In this annual intern roundtable episode of Laying the Foundation, host Skyler Gorsett sits down with CMBA Architects' summer interns—Ava Eisenbarth, Elli Ward, Joshua Etherington, Kamryn Kayser, Kate Hoover, Lauren Vande Griend, Levi Jansma, and Sofia Pignerri—to reflect on their experiences across the firm's various regional offices. The interns share how they moved past traditional administrative duties to dive straight into real-world project work, including K-12 and higher education design, healthcare developments, site visits, and construction administration. They also highlight the welcoming, collaborative office culture that quickly melted away their initial career and software nerves, emphasizing that mentorship and continuous learning are built into every studio. Finally, the group discusses what originally drew them to CMBA, citing local community connections, a supportive team atmosphere, and an unmatched opportunity to have a true voice at the design table.

Join us as we sit down with Grand Island architectural designer Z Parra Valencia to trace her journey from summer intern to full-time designer. Z dives into the surprising complexities of designing childcare and modern banking spaces, the power of continuous exposure in design, and why she’s ready to challenge the residential open floor plan trend. Tune in for an engaging look at the next generation of architectural talent, complete with bucket-list world marvels and a high-stakes snack bracket debate!

In this episode, we sit down with Associate Principal Architect Joe Copley to explore what it truly takes to master the healthcare design experience. From leveraging natural light and optimizing circulation to advocating for caregiver well-being and managing complex operational disruptions, Joe shares deep insights on how thoughtful architectural choices directly impact patient healing and facility efficiency. Whether you're a healthcare leader, facilities manager, or simply curious about medical design, tune in to discover how small design shifts make a massive difference in modern healthcare environments.

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, we sit down with CMBA Principal Architect Lee Beukelman and Agape Executive Director Rachelle Rawson for an inside look at the new Agape Community Services facility currently under construction. Designed as a Christ-centered transitional housing and addiction recovery center for pre- and post-incarcerated individuals, the facility balances structured, multi-phase living quarters with restorative spaces like counseling suites, a fitness center, and a microbusiness commercial kitchen. Tune in to learn how trauma-informed, purpose-driven architecture can provide agency, foster recovery, and lay the groundwork for long-term community transformation on their 38-acre campus.

If you want to learn more about Agape Community Services and how you can get involved, be sure to check out their website!

In this episode of Laying the Foundation, Skyler sits down with CMBA CFO Kent Lutz to explore the concept of "Design on Demand." They discuss how modern technology and AI are driving a major shift in the traditional architectural process, easing the tedious technical burden on the back end so architects can focus more heavily on early creative problem-solving. While clients increasingly expect instant, Spotify-like access to project results, Kent explains why balancing these accelerated timelines with an iterative, patient design process is still essential to creating high-quality spaces.

In today’s episode, CEO Brian Crichton makes the business case for joy and play in the workplace, arguing that having fun is a strategic advantage that builds psychological safety and boosts retention. Brian shares how CMBA creates memorable traditions, from lunch rituals to cross-office challenges, and helps leaders show their personality while maintaining professionalism. He discusses strategies for fostering "fun" in hybrid and distributed teams, and why celebrating personal milestones and life events, not just project productivity, is essential for building true, lasting connection and resilience across the firm.

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.

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.

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.

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.