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, […]
Two FGMA Fire Stations Win 2025 F.I.E.R.O. Awards
Two fire stations designed by FGMA received national recognition in the 2025 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Awards. Arlington Fire Station 8 earned the Honor Award (the program’s highest distinction) and Godfrey Fire Protection District House No. 1 and Administration received a Recognition Award. Both projects redefine what it means to serve: creating architecture that reflects […]
Modern Policing Meets Historical Inspiration in Elgin, TX New Police Station Design
The Elgin, TX Police Department had quite the challenge: its small 102-year-old downtown building had far outlived its useful life, but they thought that a new building concept could not be achieved with their budget. After FGMA proactively presented a comparison of a renovation/addition concept vs. an all-new construction concept, it became clear that the […]
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 […]
Design Hacks to Overcome Gender Issues
Sleeping, showering and changing doesn't have to be a war of the sexes. By Katie Atwater, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Vice President at FGMA Originally published in Fire Station Design’s Crackyl Magazine, Volume No. 1, pg. 48 This year marks the 50th anniversary of Arlington County, Va., hiring the first female career firefighter Judith Brewer […]
How Renovation Can Transform Public Safety Facilities
Building renovations offer benefits far beyond practicality and financially responsibility By Joshua N. Mandell, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, Vice President and Principal at FGMA Public safety buildings are the backbone of emergency services — but many are aging, inefficient and out of step with modern building codes and today’s first responder needs. With construction […]
Red/Yellow/Green Fire Station Design: What Does it Mean?
Using NFPA Standards to Define Contaminant Control in Station Design By Katie Atwater, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Vice President at FGMA What started 10 years ago in a conversation after a long day of conference sessions is now the industry standard as documented and defined by its inclusion in multiple NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) […]
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 […]
New Insights for Tomorrow’s 911 Facilities
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2024 issue of Sheriff & Deputy Magazine PSAPs' need for redundancies in an emergency makes them costly to build The phone number 911 is the most recognized in the United States. Designated as the universal emergency number for citizens throughout the country, it gives the public fast and […]