Historic Preservation in Newton, Iowa

August 19th, 2015

The City of Newton and the Newton Historic Preservation Commission are currently partnered with Bergland + Cram to create Downtown Historic Preservation Design Guidelines for property owners within Newton’s Historic Downtown and Main Street Districts.

Kristy King and Scott Borcherding have been meeting with city officials, community members, and business owners to gather ideas and present draft versions for feedback.

In designing the guidelines, Bergland + Cram has taken into account the important pieces of Newton including the many aspects and styles of architecture within the districts, it’s Get to Know Newton brand, and the impact of Maytag Corporation on the downtown.

“Newton has many mid-century modern buildings which reflect one of its boom times, but there are interesting things from all eras” says King.  “It’s been a pleasure getting to know the community and provide something that will help them preserve their uniqueness.”

You Are Here

February 16th, 2015

Bergland + Cram is a growing firm with lots of great projects on the horizon.  We’re looking to expand our team with individuals who share our unique and fun approach to architecture.  Are you the next big thing at B+C? View job postings.

Lynch Joins Emerging Professionals Committee

January 12th, 2015

Our very own Intern Architect Laura Lynch, Associate AIA, has been nominated to the American Institute of Architects Central States Region Emerging Professionals Committee.

The Emerging Professionals Committee is a national organization focusing on career development for architecture students, graduates, and recently-licensed architects.  The Central States Region encompasses Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.

Beginning a two year term in January 2015, Lynch will serve as the Iowa Associate Representative.  She will work to create opportunities for emerging professionals in licensure, policy making, professional development and networking.  The committee partners with AIA National, regional Universities, and existing practices.

Lynch has been with Bergland + Cram since March 2014.  She is off to a great start and we look forward to what the future holds for this young professional!

Join the Best Team Around

November 10th, 2014

Do you remember why you got into architecture?  Was it your love for shop drawing review?  Late night meetings?  The smell of old plans disintegrating on your desk?

While there are many necessary tasks in our profession – the opportunity to design and manage a project from conception to reality continues to be a primary motivator for many of us.

As a mid size firm, Bergland + Cram relies on and encourages individual staff members to plan, lead, and collaborate with one another every day.  We currently seek to hire an architect in training or registered architect with 5 or more years of experience who is eager to join a dynamic workplace and community.  Our next ideal team member will be self-motivated to work independently and within a group, charged with direct oversight of design and project management.  Experience in healthcare projects and changing plotter paper is a definite plus.  Revit proficiency is a requirement.

Please email or mail your cover letter and resume/portfolio to our brave leader as listed below.  Relocation assistance available.

Bergland + Cram

Attn: Scott Smed

1002 E State Street

Mason City, IA 50401

scotts@berglandandcram.com

Bailey Earns Certification

July 31st, 2014


Justin Bailey has passed the Lean Mastery for Healthcare Examination, which signifies that he has met the standards for education and examination for lean healthcare design. Bailey has been a part of Bergland + Cram since 2011 and plays a key role in project management and 3D renderings. His technical and creative talents are an asset to many education and healthcare projects within the firm. Congrats, Justin!

LFL Ribbon Cutting

June 9th, 2014


An exciting last day of the school year for Hoover Elementary School in Mason City! This morning, the ribbon was cut to signify the opening of the Little Free Library. Faculty and parents were there to watch as students and our design team filled the Little Free Library with an abundance books. It was quite the celebration and we were so happy to be a part of it!

Bergland + Cram partnered with Mason City Community Schools and Hoover Elementary to create an outdoor, free-standing library with the concept of “take a book, give a book”. With this new development, the community is welcome to enjoy the sharing of books and to encourage both young and old to read. It has been a great journey creating together a place where children in the community have access to free books.

Women in Architecture

April 16th, 2014

Bergland + Cram is expanding our staff to better meet client needs.  Kerry Anderson and Laura Lynch have recently joined our team and we are thrilled to have them!  They not only add horsepower to our design and production abilities, but bring special skills – such as 3D rendering and cupcake baking.

Favorite Holiday Traditions

December 12th, 2013

Bergland + Cram staff share some of their favorite traditional and not-so-traditional holiday customs:

“While it really makes no sense to celebrate cold holidays with cold drinks, a vodka slush has been mandatory for longer than I will admit. I wouldn’t dare incriminate my parents!” – Scott B

“My mother would always make several loaves of her famous coffee bread from scratch during the holidays.  My brother has since learned her secrets and has continued the tradition for us.  Nothing takes me back to thoughts of family and Christmas quite like that aroma from the toaster.  (Don’t forget a smear of sweet butter with that!)” – Joe

“My favorite holiday tradition is spending time cooking, baking, and swapping stories in the company of my loved ones on Christmas Eve.” – Kelly

“Love watching my family members of all ages take swings at our annual piñata.  It takes a few rotations of more than 50 people to bat away at a 6’ tall creation by my uncle constructed of wood, chicken wire and duct tape.  Nothing says Christmas like bashing a life size Grinch!” - Kristy

“My favorite tradition is one we started last year.  We have Christmas morning at our house.” – Doug

“Our family has a Christmas jigsaw puzzle that we all work on together.  For many, many years one of my sisters buys the puzzle and presents it at Thanksgiving.  As family members begin to congregate during the Christmas season, the puzzle is started on a separate table away from the greatest confusion.  It is a wonderful, soothing way for small groups to gather and talk over a shared project.” – Linda

“Putting up Christmas Lights :)” – Andy

“Spending Christmas Eve with my family and opening the Secret Santa gifts from one another (even though my mom somehow figures out who had who before then).”  – Randi

“My family, for as long as I can remember, have opened presents Christmas Eve morning, followed by a brunch filled with all of our sugary favorites including sugared bacon, cinnamon rolls, French toast casserole, hot chocolate, etc.  Nothing beats spending that uninterrupted time with family and a good sugar crash!” – Dana

“My mother’s immediate family always gathered on Christmas Eve.  In the 1950s and 60’s Santa would appear on the roof of my grandparents house at some point during the evening dinner.  Upon hearing bells ringing, all 20 of my first cousins, siblings, and I would rush down and out the walkout basement door to see Santa on the roof of the ranch style house.  Santa would wave and start to climb down the chimney.  We would all rush up the basement stairs to greet Santa, but the basement door always somehow got stuck (an uncle at work).  Once we arrived in the living room, Santa would be seen as if coming out of the fireplace.  As a child it was very exciting.  We did this as a family, I believe there were only two years that we did not have a baby Jesus.  Three generations played this role.  In 2006 we discontinued the tradition started by my Grandparents as the fourth generation of family members arrived.  The tradition now continues in those families.”  -  Randy


Doug Nominated to AIA Iowa Board

October 2nd, 2013

Our very own architect Douglas Foreshoe, AIA, has been nominated to the American Institute of Architects Iowa Chapter Board of Directors.  His two year term will begin in January 2014.  Foreshoe is a Principal with Bergland + Cram Architects in Mason City where he has worked since 2002.  He is currently a member of the Sheffield Lions Club and lives with his wife and two daughters in Sheffield, IA.  Learn more about Doug.

LFL Groundbreaking

July 15th, 2013

Last week ended with a groundbreaking ceremony for our Little Free Library partnership project with Hoover Elementary in Mason City.  The event was attended by students, parents, staff and our design team. Bergland + Cram has partnered with Hoover to provide research and a design scheme and will help to build the structure.  The Library will function as a stand alone storage and reading shelter which will house books to be borrowed or exchanged by anyone in the community.  The LFL will be completed around the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year.