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Our Approach

Our team blends this client-centric approach with cutting-edge design practices, delivering spaces that are both functional and inspiring.


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K12

Our K-12 designs enhance the educational experience with dynamic, student-centered environments.


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Higher Ed

Our Higher Education designs enhance student and faculty experiences and support your institution’s objectives.


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Healthcare

Our Healthcare designs provide a nurturing and impactful experience for patients, visitors and staff.


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Municipal

Our Municipal designs create efficient, community spaces that enhance public services and enrich civic engagement.


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Our Services

We offer a comprehensive range of services to transform your architectural aspirations into reality. Our expertise covers every facet of creating exceptional spaces.


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Architecture & Design

Our Architecture services are for delivering innovative design with precise functionality; creating buildings that are visually stunning and exactly suited to their purpose.


ARCHITECTURE
 

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Interior Design

Our Interior Design services are for transforming spaces into bespoke environments that reflect your style and needs.




INTERIOR DESIGN
 

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Master Planning

Our Master Planning services are for envisioning and developing layouts that harmonize with their surroundings and serve community needs.


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PLANNING
 

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Bond Promotion

Our Bond Promotion services are for strategically guiding your projects through funding processes, ensuring community support and financial viability for your vision.


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PROMOTION
 

About Us

At CMBA Architects, we blend a deep-rooted passion for architecture and design with a strong commitment to our clients. Our journey is shaped by a uniquely collaborative approach that defines every project we undertake.


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Our People

At CMBA Architects, our people are the cornerstone of our success. We are a diverse group of passionate architects, designers and thinkers, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the table.






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Our Thoughts

Get quick architectural and design inspiration and cutting-edge industry knowledge to help make your project everything it should be and more!







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Contact Us

Our offices across Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota are ready to work on projects throughout the country.

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Designing Multifunctional K-12 Gymnasiums

School gymnasiums are some of the busiest spaces on campus. They host sports practices, assemblies, performances and community events, sometimes all in the same week. Schools need more from their gyms than ever before, but a poorly designed space can feel rigid and limiting. The right design choices create a gym that easily transitions between uses, maximizing its value for students and the entire community.

Retractable Seating Expands Possibilities

Fixed bleachers take up valuable space when not in use. Retractable seating solves this problem by folding into the wall or stacking compactly. When extended, it provides comfortable spectator seating for games and performances. When stowed, it opens up the gym floor for other activities. Many systems operate with the push of a button, making reconfiguration quick and easy.

Smart seating design also improves accessibility. Schools can integrate wheelchair-accessible spaces at various locations within the bleachers instead of limiting them to one section. This ensures that all students and community members can enjoy events comfortably.

Modular Flooring Adapts to Different Uses

A gym floor must accommodate everything from basketball games to science fairs. Traditional hardwood courts provide excellent athletic performance but require protective coverings for non-sport events. Many schools opt for modular flooring systems that handle multiple activities without extra maintenance.

Interlocking tile floors, for example, offer the traction needed for sports while resisting damage from tables and chairs. Some synthetic flooring options mimic the look of wood but require less upkeep. Protective covers for schools with hardwood floors help preserve the surface when used for non-athletic events.

Acoustic Design Enhances Every Event

Without proper sound control, a gymnasium can be an echo chamber, making it difficult to hear speakers, music or game announcements. The right acoustic treatments create a space for high-energy sports and clear communication during assemblies.

Wall-mounted acoustic panels reduce echo, making speeches and performances more intelligible. Ceiling baffles help absorb sound without interfering with lighting or ventilation. Even retractable bleachers, when extended, help dampen noise and improve clarity. A well-designed sound system with directional speakers ensures that every audience member hears clearly, no matter the event.

Flexible Spaces Maximize Use

A well-planned gym isn’t just a large open room. Thoughtful design elements make it easy to transform for different purposes. Movable partition walls allow schools to section off part of the gym for simultaneous activities. An integrated stage turns the space into a performance venue. Retractable basketball hoops, volleyball nets and divider curtains allow quick transitions between sports and events.

Storage placement also plays a key role. Equipment should be easy to store and access to make setting up for different events seamless. Schools make the most of their available space by designing a gym with flexibility in mind.

Built to Last

A multifunctional gym sees heavy use, so durability matters. High-quality finishes, impact-resistant walls and low-maintenance flooring extend the lifespan of the space. Retractable seating should be sturdy and easy to clean. Flooring should be tough enough to handle sports and events without excessive wear.

Regular maintenance also plays a role in longevity. Dust-mopping the floor daily, scheduling refinishing for hardwood courts, and inspecting bleacher mechanisms will keep the gym in top condition for years.

A Gym That Works for Everyone

A well-designed gym serves more than just athletes. It brings students, staff and the community together for events of all kinds. When seating, flooring, acoustics and storage are designed flexibly, the space works better for everyone. Schools get more value from their investment, and students benefit from a gym that adapts to their needs.

Check out our blog for more insights into design trends, or contact our team for expert guidance on your next project.

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