Why Firefighters Face a Higher Cancer Risk
When firefighters rush into burning buildings, there are immediate and obvious dangers: collapsing structures, intense heat and suffocating smoke. However, for many firefighters, the most serious threat may not manifest until years after they extinguish the flames. Increasingly, research shows that firefighters face a significantly higher risk of developing cancer compared with the general population, […]
Basics Covered: Law Enforcement Indoor Firing Range Design
Discover what law enforcement agencies need to know as modern firing range design standards evolve. Discover more in the original article published by Officer Magazine on March 26, 2026, written by Paul Peluso, Editor of Officer Magazine. When it comes to designing an indoor firing range, there have been a lot of advances in firearms […]
A First Responder’s Perspective on Fire Station Design with Architect Michael Seppala, AIA
It’s a rare perspective: designing fire and rescue facilities while actively serving inside them. For more than 20 years, Michael Seppala, AIA, has answered calls ranging from medical emergencies to complex technical rescues. “I’m with the Rescue Squad. We respond to medical calls, vehicle crashes, rope and water rescues,” he shared. “It’s a different lens […]
Community Engagement Shapes Meaningful School Design
When communities feel left out of the school design process, even necessary improvements can face resistance. But when engagement is intentional, transparent and inclusive, those same projects can gain momentum, trust and lasting support. FGMA’s Community Engagement Hierarchy of Needs offers a structured approach to building that connection, guiding districts from initial awareness to true […]
Reimagining Campus Potential: Building the Future from Within
As higher education evolves, the most impactful opportunities for transformation often already exist within the campus. Repurposing existing buildings and underutilized spaces offers colleges and universities sustainable, flexible solutions to support student success and plan responsibly for the future. Universities and colleges are navigating shifting enrollment, constrained budgets and evolving pedagogy, and these spaces raise […]
Today’s Schools Need Research and Information Gathering Spaces
Innovative learning environments provide spaces that encourage students and teachers to engage in investigative conversations, conduct peer reviews, develop research skills and present their learning publicly. Research and information gathering are foundational skills in education, teaching students how to think critically, analyze data and communicate their findings. Both teachers and students need to know how […]
Beyond the Field: How FGMA Designs PK-12 Athletic Facilities that Build Community
Athletics have been described as the “other half of education.” At FGMA, they are designed that way. Across the country, FGMA’s PK-12 athletic facilities reflect a consistent belief that these are not isolated amenities but catalysts for student success, community connection and long-term wellness. From sprawling suburban high schools to dense urban campuses and faith-based […]
Trauma-Informed Design Shapes Spaces that Heal, Empower and Support Community
When residents of Juniper Creek stepped into their new homes, they found a housing environment intentionally crafted to support well-being, dignity and connection. Central to this apartment complex is a design approach that reaches beyond aesthetics and function: Trauma-informed Design (TiD). The walk from home to the courtyard feels intuitive. Residents can see where they're […]
Designing a Fire Station With Community Engagement
Engaging residents and neighbors early in the design process for a new firehouse strengthened bonds between the department and the community. By Katie Atwater, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Principal, FGM Architects Firehouses are more than operational facilities; they are civic symbols and community anchors and often create or reinforce local identity. They represent safety and […]
Boost Students’ Academic Experiences with Small Group Learning Pods
Small group learning benefits from spaces that are designed to support peer-to-peer discussions, group project work and differentiated instruction. Small group learning pods offer numerous benefits for both students and teachers. They foster a more personalized, interactive and collaborative learning environment, which can be especially effective for deepening students' understanding, promoting critical thinking and enhancing […]