 

Mike Elliott is a Principal with FGMA focused on the Municipal practice area. Mike was with FGMA from 1999 - 2004 and rejoined the firm in 2023. Throughout his 39+ year career, Mike’s work has focused in the governmental, education, health services and private sectors. He is a former President of AIA Illinois and AIA Northeast Illinois, a representative to the AIA National Strategic Council and a member of the AIA National Government Advocacy Committee. 

Steve Hafer, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB Fort Worth, TX 

A leader in PK-12 education facility design in Texas, Steve Hafer joined FGMA as a Principal in 2022. Based in FGMA’s Fort Worth office, Steve leverages his intuitive sense, leadership and relentless focus to anchor the firm’s expansion into North Texas while reinforcing continued growth throughout Central Texas. With over 35 years of experience in educational design, he has consistently delivered successful projects, earning a reputation for excellence and building strong client relationships. 

Anna Harvey, AIA Oak Brook, IL 

During her 24-year tenure at FGMA, Anna Harvey has built a reputation as a dependable, approachable leader in the PK-12 Education, Higher Education and Municipal practices. As a leader, she sets an example to newer architects through her actions, mentoring others and showing them how to collaborate, organize and guide teams effectively. As Chair of FGMA’s Professional Development Committee for a decade she supports the next generation of architects. Knowing she has made a difference to both her clients and her direct team brings meaning to her work. 

Cory Kamholz, AIA, LEED AP  Chicago, IL 

Since joining FGMA in 2022 as Design Principal, Cory Kamholz has focused on Higher Education and Municipal projects. His unique background at several smaller firms cultivated his deep understanding of all aspects of the design process and serves to strengthen the firm’s growing portfolio. “Architecture is really a team sport,” says Cory. He is passionate about mentoring young architects. Recognized as an innovative problem-solver, he leads by respecting every team member's voice and values everyone’s contributions. He ensures everyone on his team takes ownership of their ideas while fostering a supportive, open environment. Cory’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to building community drive his projects and leadership style. 

Kyle Kim, AIA  Oak Brook, IL 

Kyle Kim has been with FGMA since 2009 and balances his time between the PK-12 Education and Higher Education practice areas. He brings a deep commitment not only to the technical development of projects, but to client-focused leadership as well. Recognized for his reliability and humility, Kyle engages with his team at their level and embraces the distinctive challenges of working in a multigenerational workforce. He leads by example, demonstrating integrity, collaboration and a client-first perspective. As he puts it, “Architecture is not about your ego; it is not about doing fancy things. It's about people.” 

Andy Leja, AIA, LEED AP BD+C  Oak Brook, IL 

Since joining FGMA in 2012, Andy Leja has focused primarily on PK-12 Education projects, offering over 20 years of experience to the firm. Known for his accessible approach of "training, trusting and letting them lead," Andy is enthusiastic about mentoring the next generation of architects and passing the torch in knowledge and leadership. He actively participates in FGMA’s Technical Advisory Group Committee, supporting technical development and innovation. Andy enjoys sharing his passion for architecture and is inspired by helping others achieve their goals and seeing the positive impacts of our projects on the students, staff, and the community. 

Bryan Mason, AIA  O'Fallon, IL 

Having worked at FGMA earlier in his career from 2007 - 2017, Bryan Mason rejoined the firm as a Principal in 2023. With over 30 years of experience spanning a broad range of practices, Mason brings a unique perspective in design. Known for his calm demeanor and thoughtful leadership, Bryan believes in giving his team the tools they need to solve problems and develop individually. He takes pride in mentoring younger staff, guiding them with integrity and fostering their potential to grow. He is energized by fresh ideas and is committed to honest, open communication. Bryan's dedication to community is evident outside of the office as well, having coached youth baseball and volunteered in programs supporting education and outreach. 

Jaime Palomo, AIA  Austin, TX 

Jaime Palomo joined FGMA in 2022 and was appointed Managing Director of the firm’s Texas region practice in 2024. With over 35 years of design and leadership experience, Jaime leads the firm’s Municipal practice in Central Texas, playing a key role in team leadership, business development, strategic planning and operations. Drawing on his years of innovative design experience and changemaking leadership in the Texas architectural community, he utilizes his knowledge of local markets to spearhead growth. An active member of AIA Austin, Jaime has also served as Austin Director for the Texas Society of Architects. 

Emily Spindler, AIA, NCARB  St. Louis, MO 

Emily Spindler has been with FGMA since 2012 and leads the St. Louis region’s pk-12 education practice. Guided by the belief that "our people are our community," Emily encourages a collaborative, supportive environment where her team can grow and thrive. She is passionate about understanding what drives her colleagues, helping them harness their unique strengths and fuel their passions. Emily is proud to support a culture where shared success and both professional and personal development are at the forefront of every project. 

Alyson Sternquist, AIA, LEED AP BD+C  Oak Brook, IL 

Alyson Sternquist brings over 20 years of experience to the PK-12 Education practice and has been with FGMA since 2020. Known for her servant leadership, Alyson is dedicated to building longstanding relationships based on trust and ensuring that both her clients and teams are well-supported. Alyson spearheaded the firm’s current mentorship program, fostering growth and development for the next generation of industry leaders. Her passion and drive are mirrored in her community involvement, as she serves on her local plan commission and as a member of District 230 High School’s Building and Finance Committee.  

Elizabeth Wojtowicz, SPHR, SHRM-SCP 

Elizabeth Wojtowicz, FGMA’s Chief People Officer since 2021, has led initiatives focused on talent management and organizational culture as well as recruitment, training and development. In addition to enhancing the overall employee experience, Elizabeth drives the firm’s success forward by contributing her expertise to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and the Professional Development Committee. From executive level employees to emerging professionals, her sincere passion to improve the workplace is unmistakable, and her positive impact is recognized firmwide. 

To our interns: thank you for choosing to bring your dedication and drive to work every day. We know you have bright futures ahead and we hope to cross paths again soon!

Summer Interns Share Their Experiences

Get to know the Class of 2024 Interns and learn more about their takeaways from their internships:

Camille Lyles

School Attending: Virginia Tech

Major/Program of Study: Bachelor of Architecture

FGMA Office Where You Interned: Reston, Virginia

What projects did you work on this summer with FGMA?

St. Davids Episcopal Church Feasibility Analysis, Sterling Park Baptist Church, Glencoe Golf Club's New Clubhouse, AI Research

What surprised you during your internship?

The thing that surprised me most during my internship was the getting the opportunity to lead the development of the “How To: PromeAI” user guide and project workflow.

What was the best part of your internship?

The best part of my internship was being able to work on a diverse range of project types and getting more technical drawing experience.

Who in the office made the most impact to your internship? Why?

I worked one on one with Mike Seppala this summer and he was very helpful in explaining and teaching the tasks we were set to do, specifically details for the new Glencoe Golf Clubhouse project.

How do you see FGMA living its truth of “We Build Community”?

I see this in the projects FGMA works on such as through churches and fire stations, but also community engagements events like the Reston Cardboard Boat Regatta.

Your go-to coffee drink:

Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso (w/cinnamon cold foam)

Declan Curry

School Attending: University of Oregon

Major/Program of Study: Architecture

FGMA Office Where You Interned: Oak Brook, Illinois

What projects did you work on this summer with FGMA?

