FGMA Advances in National Industry Rankings, Reflecting Continued Growth and Design Leadership
FGM Architects has earned higher positions on two of the architecture, engineering and construction industry's most respected national rankings. FGMA climbed to No. 67 on Architectural Record's 2026 Top 300 Architecture Firms list, rising from No. 76 in the previous year. The firm also advanced to No. 303 on Engineering News-Record's (ENR) 2026 Top 500 […]
Water Security and Conservation: Designing for a More Resilient Future
As communities face increasing concerns related to drought, aging infrastructure, and population growth, water security has become an essential part of designing for resilience. Resilient infrastructure and thoughtful planning play a critical role in protecting one of our most valuable natural resources. Water security means ensuring reliable access to safe, clean water while managing risks […]
Downers Grove Civic Center Earns 2026 Chicago Building Congress Award
An annual program recognizing outstanding built projects in the Chicago area, Chicago Building Congress Merit Awards celebrates the team partnership necessary for a successful project between architect, contractor and owner. This year’s winner in the Commercial Construction category was the FGMA/Leopardo/Village of Downers Grove project: the Downers Grove Civic Center. The Civic Center brings together […]
How City Planning, Zoning and Regulations Shape Successful Architecture Projects
Few topics carry as much long-term impact for a city as its approach to planning and regulation. For municipal leaders, understanding the regulatory process, infrastructure implications and public-engagement landscape isn’t optional — it’s essential to making growth work for communities. Susan Barr brings a unique perspective with her years inside the Development Services Department of […]
Downers Grove Police Department Receives Silver in 2025 Officer Station Design Awards
The Downers Grove Civic Center has received the Law Enforcement Facilities II Silver Award in the 2025 Officer Station Design Awards, recognizing its powerful blend of civic identity, sustainability and community-first design! The new municipal civic center unites the Police Department, Village Hall and School District administration together in one modern facility. The design seeks […]
FGMA Takes Home Honors Award and People’s Choice at 2025 AIA NEI Awards
The AIA NEI Awards celebrate outstanding projects in architecture and design excellence in the northeastern part of Illinois. This year, FGMA received two awards that reflect the dedication to bettering communities through thoughtful design. Channahon FPD Station No. 2: Honor Award in "Institutional – Civic, Municipal" Category In 2024, the Channahon Fire Protection District opened […]
A Shared Vision for Community: The Downers Grove Civic Center Redefines Collaboration and Sustainability
How can one building connect a community? A vibrant new civic center in the heart of Downers Grove, Illinois bridges architecture and community leadership, reimagining how people connect and engage in civic spaces. The Downers Grove Civic Center is a powerful beacon of civic unity. Completed in February 2025, the center brings together village administration, […]
Wayfinding in Architectural Design
More than just architectural signage, wayfinding is a carefully crafted experience that makes built environments intuitive, inclusive and welcoming. Wayfinding in the built environment helps people navigate spaces confidently and efficiently, significantly shaping their overall experience. Clear, intuitive cues — such as signage, maps, design elements, lighting, and even building layout — guide someone from […]
Holistic Station Design
Originally published in Fire Station Design’s Crackyl Magazine, Volume No. 1, pg. 36 Design Strategies to Support Firefighter Mental and Behavioral Health CRACKYL magazine's article Firefighter Syndrome: A Proposed Whole Systems Framework (Summer 2023 edition), made the point that “a career in firefighting involves regular exposure to chronic stress, lethal risks, and potential for a […]
Creating Spaces for Neurodiverse Students
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2024 School Business Affairs magazine issue. Strategies for changing the school’s physical environment to benefit special-needs students 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 […]