Blog

We’re always happy to share our unique workspace, so we were excited to show some staff from The Gazette around our office during their visit.

For many, a “sustainable building” still carries the misconception that it’s expensive. The idea comes from focusing only on upfront costs - like renewable energy systems and efficient mechanical designs. This prioritization of upfront costs, however, overlooks the long-term savings these systems generate. It neglects the many low-cost, sustainable strategies that reduce operational expenses over time. 

Picture this: a contractor wins your project with a competitive bid. Halfway through, they hit financial trouble and abandon the job. Or worse, they fail to pay subcontractors, leaving you with a half-finished building and a stack of lien notices.

A new building project will rarely only affect the owner. Customers may shop there, residents may live there, or students may learn there. Each of these groups has different needs and preferences for the building they use. If you want to synthesize these preferences and needs into the final product, you may want to think about utilizing stakeholder involvement.

With buildings generating nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, the industry is under increasing pressure to significantly reduce its environmental impact. Adaptive reuse offers an immediate solution to lower these emissions by repurposing buildings that are currently standing. Many clients seek to build responsibly, and by extending the life of existing structures, we move closer to a future with a more vibrant and sustainably occupied building stock.

Designing great spaces for K-12 education is a balancing act. You’re tasked with creating spaces that support students, staff, parents, and the wider community, all while keeping the project within the limits of your finances.

The 2025 Just Report has arrived, and it offers fresh insights into how fair policies and people-centered practices drive stronger, more resilient organizations. The data is clear: workplaces that prioritize respect, opportunity, and transparency are good for employees and great for business.

Neumann Monson Architects received their third AIA COTE Top Ten Award for the Stanley Center for Peace and Security.

Neumann Monson Architects has been recognized with three International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Great Plains Chapter Interior Design Excellence Awards.

The Living Building Challenge (LBC) is the most rigorous sustainable building design standard. Rather than “do less harm,” it promotes practices that positively impact the environment and community—making the world a better place through design and construction.