South Elgin Fire Protection District, Roselle Park District Kemmerling Pool Splash Pad, West Dundee Police and Fire Departments, Village of Lisle Hall Office Renovations, Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District Stations No 2 & 3, Sycamore Fire Department New Fire Station No. 1. 

What surprised you during your internship?

I was surprised to learn that FGMA has a lot of projects that are pretty small in scope.

What was the best part of your internship?

The best part of my internship was when I was able to visit the South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District, which I spent time working on this summer. 

Who in the office made the most impact to your internship?

Andrea Fowler had the most impact on my internship. I was always able to ask her questions when I was confused about certain things and she offered to help me unprompted. 

How do you see FGMA living its truth of "We Build Community"?

I think that FGMA does a commendable job externally and internally focusing on community. All of my projects have had aspects and spaces that were focused on improving community interaction. I think that it is also clear that people in this firm are able to reliably depend on each other, which is a key part of community to me.

Your go-to coffee drink:

Ice vanilla latte, blond roast

Katie Stiers

School Attending: The University of Texas at Austin

Major/Program of Study: Bachelor of Architecture

FGMA Office Where You Interned: Austin, Texas

What projects did you work on this summer with FGMA?

Pflugerville Recreation Center, Austin Independent School District's Houston Elementary School Modernization and Langford Elementary School Modernization, Lake Travis Independent School District projects and the Waubonsee Community College AIA Award Submittal.

What surprised you during your internship?

The amount of time and effort that design teams put in for just a single project, while working on several other projects. Collaboration is very crucial in order for deadlines to be met and for the team to stay on the same page.

What was the best part of your internship?

The best part would be the hands-on experience of working on real projects with a design team, learning about the field in a professional setting, and getting the opportunity to visit sites and client meetings to see each aspect of the field.

Who in the office made the most impact to your internship? Why?

Jaime Palomo, my managing director, was the person who gave me this rewarding opportunity to be a part of the Austin office. He always checked in with me and scheduled me in for meetings and site visits. He believed in me since day one at my university’s career fair and has supported my efforts throughout my time here. In terms of projects, I would say Susan Barr and Josseph Duran guided me the most with project tasks and learning more about the design field.

How do you see FGMA living its truth of “We Build Community”?

FGMA has a very supportive work environment with several committees for employee inclusion and resources, social events like happy hours, and all around warm and welcoming people who are happy to help out. Collaboration is key to the firm and demonstrates the firm’s success and positive culture.

Your go-to coffee drink:

Iced caramel latte

Sumaya Shaik

School Attending: University of Houston – Clear Lake

Major/Program of Study: Psychology, with a special interest in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

FGMA Office Where You Interned: Remote

What projects did you work on this summer with FGMA? 

1) Resume screening, 2) Job Postings, 3) Learning the functions of HRIS (Human Resource Information System) and CRM (Customer Relations Management) systems, 4) Assigning trainings through the LMS (Learning Management System)

What surprised you during your internship?

During my internship, I was pleasantly surprised by the organization’s deep commitment to the internship program. The employees went above and beyond by offering comprehensive training and sharing insights into the many branches of the organization. Their support and inclusiveness made me feel like a valued team member rather than just an intern, which greatly enhanced my experience.

What was the best part of your internship?

The best part of my internship was the hands-on experience and the knowledge I gained while completing various HR tasks. I learned about different HR systems and their functions. Additionally, being exposed to multiple facets of HR has given me a clearer understanding of the field and will significantly aid me in deciding my future career path.

Who in the office made the most impact to your internship? Why?

Many people contributed to my successful internship experience, but Elizabeth Wojtowicz made the most significant impact. As my supervisor, mentor, and guide, she was someone I could trust with any questions or concerns, whether they related to learning specific tasks or seeking advice on pursuing my career goals. Her support and guidance were invaluable throughout the internship.

How do you see FGMA living its truth of “We Build Community”?

I see FGMA truly living up to its motto, "We Build Community," through its strong values and commitment demonstrated in every project. The company’s dedication to environmental sustainability and its meticulous attention to detail ensure that each project not only meets but enhances the needs of the community. This deep care for both the environment and the people it serves reflects FGMA's commitment to building and strengthening communities.

Your go-to coffee drink:

I don’t drink coffee. My go-to drinks are vanilla, mango, or Oreo milkshakes.

Arlin Bonfiglio

School Attending: University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Major/Program of Study: Architecture

FGMA Office Where You Interned: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

What projects did you work on this summer with FGMA?

Slinger Police Department project, Glencoe Golf Club's New Clubhouse and AIA Award Submissions

What surprised you during your internship?

What surprised me was the amount of coordination between not only architects, but also the consultants and clients in order to get the project built.

What was the best part of your internship?

The best part about my internship was that I was able to learn the more technical detailed side of architecture, while getting to do renders, diagrams and other graphics that I also enjoy.

Who in the office made the most impact to your internship? Why?

Josh Lawrence: he was nice enough to answer my Revit questions, even if it was the fifth time I asked.

How do you see FGMA living its truth of “We Build Community”?

FGMA really does value their clients, but they value their employees just as much. I felt supported by upper management as well as my peers.

Your go-to coffee drink:

Mint Mocha

Brady Monahan

School Attending: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Major/Program of Study: Architecture Major/Business Minor

FGMA Office Where You Interned: Oak Brook, Illinois

What projects did you work on this summer with FGMA?

I worked on Our Lady of the Visitation Youth Center and the Oak Brook Office's Samples Library and Office Move Preparation

What surprised you during your internship?

What surprised me most was how much my professional skills improved. I thought I already could communicate and collaborate well with others, but in this internship experience, they were being tested every day and that really helped me grow those skills.

What was the best part of your internship?

The best part of the internship was definitely the live internship training meetings that taught a lot about specific areas of focus. The business and campus-to-career meetings were most beneficial. The golf outing was a pretty special highlight, too!

Who in the office made the most impact to your internship? Why?

It is tough to choose just one, but the person who made the biggest impact on my internship experience was Andy Jasek. If it wasn’t for knowing him and talking to him at our college’s career fair, I wouldn’t have this opportunity. I am so thankful of him for offering this opportunity that a lot of my classmates did not have. 

How do you see FGMA living its truth of “We Build Community”?

I felt FGMA demonstrated “We Build Community” through the treatment of the new interns and how we felt invited. Jennifer Slivka did a great job at connecting us with a multitude of resources and people to go to with our questions and this built that sense of community for us.

Your go-to coffee drink:

I don’t drink coffee but the drink of choice in the office was Dr. Pepper.

Interested in pursuing an internship at one of our FGMA offices?

Reach out to careers@fgmarchitects.com to learn more.

The following exceptional team members have been promoted to Executive Vice President and we are grateful for their contributions:

Christopher Kehde, AIA, LEED AP Reston, VA

Based in Reston, VA, Christopher Kehde is Principal and Managing Director of FGMA’s Mid-Atlantic region efforts. He is currently the President-Elect of the AIA Northern Virginia Board of Directors, as well.

Ray Lee, AIA, LEED AP, CPTED Oak Brook, IL

With 40 years of experience, Ray Lee is a national expert in the planning, programming and design of public safety (law enforcement, emergency communications and fire), municipal and recreation facilities.

