Skip to content
Our Approach

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


VIEW OUR APPROACH
 

cmba-home-expertise-image-k12-2

K12

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


EXPLORE K12
 

cmba-menu-expertise-higher-ed

Higher Ed

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


EXPLORE HIGHER ED
 

cmba-menu-expertise-higher-ed

Healthcare

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


EXPLORE HEALTHCARE
 

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.


VIEW OUR SERVICES
 

cmba-services-architecture

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
 

cmba-services-architecture

Interior Design

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




INTERIOR DESIGN
 

cmba-services-master-planning-light-3

Master Planning

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


MASTER
PLANNING
 

cmba-services-bond-promotion-2cmba-services-bond-promotion-light-5

Bond Promotion

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


BOND
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.


LEARN ABOUT US
 

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.






VIEW OUR PEOPLE 

Our Thoughts

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







VIEW OUR BLOG 

Contact Us

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

SIOUX CITY
DES MOINES
GRAND ISLAND
SPENCER
OMAHA
SIOUX FALLS

CONTACT US
 

CMBAJul 21, 2021 12:00:00 AM1 min read

Prioritizing Mental Health in Higher Ed Design

The mental wellbeing of college students has a powerful impact on their development and educational success. COVID-19 has only served to highlight these needs and the necessity of creating a healthy school environment from the ground up. Books, like The Power of Place by Winifred Gallagher, have clearly depicted the impact that our surroundings have on our thoughts, emotions, and actions. The spaces we spend most of our time in can create or diminish our sense of social connection and community. For many college students, the campus is one of the primary places they spend their time, making it a critical variable to consider when seeking to improve mental and emotional development.

The Freedom to Choose

Providing students with the ability to make their own decisions regarding how they interact with their environment provides an increased sense of freedom. This even has the potential to improve engagement in their education! Flexible design and furniture selections help create this sense of freedom and control. There are many types of spaces where students can be both social and productive by interacting in groups, while still providing easily accessible spaces for alone time. Providing options to best support personal wellbeing should be a priority.

Finding Inspiration in Nature

On average, 90% of our time is spent indoors. This separation from the natural world can have a long list of mental and physical effects. Brining the "outdoors in" can reduce stress, increase cognitive performance, and positively affect emotion and mood. This concept is called biophilia and has been shown to correlate with improved learning. One specific element of biophilia, exposure natural light, has been shown to enhance learning rates as much as 26%, according to  a study by Heschong Mahone GroupAnother study , completed at Green Street Academy in Baltimore said that test scores were 3.3x higher in classrooms that featured a connection to nature. These are some serious numbers!

Choosing Materials Wisely

Materials used in a space, as well as the art throughout, also have a significant impact on the sense of place for students. Visual art has been shown to help reduce anxiety and agitation. Art is even used in healthcare settings to support physical, mental, and emotional health of patients. Choosing patterns, textures, photos, and artwork that students can relate to or make them comfortable helps create a sense of belonging and ownership in the space.

RELATED ARTICLES