FGM Architects

Wayfinding is more about natural human behavior than just signage; it’s about how colors, materials and layout help people easily navigate a space. In PK-12 schools, where children interact with their surroundings differently than adults, thoughtful design can make a big difference in how easily they move through hallways, classrooms and common areas. FGMA interior designers Katie Corey, NCIDQ, WELL AP and Erin Moyer, RID offer their insights on designing schools that guide all users intuitively, reducing confusion and making spaces feel welcoming. Discover what these two expert designers have to say: https://loom.ly/HlVNI-o #fgma #Wayfinding #InteriorDesign #Expertise #WayfindingInEducation #EducationDesign #WeBuildCommunity

Dirt is flying and construction has begun on Fire Station No. 1 in Washington, MO. The new facility, which broke ground on Saturday, March 9, is designed to serve the community for over 50 years. The building layout has been carefully designed to improve the department's response and performance times while also promoting the physical and mental well-being of the crew. The station is primed for future growth with three bunk rooms and two more available to build out as needed. The drive-through bays are designed to accommodate all current fire trucks, with extra room for additional vehicles. Safety is another top priority for the new station. A mindful approach to decontamination areas and control, along with technologies that reduce carcinogen exposure, prioritizes the overall safety of the fire crew. Construction is expected to be completed in early spring of 2026. Thank you to everyone involved in this new facility: BFW/Marcum, Dermody & Associates LLC, Lawlor Corporation and City of Washington, Missouri. #fgma #StationDesign #NewConstruction #FireStationDesign #WeBuildCommunity

In honor of Neurodiversity Week, we're exploring how our design teams create educational spaces that set everyone up to thrive and succeed. The education team at FGMA uses their own unique Neurodiversity Assessment Tool to support evaluations of existing higher education and PK-12 education spaces. The assessment aims to enhance inclusion and comfort for all by analyzing a holistic view of a space, including some of the following elements: 1. Lighting – Is it dimmable? Does it reduce glare without blocking views? 2. Auditory – Are there disruptive or repetitive noises from the HVAC system or the outside environment? 3. Olfactory – Do strong smells impact focus and well-being? 4. Visual & Tactile – Are flooring patterns overstimulating? Do textures cause discomfort? 5. Technology & Autonomy – Do spaces support individual needs? 6. Ventilation & Circulation – How does airflow and movement impact the user experience? Making a big impact doesn’t always require major changes. Even small design pivots may make a difference that ultimately benefits everyone. Connect with Carol Stolt Allied ASID, WELL AP or Jan Behounek AIA, LEED AP to learn more about FGMA's assessment process or explore FGMA’s higher education portfolio: https://loom.ly/G0Qxnd4 #fgma #NeurodiversityWeek #InclusiveDesign #Neurodiversity #DesignForAll #WeBuildCommunity

FGMA is thrilled to welcome ED Ault as FGMA's newest Principal. With over two decades of related experience, Ed’s creativity and thought leadership position him as an expert to guide the strategy for FGMA's Multifamily/Mixed-Use markets. “A well-designed building/site/community allows the users to function effortlessly in that space," shares Ed. "The materials, finishes and colors can’t disguise a poor building layout. When all of these items are well-designed, the users may feel more invigorated, inspired or proud as they use the space.” Over the span of his career, Ed has been instrumental in the construction of over 35,000 apartment units. FGMA is grateful to include him as one of the team, and we can hardly wait to start learning more from his depth of expertise. ?? Learn more: https://loom.ly/VvXApH8 Join us in welcoming Ed to FGMA! #fgma #JustHired #NewToTheTeam #Multifamily #MixedUse #Welcome #WeBuildCommunity

Central County Emergency 9-1-1 staff are available to answer the call for more than one million residents, workers and people passing through the greater St. Louis region, an area spanning over 700 square miles. On March 7, the agency celebrated the transformative renovations, upgrades and improvements to their dispatch center with a ribbon cutting ceremony. By collaborating on and designing the facility’s renovation, FGMA is honored to serve fire and EMS dispatchers who serve their community. The project includes a dedicated wellness room, a training suite with simulated workstations and a training coordination office next to the dispatch floor. Enhanced monitor arrangements and a large video wall will improve situational awareness for dispatchers. CCE 911 now holds International Academies of Emergency Dispatch’s Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) designation. It is an award and badge of honor reserved for high-performing agencies who cultivate center-wide pride, teamwork and innovation. Thank you to everybody on the project team who had an impact on these upgrades, including SSC Engineering, Inc., Civil Design, Inc. and A. Eilers Construction, Metro West Fire Protection District, Monarch FPD, Creve Coeur FPD, Maryland Heights FPD and West County EMS and Fire Protection District. #fgma #911Dispatch #FirstResponders #MunicipalDesign #StLMO #RibbonCutting #CommunityImpact #WeBuildCommunity