Kevin Meyer, AIA, NCARB St. Louis, MO

Kevin Meyer joined FGMA in 1998 and was promoted to Vice President and Principal in 2014. He was appointed Managing Director of FGMA’s St. Louis region in 2020 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2024.

John Peters Oak Brook, IL

John Peters joined FGMA in 2019 to lead firmwide business development and client relations strategy. He is a certified Counselor Salesperson facilitator, holds his MBA from Elon University and completed the Executive Education Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Ron Richardson, AIA Oak Brook, IL

Ron Richardson joined FGMA in 2006 and was appointed leader of its PK-12 school design practice in 2019. He is a member of the Illinois Association of School Boards Service Associates Executive Committee.

Brian Wright, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB Milwaukee, WI

Brian Wright joined FGMA in 2007 and was promoted to Principal and leader of its Municipal and Recreation practice in 2012. Wright has served on the AIA Northeast Illinois Board of Directors.

We are honored to announce that Jim Woods, Principal and Executive Vice President at FGMA, is a recipient of the prestigious LE Fellow Designation by The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE). As described by A4LE, the designation “is reserved for those who have consistently contributed to our community through exceptional service, education, and mentorship. These distinguished members have not only become the most respected voices in our field, but they also possess the wisdom and dedication to carry our association forward through innovation and leadership.”

Jim’s passion for creating dynamic learning environments dates to his early experience at Perkins & Will Architects where he worked closely with renowned school expert Bill Brubaker and designer Ralph Johnson. Under their tutelage, he was involved in award-winning projects such as the Perry Community Educational Village, the New Albany Learning Community Campus, Arlington High School as well as educational projects in Beijing and Singapore.

In 1997, Jim was recruited to join FGM Architects (FGMA) to help elevate the excellence of its PK-12 school design practice. Since then, he has led hundreds of public and private school projects, as principal-in-charge, lead programmer/planner and design architect. The types of facilities and learning environments he has created encompass a diverse spectrum ranging from the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools to Chicago Public Schools as well as numerous urban, suburban and rural school districts throughout Illinois and nationally. He is currently Principal-in-Charge for a multi-year initiative that is transforming Oak Park & River Forest High School, a historic Chicago school (Ernest Hemingway was a 1917 graduate) into a 21st century learning environment that celebrates equity and excellence. 

An expert programmer and planner with parallel skills in design, project and client management, Jim says,

“I find the upfront portions of a project especially intriguing as we help people translate their vision and educational goals into the concrete reality of spaces that work.” 

While every project and school client is unique, Jim approaches schools as “little cities,” containing multiple inter-related spaces that, together, form dynamic learning communities in which students can learn, develop and thrive.

Jim’s impact on the field of educational design extends well beyond FGMA. He re-joined A4LE in 2000 after joining FGMA, received ALEP certification in 2012 and was a founding board member of the Chicagoland chapter of the Midwest Great Lakes Region. His service encompasses many roles including governance, strategic planning, knowledge-sharing and advancing standards of excellence. Currently he is a juror for the 2024 MacConnell Award, a testament to his knowledge, experience and reputation. 

Since 1997, Jim has served FGMA in a variety of leadership capacities including PK-12 Practice Director and Northern Region Managing Director. Today he is an Executive Vice President and member of FGMA’s Board of Directors.

Please join us in congratulating Jim on this outstanding achievement for his commitment and contributions to the future of student learning environments!

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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We are honored to announce that Rebecca Richter, Design Principal and Senior Associate at FGMA, is a recipient of the prestigious LE Fellow Designation by The Association for Learning Environments (A4LE). As described by A4LE, the designation “is reserved for those who have consistently contributed to our community through exceptional service, education, and mentorship. These distinguished members have not only become the most respected voices in our field, but they also possess the wisdom and dedication to carry our association forward through innovation and leadership.”

Rebecca’s career has focused primarily on educational design and her experience encompasses a full spectrum of diverse facilities from rural pre-schools to urban high school campuses to unique specialty schools. Her approach to designing learning environments has evolved in tandem with paradigmatic shifts in educational pedagogy which emphasize critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and innovation, as well as physical, social and emotional wellness.

Rebecca’s practice focuses on creating spaces that support the ways that students learn and embody the right balance between the intended use of a space, its larger cultural context, and the natural environment in which the facility resides. Rebecca embraces design thinking, a human-centered, iterative process which prioritizes the needs of end users and pattern language which encompasses myriad components of a design process. These approaches result in flexible spaces that support active learning and are adaptable for different experiences and group sizes. Her designs are often infused with biophilic elements and the integration of indoor/outdoor learning spaces.

Throughout her career, Rebecca has eagerly sought opportunities to engage with a larger community of colleagues to share her knowledge and experience while also continuously learning new insights, approaches and innovations. She is a longtime leader in the Central Texas architectural and A4LE communities.

Please join us in congratulating Rebecca on this outstanding achievement for her commitment and contributions to the future of student learning environments!

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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Vice President and Principal, Jan Behounek, AIA, LEED AP, has been elected to the FGMA Board of Directors. Behounek’s leadership, expertise and breadth of experience bring a powerful strategic perspective to the firm’s fiduciary body.

After joining FGMA in 2019 as a Principal, Behounek was named director of the firm’s Higher Education practice in 2021 and promoted to Vice President in 2023. An industry leader in her field, she is currently the President of the Chicago Building Congress. With 28+ years of experience, Behounek’s thought leadership is expansive. Most recently, she co-authored “Building Community: Creating Campuses Focused on Equity, Inclusion, Safety, Health and Wellness” for American School & University magazine and in 2022 co-presented the session “Inclusive Learning Environments to Support Mental Health and Neurodiversity” at the Society for College & University Planners national conference. Behounek earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Ball State University.

Executive Vice President, Kevin Meyer, AIA, NCARB, has been elected to the FGMA Board of Directors. Meyer’s leadership, industry stature and breadth of experience bring a powerful strategic perspective to the firm’s fiduciary body.

Meyer joined FGMA in 1998 and was promoted to Vice President and Principal in 2014. He was appointed Managing Director of FGMA’s St. Louis region practice in 2020 and Executive Vice President in 2024. Over 26+ years, Meyer has contributed to and led multiple important projects across FGMA’s PK-12 school design, higher education, federal, municipal, and public safety practices. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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Thursday, July 11 marked the official opening of the new Transit and Public Safety Center located at the Emerson Park Metro station in East St. Louis, Illinois with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and facility tours. The Metro in St. Louis provides essential transportation services, connecting residents and visitors alike to key destinations across the city, enhancing mobility and fostering community interaction. The new 16,000 square-foot public safety center houses the St. Clair County CENCOM West 911 Emergency Dispatch Center, includes office space and holding cells for the St. Clair County Metrolink deputies and will be the future home to the Metro Transit Operational Center. The facility also offers safe amenities for riders such as restrooms and a water fountain.

“[This facility] makes good on our commitment to public safety and reliability across the transit system, because Illinois riders deserve nothing less," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. "Thanks to this facility, thousands will commute to work and to school. They will travel to see their families, will visit elsewhere in our state and other states with greater ease. This is the sort of strategic investment that elevates Illinois as a national leader in transportation.”

