Building Culture with Brian: Leading with Clarity

Incorporating Student Voices into the Design Process

What happens when the people who spend the most time in a school building finally have a say in its design? In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we are joined by Principal Architect Courtney Koch to explore the transformative power of incorporating student voices into K12 architecture. We discuss the shift from designing for students to designing with them, examining how authentic engagement, from interactive design charrettes to student shadowing, leads to spaces that foster ownership, safety, and inspiration. Join us as we dive into the practicalities of inclusive design and why the most important insights often come from the students themselves.

Tanner Koeppe (Behind the Blueprint)

In the latest episode of our Behind the Blueprint series, we sit down with Tanner Koeppe to explore the journey of a designer. From his roots in South Sioux City to completing his Master’s at UNL, Tanner shares how a summer job in roofing and a passion for creative problem-solving led him to CMBA Architects. Plus, we get a glimpse into Tanner’s life outside the office.

Leading the Way with Mike Thole: Design Build

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we sit down with Mike Thole, an Associate Principal at CMBA Architects, to demystify the increasingly popular "Design-Build" project delivery method. Moving beyond the traditional silos of design-bid-build, Mike explains how bringing architects and contractors together from day one creates a unified "three-legged stool" of collaboration between the owner, the designer, and the builder. The discussion dives into the practical benefits of this model, from real-time cost transparency and accelerated schedules to the critical role of team chemistry, while also identifying which project types are best suited for this integrated approach. Whether you’re an owner looking for more certainty in your next build or an industry professional navigating a shifting landscape, this conversation offers a clear roadmap for understanding how partnership-driven design is shaping the future of the built environment.

This or That Special

In this special episode of Laying the Foundation, we’re stepping away from the drafting table for a spirited round of "This or That" with members of the CMBA team. We're pulling back the curtain on the diverse personalities and design values that drive our collaborative environment. It’s an entertaining mix of professional wisdom and light hearted banter that shows what makes our team tick.

Project Highlight: - Gilbert Community Schools

In this episode, we explore the unique "neighborhood" design of the new Gilbert Elementary School, a project deeply rooted in its local context. Andrew shares a pivotal moment in the design process: observing how teachers and students maximized activity in an older building that was never intended for such high levels of movement. This realization led to a "seasonal" interior strategy where Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd-grade wings transition from Spring to Fall themes, specifically engineered to support play-based learning and multi-classroom collaboration. We also discuss how the school serves as a permanent community asset, featuring multi-use spaces like the gymnasium and commons designed for public use.