When it comes to education for firefighters and fire service professionals, practical, hands-on training is essential. Harper College broke ground on the new Emergency Services Training Center on its main campus in Palatine, IL on March 3. The new facility will provide an opportunity to expand training for the college and provide continuing education for local municipalities. The training tower will allow for real-world training for both Harper students pursuing fire science degrees and career first responders seeking to enhance their skills with modern training props, live fire areas and simulation technology. FGMA’s depth of experience in both public safety and higher education projects enabled a collaborative approach, resulting in a facility uniquely suited to support the college, community and future Fire Service Academy. ? Thank you to the amazing project team, including Elliott, LeBoeuf & McElwain, TERRA Engineering, Ltd. and IMEG. #fgma #FirefighterTraining #HarperCollege #FireScience #FirstResponder #FireAcademy #ContinuingEducation #LeadershipTraining #PublicSafety #WeBuildCommunity

What happens when a client's dreams intersect with FGMA's insight and expertise? The vision comes to life in the best possible way! The VILLAGE OF CALEDONIA's (WI) new public safety facility's purposeful design provides for a larger space for both police and fire departments. The once-crowded police department has ample space for a dedicated staff headquarters, training, forensics and evidence areas and appropriate interview and processing areas. The fire department includes supportive living quarters and a large day room that is a central hub for community and gatherings. Both departments share a fitness room and are connected by a central, welcoming main entrance and lobby. Custom graphics tell the story of each department's history and celebrate their services, instilling a deep pride among the teams. “FGMA has been absolutely amazing to work with," said Christopher Botsch, Chief of Police. "They have a tremendous understanding of police and fire facilities and how to design them to meet the needs of modern professional police and fire services.” #fgma #PublicSafety #MunicipalDesign #CaledoniaWI #StationDesign #NewConstruction #WeBuildCommunity

From preliminary programming to community engagement and careful design, FGMA is honored to have collaborated with Highland CUSD 5 on their new Highland Primary School. There's nothing quite like seeing the progress in action, and The Korte Company captures the reason we have all worked so hard: the kids' smiles and excitement as they explore their new school for the first time! Congratulations to the project team, the school and the community on a beautiful new school! #fgma #PK12Design #NewSchool #ConstructionProgress #WeBuildCommunity

The recently completed Downers Grove (IL) Civic Center features a public outdoor space that honors the legacy of one of its original founders, Israel (Isrel) Blackburn. According to the Downers Grove Historical Society, Blackburn was enslaved for more than 45 years in Kentucky. After serving as a Union soldier in the U.S. Civil War, Blackburn and his family moved to what is now called Downers Grove. When the village was officially incorporated in 1873, Blackburn was one of its 38 founders. “An entry plaza named in his honor is a concrete and permanent statement that civil rights is our first calling as a village government,” said Downers Grove Mayor Robert T. Barnett when the plaza’s name was first announced in 2022. Now, the new Blackburn Civil Rights Plaza greets visitors and staff in front of the new combined village hall, police station and school district administrative offices. The plaza features sculptural pieces that commemorate his life and the contributions he made to the village. The success of this plaza design is due to the strong collaboration between the village and design team consisting of FGMA, landscape architects (Hitchcock Design Group), graphic design consultant (Selbert Perkins Design) and place making sculpture fabrication by Advertising Products, Inc. Learn more about Blackburn’s history and lasting legacy: https://loom.ly/TPFEzJg #fgma #DownersGroveIL #MunicipalDesign #CivicDesign #PoliceDesign #BlackHistory #Legacy #WeBuildCommunity Village of Downers Grove, Illinois

St. Louis Community College recently transformed an underutilized conference room into a state-of-the-art esports arena (the last image shows the before shot)! The college was able to save on cost, time and ultimately choose a more environmentally conscious way of building by reimagining an existing space and conserving resources. We build sustainable esports facilities We Build Community #fgma #ResilientDesign #Esports #HigherEducationDesign #CommunityCollege #WeBuildCommunity