FGMA is honored to have designed a facility that transforms the local landscape, enhances safety for the 55,000 plus daily Metro riders and provides working and decompression spaces for the county’s 911 dispatchers. Purposeful design is present throughout the entire facility, including a quiet room and outdoor patio to provide space for first responders to relax or de-stress after challenging calls.  

“FGMA couldn’t be prouder of how this facility turned out. Our Architects and Designers put their heart and soul into designing facilities like this one that serve to connect our communities and bring resources to those who need it most.” – Kevin Meyer, FGMA Managing Director

In addition to funding from the St. Clair County Transit District and Bi-State Development, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker allocated a nearly $10 million grant for the project. As part of the Rebuild Illinois six-year capital plan, the hope is that this Center will connect local residents to the rest of the St. Louis metro east area while also serving as an administrative hub for agency coordination and public safety for the County. The Center positions Illinois as a national leader in transportation.

“The facility, its amenities and the operations within will enable St. Clair County to better serve riders not only here but across the entire Metro Link alignment, while helping to bolster communications and security collaboration.” – Mark Kern, St. Clair County Board Chairman

The Center is unique in its intentional, multipurpose design. By bringing multiple departments under one roof – by including public safety alongside public transit operations – citizens gain confidence to use the transit system more often. Increased use of public transit reduces pollution, congestion and energy use while simultaneously increasing local economy and employment opportunities. Improving access to resources strengthens the vibrancy of a community by reaching people where they are and supporting their goals at the individual level.

(Left to right) FGMA’s Paul Luzecky, Danny Matchett, Lori Everett, Katie Corey, Matthew Rutledge, Kevin Meyer and Joshua N. Mandell celebrated the completed facility at the ribbon cutting.

FGMA’s Municipal and Public Safety Expertise

Municipal design is unique in its power to define a community. FGMA believes municipal architecture should command a presence and project a compelling image in your community. We understand that working with local government involves balancing the interests of elected officials with the needs of municipal staff and the demands of a community that may question the need to spend tax dollars on a capital project. However, a municipal structure can not only reduce operational costs through functional efficiencies, it can also anchor a community, provide a unique gathering space and help attract the best and the brightest talent. FGMA helps our clients communicate to all stakeholders the long-term benefits of a well-executed capital project.

View our civic and public safety design portfolios online.

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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A comprehensive renovation and major addition has transformed this suburban Chicagoland school into a dynamic, welcoming learning environment for more than 1,000 students in Grades 3-5. After reopening in fall 2023, this school is a colorful, light-filled environment that supports a thriving learning community. Grade level students are clustered in “neighborhoods,” each branded with distinctive wayfinding colors. Extended learning and breakout areas, wide corridors with seating niches, and a learning stair in the cafeteria offer flexibility of use. Chelsea’s main entry has been transformed with an expansive curving canopy and landscaped plaza area. The new addition also created space for an interior courtyard that is used for outdoor learning and contained recess options for special needs students.

CHALLENGES

First built in 1974, the facility started as two separate buildings and has undergone numerous renovations and additions. This gradual evolution resulted in inefficient, outmoded spaces, significant circulation issues, and shared use spaces being scattered throughout the building.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

The transformed facility prioritizes sustainability, wellness, safety and resilience. The design incorporates a wealth of natural light which is supplemented by LED fixtures. The building incorporates biophilic design elements such as visual connection to the natural environment and use of natural materials. The plaza outside the new main entry is landscaped in keeping with the school’s biophilic design and offers bench seating outside the curved cafeteria curtainwall.

SAFETY

Chelsea’s plaza serves as a drop-off/ pickup area and gathering space; its passive security design features strategic landscaping, concrete bench seating and raised planter beds that provide barriers for added protection. Neighborhood color branding serves as a wayfinding tool for first responders and occupants alike.

Lo Bello’s experience and industry stature propel national firm’s strategic growth.

Oak Brook, IL – FGM Architects, Inc. (FGMA), an employee-owned design firm with 200+ professionals in eight offices across five states, announced that Anthony Lo Bello, AIA, has joined its practice as a Principal. With over 30 years of experience, Lo Bello will lead business development for FGMA’s Higher Education practice while also contributing his expertise to firmwide strategic growth initiatives.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tony to the FGMA team,” said Jan Behounek, AIA, Director of Higher Education. “His deep industry experience, vast knowledge of the higher education sector and overall thought leadership will greatly enhance our already thriving practice.”

Over his distinguished career, Lo Bello has worked as a planner, programmer, designer, project manager and principal in charge. In recent years, he has leveraged his expertise and breadth of relationships to lead business development initiatives for leading firms in the Chicago region. He has partnered with such higher education clients as: Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, University of Kansas and the Milwaukee School of Engineering. An active industry thought leader, Lo Bello is the North Central Regional Chair of the Society of College and University Planners (SCUP) and the Corporate Trustee/Advancement Committee Chair for Associated Colleges of Illinois. He has taught “Professional Practices” at the Illinois Institute of Technology’s College of Architecture where he also earned his Bachelor of Architecture.

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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Police administration officials are looking for opportunities to address employee retention and resilience in the face of extreme stress, and 911 dispatchers, often called the “first” first responders, are at the center of it all. In honor of National Police Week 2024, the Thomson Reuters Institute featured FGMA’s quiet room design for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center as part of an exploration of current innovations in modern policing.

Martin Bennett, Executive Director of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch Center, recognized the need to support dispatchers, especially since his team serves not just one, but fourteen counties. Entrusted with the project, two members of the firm’s public safety design practice, architect Ray Lee and interior designer Raegan Porter, developed a design for a resiliency room for these extremely busy dispatchers. The resulting design concepts were informed by the practice’s familiarity with the research of Dr. Joel Robertson, brain scientist and CEO of Robertson Health.

The spaces offer a research-based sensory environment to encourage stress reduction and boost mental health and has been reported by multiple news outlets. The future of policing depends on environmental design that provides opportunities within the workplace to better navigate stress so responders can serve the public even more effectively. An excerpt from the Thomson Reuters Institute coverage follows, with a link to the full article below.

“Interestingly, there… is a growing effort to leverage environmental design to help first responders to counteract the impact that high stress has on their nervous systems. For example, FGM Architects worked with brain scientist Dr. Joel Robertson to integrate sensory components in the design of the Cook County (Ill.) Sheriff’s office quiet room. This facility houses Sheriff’s department operations and the 911 dispatch center which serves 14 counties. The quiet room incorporates chromotherapy (colored lights), soundscapes, [biophilic design] and diffused essential oils to reduce stress levels among first responders, especially after repeated exposure to high-stress interactions.

[S]cience has found that tunable lighting that can shift the color temperature of light can significantly impact an individual’s overall mood and lower stress levels. These environmental changes are one way that police administration officials hope to address perpetual employee retention and staff burnout issues that impact emergency call centers."

Learn More

• Cook County 911 quiet room design spotlight on ABC 7 Chicago

• FGMA  podcast “Design for first responder facilities that help reduce stressors"

• Connect with public safety design experts Ray Lee and Raegan Porter

• Read the full Reuters article

FGMA’s Public Safety Practice 

FGMA offers unparalleled public safety expertise. The public safety practice is continually expanding its expertise by researching trends and innovations, networking with chiefs, touring stations nationwide and abroad. FGMA’s experience in designing dispatch centers provides practical features necessary for dispatch workers to perform their job in the harshest conditions, and to be comfortable and healthy.

The entire public safety design team spends considerable time in police stations, 911 dispatch centers and fire stations observing both interactions and operational flow which leads to design solutions that yield better functionality, promote health and wellness, increase job satisfaction and improve response rates.

View FGMA’s full public safety design portfolio.

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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FGMA celebrates National Volunteer Month by spotlighting the time dedicated to volunteering throughout the firm. While giving back to the community every day is part of FGMA’s DNA, this April the firm celebrates two very special members of the team who volunteer with their local fire departments: Angelina Gonzalez and Michael Seppala.

Their volunteering provides a unique perspective for FGMA’s public safety team that is taken from personal experience to inform the firm’s design approach. This combination of grassroots knowledge and active engagement with leaders and members of the fire services is part of what makes FGMA a respected national thought leader in the design of fire and rescue facilities. 

Passion Project: Angelina Gonzalez  

An architect in the Reston, Virginia office, Angelina Gonzalez is an integral part of the public safety design team, currently working on Arlington County Fire Station 8 and Philomont Fire and Rescue Station. As a Nationally Certified EMT and volunteer with the Fair Oaks Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, Angelina committed to passing Firefighter I/II classes.

Last year, she participated in the first-ever Women’s Weekend at the National Fire Academy, hosted by the U.S. Fire Administration in partnership with Women in Fire, as well as a fire investigation first responder course. This course includes insights into ways to prevent fires through building codes and addressing fire prevention for both occupied and maintained buildings as well as abandoned ones. Angelina recommends this course for professionals in the architecture industry to better understand the repercussions of design decisions. Last month marked her graduation from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Training Academy. 

 “The best part about this volunteer opportunity is that no matter how small," says Angelina Gonzalez, "you’re able to help someone on what could be the worst day of their life and make a big impact.”

Volunteer Q&A: Angelina Gonzalez  

FGMA: How many years have you been with FGMA? 

Angelina Gonzalez (AG): I started at FGMA in March 2023. 

FGMA: How long have you been a volunteer / with what organization? 

AG: I joined the Fair Oaks Fire & Rescue Department in February of 2022.  

FGMA: Why did you start volunteering with the fire department? 

AG: I was working remote and was interested in volunteering somewhere. I saw a sign by a local fire station mentioning they were looking for volunteers, so I checked out the ones closest to where I lived and joined.  

FGMA: What got you interested in firefighting? 

AG: I’ve always been interested in firefighting, but never knew you could volunteer and become one without it being your career. Once I learned that I could, I immediately joined.  

FGMA: What does your volunteering mean to you? 

AG: Volunteering, to me, means to give back to the community. The best part about this volunteer opportunity is that no matter how small, you are able to help someone on what could be the worst day of their life and make a big impact. I also enjoy understanding the inner workings of the dispatch system and being better prepared for when a disaster or major event happens. It allows me to be able to help the community when a major disaster or really bad weather happens and help support local responders. 

Decades of Dedication: Michael Seppala 

Michael Seppala has been on the FGMA team for 13 years in the Reston, Virginia office and his public safety design work includes Prince William County Fire Station 22, City of Summit Fire Headquarters and Andover Fire Station. His 20 years of experience volunteering on rescue squads has brought him to the rank of lieutenant, now capable of performing vehicle extrication and rope rescues. Michael’s extensive design experience in public safety combined with his extensive volunteer experience allows him to better inform design fire facilities design at FGMA. 

"Many kids want to be a firefighter when they grow up – some of us just never grow out of it." - Michael Seppala

Volunteer Q&A: Michael Seppala 

FGMA: How many years have you been with FGMA? 

Michael Seppala (MS): I’ve been on the FGMA team for 13 years. 

FGMA: How long have you been a volunteer / with what organization? 

MS: I’ve been volunteering for 20 years. 3 years with the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad and 17 years with Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad within in the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System.   

FGMA: Why did you start volunteering with the fire department? 

MS: My county had one central location for all the high school vocational classes. One year I was taking a class for Architectural Drafting, and I saw people taking an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course. So, the next year I took the EMT course for my science credit because it seemed like it would be more fun than taking biology. In college, I joined so I could start using my training. 

FGMA: What got you interested in firefighting? 

MS: Many kids want to be a firefighter when they grow up – some of us just never grow out of it. 

FGMA: What does your volunteering mean to you? 

MS: Most people join for the excitement, to help people or to give back to the community and you get to do all of that but you stay for the people. I’m friends with people I never would’ve crossed paths with because we have nothing in common except volunteering. 

FGMA’s Public Safety Practice 

FGMA offers unparalleled public safety expertise. The public safety practice is continually expanding its expertise by researching trends and innovations, networking with chiefs, touring stations nationwide and abroad. 

Leaders like Brian Wright, Director of Municipal and Recreation, and Christopher Kehde, Managing Director of the FGMA Reston office and a public safety design expert, are both consistently searching for new and better ways to meet the ever-changing demands of the public safety industry and bring clients a unique understanding of the world of public safety as it exists today and will become tomorrow. Additionally, the entire public safety staff has participated in all-day ride-alongs with firefighters and police officers. 

The entire public safety design team spends considerable time in police and fire stations observing both interactions and operational flow, so that it can bring a targeted focus to designs that yield better functionality, promote health and wellness, increase job satisfaction and improve response rates.  

View FGMA’s full public safety design portfolio here. 

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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Trustee Gerard Fischer, community members and elected officials led the ribbon cutting and welcomed the public to Godfrey’s new fire station. (Left to right) IL Sen. Erica Harriss, IL Rep. Amy Elik, Village of Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick, GFPD Trustee / President Gerard Fischer, GFPD Trustee / Treasurer Jack Leonard, GFPD Trustee / Vice-President Matthew Horn and GFPD Fire Chief Eric Cranmer.

On Saturday, April 6, Trustee Gerard Fischer and Fire Chief Eric Cranmer led the community and elected officials in celebrating the grand opening of Godfrey Fire Protection District’s (GFPD) consolidated engine house and administrative headquarters. Located in Godfrey, Illinois, GFPD was operating out of two separate fire houses while providing emergency medical services, emergency management, various forms of rescue and public education, and responding to 2,400 calls for service per year. The new facility brings all firefighters under one roof in a central location and responds to the needs of the GFPD with modern and energy-efficient facilities that will reduce the cost of repair and replacement over time.  

Godfrey Fire Protection District’s new consolidated engine house and administrative headquarters brings all firefighters under one roof in a central location for better emergency response.

“We all want to live in safe communities… and to support our first responders who keep us safe,” said State Representative Amy Elik at the ceremony. “…[It] is clear today that the citizens and elected officials of Godfrey support our firefighters with this beautiful building.”  

GFPD Trustee / President Gerard Fischer and Village of Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick (behind podium) look on as Fire Chief Eric Cranmer addresses the audience celebrating the grand opening.

A Flexible, Modern and Sustainable Design Made for Longevity 

The design for the firehouse provides flexible, durable space with a dual-purpose training room that accommodates both District and community use. The facility features drive-through bays large enough for modern fire apparatus and an adjacent living quarters with multiple bunk rooms, a well-appointed kitchen, patio and day room, an exercise facility, administrative and shift offices and ample storage. A branded entryway highlights the public entrance and separates staff access to facilitate wayfinding for the public and visitors while maintaining security. 

The building envelope is designed for high performance, employing thermal doors and insulated glazing on the apparatus bays, while highly energy-efficient HVAC and control systems combined with low-power lighting, appliances and equipment throughout minimize electrical costs. Technology and display systems installed by Feathershark across all areas of the facility deliver real-time data about calls for service and provide opportunities for sharing information and collaborating, which supports enhanced emergency response by GFPD crews and contributes to the situational awareness of firefighters and staff.

A prominent glass corner and a red-framed entry door signal the public face of the facility and the access point for visitors. 

Notable to modern firehouses, FGMA’s design for the facility exemplifies the principles of zoning to affect contaminant control and reduce the risk of cancer to GFPD personnel.  Elements critical to firefighting operations such as bunker gear and lockers, breathing air tanks and filling equipment, and even the ice maker are located next to the apparatus bay for convenience – yet are isolated from ultraviolet light and vehicle exhausted-areas of the facility to ensure that they do not present a secondary health hazard nor degrade prematurely. A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and gear washing room allows crews to follow zoning best practices for decontamination while doubling as a community tornado shelter. Decontamination facilities also include hand-washing, showering and gear-cleaning points for crew returning from a fire or hazardous chemical clean-up and before entering their living quarters.  

The new facility’s four drive-through apparatus bays forego the traditional back-in design, allowing GFPD Engineers greater safety and mobility when responding to or returning from a call. Additionally, four and a half double deep apparatus bays allow for all District apparatus – which had previously been kept in two distinct locations – to now be housed in one safe, accessible, modern and energy-efficient consolidated location. This includes not only the large ladder, engine and rescue vehicles, but also command vehicles, trailers and other key rolling stock and equipment such as a mobile gear dryer, training props and hose. A high-performance epoxy resin floor installed by All-American Painting and linear trench drains throughout the bays aid in maintenance and upkeep of the utilitarian apparatus room.   

The new facility’s drive-through apparatus bays forego the traditional back-in design, allowing GFPD Engineers greater safety and efficiency when responding to or returning from a call.

We Build Community: FGMA Hired as Trusted Partner for GFPD and Village Planning 

Faced with the challenge of improving emergency response time and using resources more efficiently, GFPD entrusted FGMA to complete an assessment and planning study to determine the best course of action. The two previous locations were of 1960’s-era construction and in unserviceable condition, representing a maintenance and upkeep liability in the long term. They also could not provide occupancy for firefighter crews and likewise offered insufficient space to properly house all District operations and apparatus. The need for new facilities was soon established, with a particular focus on the multi-faceted value to both GFPD and the Village of Godfrey of consolidating District operations into a single, central location. 

The design team then worked with GFPD to develop a building concept that would provide the greatest service as a robust base of operations for 50-plus years. In parallel, GFPD and the Village of Godfrey collaborated to identify land for potential development as a central location for GFPD to provide timely emergency response services. Once a potential site was identified, FGMA test-fit the building concept and all support structures (including a communications tower, fuel island and a master-planned training tower and storage outbuilding) on the site and advised on its most efficient use. As original funding had been secured prior to COVID-19 and its adverse effects on material, labor and overall construction cost, FGMA also worked with the project team on value engineering and document bid alternates to keep the project within budget while responding to the current market. 

(Left to right) FGMA’s Brennan Hartin, Heather Budwell and Joshua N. Mandell joined GFPD in celebrating the grand opening.

The project benefitted from a very positive partnership between the Village of Godfrey and GFPD, with the Village and the design team working together on behalf of GFPD to streamline the selection, vetting and zoning approval of the pivotal building site. FGMA’s Joshua N. Mandell, Brennan Hartin and Heather Budwell joined project collaborators Northstar Management and S. M. Wilson & Co. to tour and celebrate the completed facility with the GFPD team on the day of the grand opening – and offer a hearty congratulations to all involved. 

Learn more: 

• View FGMA’s full public safety design portfolio here. 

• Read more coverage on the ribbon cutting here. 

FGMA's Commitment to Sustainable Design

FGMA’s commitment to sustainable design is long-standing as evidenced by the LEED and WELL Building Standard accredited professionals on staff and the internal Resilient Design Committee established to cross-pollinate these practices firmwide. The firm is an active participant in the American Institute of Architects’ 2030 Commitment, a national initiative committed to a transforming the practice of architecture and helping to ensure a sustainable future.

Read more information about sustainable initiatives at FGMA and design for resilient communities here.

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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Solar panels and other energy-saving design elements offset electricity use - Prairie Trails School is a fully net-zero facility that uses no fossil fuels.

FGMA is pleased to announce that the net-zero energy renovation of the Prairie Trails School has been selected for a 2024 Better Project, Better Practice award. Part of the Better Buildings initiative by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the program highlights best practices that can facilitate a more energy-efficient built environment and drive leadership in energy innovation on a national level. The following details serve to create a project case study for Prairie Trails School as a national model for sustainable design.

The renovated former daycare facility located in Mt. Prospect, Illinois uses no fossil fuels and required 67% less energy than conventional buildings during its first year of operation – making it the first net-zero energy renovation in the nation certified to meet 2018 PHIUS+ Source Zero requirements. This certification is conferred by PHIUS (Passive House Institute U.S.), a nonprofit organization committed to making high-performance passive building the mainstream market standard.

“Partners in the Better Climate Challenge are industry leaders in energy efficiency and decarbonization,” said Carolyn Snyder, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Buildings and Industry at the U.S. Department of Energy. “As a winner of a Better Project award, River Trails School District 26 has demonstrated an innovative pathway to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions that other organizations can learn from.”

Prairie Trails School serves early learning students and functions as a learning hub through interactive displays for the District’s older students. The renovation of the school incorporates state-of-the-art sustainable ideas, materials and technologies: these combine to create an eco-friendly building that supports the health and wellbeing of students. Sustainable learning environment components featured in the project include acoustics, ventilation and thermal comfort as well as healthy outdoor learning.

A spacious multi-purpose room functions as a gym, eating area, or gathering space for group activities while sound-absorbing acoustic panels minimize noise for adjacent rooms.

Designed to serve 300 PreK/Kindergarten students, Prairie Trails School includes eighteen classrooms and additional spaces for early intervention services and fine arts. A spacious multi-purpose room is used as a gym, eating area, or gathering space for group activities. Currently, River Trails School District 26 (RTSD) is applying similar carbon reduction and energy-saving strategies to two other schools in the district in the belief that energy-efficient schools will be status quo in the future.

"Empowering students to be stewards to their environment… is one of our pathways to life-ready students; what better way to demonstrate this than renovating a building to have net zero energy consumption." Frank Fiarito, Former RTSD Board Member

Prairie Trails School: A Model of Sustainable Design

FGMA has worked with RTSD since the 1970's. In 2019, the District commissioned the firm to design a comprehensive renovation of a 1960’s-era facility and create a dedicated school for its youngest learners. Prairie Trails School’s renovation was envisioned as a model of sustainable design and a learning environment that benefits the entire community, particularly as a net-zero energy building. As a renovation project, most of the original structure was retained. The design team created a plan that allowed the building’s old perimeter walls to be a part of a layered approach, consisting of an outer layer of fiber cement board, rainscreen support, a layer of rigid insulation, an air barrier, and a layer of gypsum sheathing board. The result is a structure that is significantly more energy efficient and protected against moisture while also offering more temperature control.

Classroom design for Prairie Trails School emphasizes flexible learning space and natural light for every student.

After the renovation and retrofit, the District tracks energy use and monitors key success metrics through ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®. PTS building management has been trained in daily equipment inspections, condensation pump alarms, pump overflow alarms, air handler humidity monitor oversight and automated dehumidification cycle monitoring. Additionally, the PTS Buildings and Grounds Director is PHIUS certified, while both the Assistant Superintendent for Business Services and Buildings and the Grounds Director are leaders on the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) sustainability professional development committee. In an effort to share the new high-performing technologies this model project has been toured by hundreds of architects, engineers, administrators and policymakers and will continue to provide a notable guide for net-zero education facilities.

Some of the professional organizations that have toured the building:

• 2023 Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO) learning academy

• 2022 PhiusCON conference presentation and tour

• 2021 Northeast AIA presentation and tour

• 2023 A4LE presentation and facility tour

Prairie Trails School provides a sustainable learning environment both indoors and outdoors for young students.

 Sustainable Design: Net-Zero Components and Materials

• Net zero energy usage

• Zero Net Carbon (ZNC)

• Actual EUI of 24.12 (over a 12-month period)

• No natural gas service to the school

• New mechanical system: The existing hot water boiler system was replaced with a new electric variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system with heat recovery. The VRF system is coupled with dedicated outside air units (DOAS) with energy recovery wheels for fresh air delivery.

• The school’s multipurpose room is conditioned by a single zone variable air volume packaged rooftop unit with an energy recovery wheel and fresh air via demand control ventilation.

• New temperature controls: load-specific electrical monitoring, including plug loads, lighting loads, HVAC loads, and energy generation from the PV panels. Integration (monitoring and display) of the net-zero technologies through the BAS system. (The BAS system monitors, not controls, the solar panels).

• New solar panel system to produce 100% of the electricity needs

• New rooftop photovoltaic system to generate on-site renewable energy with an annual production of 225 MWh.

• Roof system - The existing built-up roof system was replaced. This increased the roof insulation performance value from R-30 to R-65 (average) using the additional thickness of polyisocyanurate foam board insulation. The system design includes additional parapet height to conceal additional insulation. The new roof system is a single-ply synthetic rubber roof.

• Exterior wall system - The existing uninsulated exterior wall system was modified to receive new wall cladding. The foundation was modified to include new insulation below grade. The existing face brick was removed and a new thermally broken rail system with new insulation was applied. New exterior cladding was applied.

• The remodeling included new LED lighting, with light harvesting, to reduce energy consumption.

• New window system - The original single-pane aluminum window system was replaced with a new double thermally broken curtain wall framing system with triple-pane dual Low-E insulated glazing.

• No additional staff were required to implement.

Saving on Costs, Saving the Environment

The District projects that the energy-efficient design for Prairie Trails School will yield a savings of $32,000 per year in gas and electricity costs. A dedicated page on the RTSD website tracks Prairie Trail’s energy system performance and power/energy consumption in real time. As data continues to be collected on the building systems, this dashboard will be used to expand on data used in the District’s middle school math and science classrooms, where the students learn to interpret the data, draw conclusions and even make recommendations for future building improvements. As of April 2024 (pictured below), the dashboard highlights the environmental benefits of the project as an estimated 850,282 pounds of carbon emissions saved, measured as the equivalent of 6,425 trees planted. Solar panels, high-performance building systems and permeable pavers outside the school all contribute to the environmentally friendly Prairie Trails School, which will continue to provide cost savings and education on sustainability for years to come.

A dedicated page on the RTSD website tracks Prairie Trail School’s energy system performance and power/energy consumption in real time

Sustainable interventions at Prairie Trails School also better manage water resources and protect the area from local flooding. The renovated building requires less water consumption and there has been a significant reduction in water usage since project completion. New low-flow toilets and the overhauled HVAC system lowered overall monthly water consumption to approximately five gallons per occupant. In comparison, 2009 metrics measured monthly water usage at 705 gallons per occupant.

Other improvements included replacing existing asphalt pavement with permeable pavers and the construction of a native vegetated detention basin. Switching from the asphalt parking lots to permeable pavement reduced the total impervious coverage on the site by over 0.5 acres resulting in total stormwater management capacity of 75,960 cubic feet (568,221 gallons). Of that volume, 35,010 cubic feet is available in the stone underneath the permeable pavers and in the soil and stone underneath the detention basin. This promotes infiltration to recharge the groundwater and remove this stormwater from nearby McDonald Creek and the Des Plaines River. The stone, soil, and roots of the native vegetation provide water quality benefits as well, reducing total suspended solids (TSS) and phosphorus from the discharge from the site. The remaining water capacity of the system is held in the above-ground detention basin. This basin attenuates the flow from the site to McDonald Creek, reducing peak discharges during large rain events to provide some relief to downstream flooding.

“Your work shines a spotlight on the way that modern, healthy, efficient school facilities, wellness practices and learning about the environment can increase student achievement and educational equity.” U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona

A Larger Community Impact

An important goal for the Prairie Trails School project was to have a positive impact on the larger community, including students in other schools in the District. Today’s children will be those who feel the largest consequences of climate change and need to learn and understand how innovative sustainability strategies can help develop environmentally sound life habits and spaces. Interactive and educational displays throughout Prairie Trails School highlight its sustainability features, like a display about the school’s new HVAC system in the photo featured below.

The school also serves as a learning hub for the district’s middle school students. The middle school offers an encore program to teach students about energy, the environment, and sustainability. During their coursework, each class takes a field trip to Prairie Trails Schools to meet with the Director of Buildings and Grounds and the design team to learn about the steps taken to construct and maintain a net-zero facility. In addition to Q&A sessions, they explore the building and interact with the visual displays. The students apply this knowledge when tasked to design their own energy-efficient homes at the end of the trimester. Students are encouraged to ask questions about careers in sustainability, architecture and construction from experts in the fields, such as the FGMA design team when they volunteer at the school.

Meanwhile, an intergovernmental agreement with the park district allows their use of Prairie Trails School in exchange for ground maintenance. This includes a before and after school care program held at the school and run by the park district. Maximizing the facility use prevents redundancy of facilities, reduces energy consumption, retains open spaces, improves student health through various activities and keeps students safe before and after school while their caregivers work.

Prairie Trails kindergarten students interact with the face of the original 1960’s boiler that was salvaged and refurbished into an educational display.

A Community-Boosting Impact, An Award-Winning Project

Prairie Trails School has been nationally recognized with multiple awards related to sustainability, engineering, landscape architecture, education, retrofitting and renovation. Not only will Prairie Trails School continue to educate young students in the conventional sense, but it also educates children, teachers, staff, families, local politicians, policymakers and the larger community about how the building itself is designed to meet net-zero objectives, positively influencing future generations.

See below for a full list of project awards:

• 2024 - U.S. Department of Energy - Better Project Award

• 2023 - U.S. Dept. of Education - Green Ribbon Schools Award

• 2023 - AIA Northeast Illinois - Merit Award for Preservation/Renovation

• 2023 - The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Illinois - Excellence in Engineering Award (Engineer: IMEG)

• 2022 - American Society of Landscape Architects (ILASLA) Illinois - Merit Award – Natural Playground Design (Landscape Architect: TERRA ENGINEERING, LTD.)

• 2021 - U.S. Department of Energy - Building Envelope Campaign Award - Retro 50 Category (for achieving building envelope improvements of 50% over the existing building)

• 2021 - TRANE Reducing the Energy Intensity of the World Award

Patterns and colors highlight student entries and focal points, while cubbies allow for space-saving organization.

Learn More

• To learn more about this project, read the Illinois School Board Journal article co-contributed by FGMA’s PK-12 Practice Leader, Ron Richardson.

• For more detail about the award win, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Initiative award website.

FGMA's Commitment to Sustainable Design

FGMA’s commitment to sustainable design is long-standing as evidenced by the LEED and WELL Building Standard accredited professionals on staff and the internal Resilient Design Committee established to cross-pollinate these practices firmwide. The firm is an active participant in the American Institute of Architects’ 2030 Commitment, a national initiative committed to a transforming the practice of architecture and helping to ensure a sustainable future.

Read more information about sustainable initiatives at FGMA and design for resilient communities here.

FGMA’s PK-12 Portfolio

Schools and school districts today face challenges on every front. FGMA helps educators overcome these challenges by creating quality learning environments that support their educational mission, encourage collaboration between students, faculty, parents and the community and allow the schools to retain the highest quality faculty and staff.

Learn more about FGMA’s PK-12 portfolio here.

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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St. Louis Community College (STLCC), facing growing student demand alongside pressing space limitations, created a plan to add capacity. The STLCC Transportation Education Center at the Forest Park campus, designed by FGMA, consolidates STLCC’s automotive technology, diesel technology, and professional truck driving programs under one roof. Once completed in Summer 2025, the Transportation Education Center will foster shared knowledge and expanded student capacity in a new, state-of-the-art facility.

The STLCC Transportation Education Center at the Forest Park campus will offer flexible classrooms with greater natural light

“Bringing the three programs under one roof allows the College to not only serve its students better, but also provides the City of St. Louis a pipeline of new employees prepared with the latest technologies to work and live in the community,” said Dr. Julie Fickas, Ed.D., president and chief academic officer at STLCC-Forest Park, at the groundbreaking ceremony in October.

Collaborative spaces, break areas and group workspaces throughout the Transportation Education Center are designed to allow for greater natural light and to facilitate a dynamic learning environment for both credit and non-credit students. Additionally, flexible classrooms and adaptable lobby areas double as a central hub for hosting events and classes for external organizations, strengthening ties with the local community.

Outside, a 36,000-square-foot fleet parking lot will be added along with repaving of the existing 193,000-square-foot truck driving lot to provide ample outdoor learning opportunities for hands-on training. Significant to the Transportation Education Center are dedicated labs equipped with bays specifically designed for both standard and electric vehicles along with diesel trucks, aligning with ever-evolving automotive and trucking industry requirements.

Adaptable lobby areas that double as event space will strengthen community ties

The Transportation Education Center is designed to meet the key goals of the STLCC Transformed initiative: put learning on display; prioritize student and faculty wellness, collaboration and success; celebrate a culture of curiosity and transparency; and allow for cross-pollination among traditional and non-traditional students. FGMA developed a comprehensive visioning and programming process that engaged departments both individually and as a collective to ensure that the process of designing the Transportation Education Center would be as collaborative as the space itself.

FGMA is proud to be working with Tarlton Corporation and Russell Co. while bringing to reality the vision laid out by STLCC and its Transformed initiative.

More information:

• View FGMA's full higher education project portfolio here.

• Read coverage of the October 2023 groundbreaking on the STLCC website.

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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As part of the firm’s mission – We Build Community – FGMA is dedicated to offering immersive experiences throughout our offices nationwide to provide students with the chance to explore their passions firsthand and develop new skills. Teams at the FGMA Austin office offered insights to a high school internship program run by the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders (ARS), a school in the Austin Independent School District (AISD). During a week in February, two ARS students visited the FGMA Austin office to gain hands-on experience in the field of architecture and design.

The hands-on internship at the FGMA Austin office offered real-world experience with architects

As the key host for the internship, Kris Waugh, former ARS principal and current PK-12 Educational Researcher and Planner at FGMA, gave high school juniors Crystal and Kate an introduction to the firm. Upon arrival, they both received welcome packages with FGMA materials to help them feel like part of the team and remember their experience.

Crystal and Kate started the day with a welcome package and an introduction to the firm by FGMA

Texas Region Managing Director Jaime Palomo

The first day of the internship offered an overview of the firm led by FGMA Texas Region Managing Director Jaime Palomo. The two learned about the firm’s work culture, how we serve our clients and the diverse projects we work on across our eight practices throughout the country. The pair also learned from the marketing team about the FGMA brand and received instructions about capturing photos and thoughts each day to prepare their own presentation for the FGMA team on the final day of the internship.

The days following involved multiple in-depth opportunities to dive into the architectural profession. A key focus was helping the two students learn about the full architectural project process. Alma McElroy, FGMA project manager for the Houston Elementary School Modernization project, informed Crystal and Kate about the many steps involved from design concept to construction. The two students then went on a site visit to the project in progress and toured the future campus of the school.

FGMA project manager Alma McElroy introduced the interns to the Houston Elementary School Modernization project, which they visited later in the day

Crystal and Kate also had a very informative lunch during the week. In recognition of the AIA statistic that only 27% of registered architects in the industry are women, FGMA Austin and (via Zoom) Fort Worth women architects and designers offered Crystal and Kate a friendly lunch to share their own experiences.

Crystal and Kate lunched with the ladies of FGMA Austin and Fort Worth while discussing career paths and gender parity within the architecture profession

As a firm dedicated to gender parity in the profession and the working world, the architects and designers taking part in the lunch were proud to share about their careers and point out that 48% of employees at FGMA are women.

Crystal and Kate also had the opportunity to interview several of our team members throughout the week to explore the many different roles found within an architecture firm. Those who shared their particular expertise included Allison Stoos (Faith-based Design Practice Leader), Rebecca Richter (PK-12 Design Principal), James Lindsay (Municipal), Brianna Greschel and Erin Moyer (Interior Design), Rich DePalma (Business Development), Wes Rodberry (Sustainability and Revit modeling), Kia Morris (Texas Regional Marketing Manager) and Kate Besler (Digital Marketing and Communications Director). The two students had a chance to learn from these professionals about career details, differences in client types and stakeholders across practices and current projects on the boards.

Both interns had the opportunity for informational interviews across multiple FGMA practice areas

On the final day of their internship, Crystal and Kate gave the teams a presentation of their own showcasing the many things they learned and how their perspective on architecture changed throughout the week.

In a memorable moment for all, the two presented FGMA with a recognition award on behalf of the ARS Junior Pathway Internship Program before they departed. FGMA was honored to host these talented students and to share our knowledge and passion for architecture and design with them.

More information on career opportunities with FGMA can be found here.

To stay updated on our latest news, bookmark fgmarchitects.com and follow us on social media.

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